The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1901-11-13

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pany's departure. Both lad schooled
themselves for the ordeal, she to ap-
pear brave and be to keep back the
words Of love that were ever rising
from his heart to his lips. AS is usual
in such trials, the result was diluted
with emotion. 1t is safe to say each
understood the other better than If
free rein had been given to speech.
"Mademoiselle." Oakfen said on TAX
ing leave, II have perhaps been some
what ofcious concerning your affairs,
but when explain my action I beg you
to approve. NJ. Latiolais, your only
kinsman. your sole authoritative pro-
tector and adviser, is growing old and,
as you have admitted to me, is, through
his amiable weaknesses, to some eX-
tent subject to Quillebert's domina-
ton. I have charged my brother to be
especially watchful of your welfare
and in all things to stand between you
and harm"
"And has NJ. Evariste accepted the
charger" Estelle asked.
"Most willingly, and bravely he will
keep it," Oakfell answered. His soul
is a noble one, his heart as true as
STEEL Rely upon him and trust him i'm
plicitly, mademoselle, should any peril
or crisis arise. have chosen him for
this because l know his lofty charac-
ter and love him next to-his mothers
memory"
81 will be guided by him because you
tell me to-" Estelle said, her trembling
voice forbidding more Of reply. Wear
this" she added, pinning to his coat
a tiny cockade Of red, white and red.
"And wear you this" Oakfell an
swered, passionately kissing her hand.
eau revoir, and God keep you"
eau revoir, and God bless Estelle
could say no more, but threw her arms
about Odette, who stood behind her,
and wept as if her heart were broken.
Oakfell saw the action. His grief was
akin to JOY.
It was a gallant company that pranc-
ed down the bayou road to the steam
boat landing amid huZZas and waving
handkerchiefs - dark eyed creoles,
cheyaliers by heredity, fair skinned
Americans, soldiers by instinct. None
sat his horse with braver mien than
Sergeant Valsin Mouillot, who, refus-
ing to be rcpressed, had placed his
daughters in the keeping Of lis sister
and determinedly followed where Oak
fell led. And in few short weeks
these elites of the southern country
side were swallowed up by the great,
seething army Of the southwest.
Quillebert exploited his tricolored
standard to the utmost. His accustom-
ed boldness progressed to daring au-
dacity. AS the rigors Of the times
and priyations Of the people increased
he pushed his ventures and specula-
tions, trading the necessaries Of life at
exorbitant valuations for cotton, which
commanded enormous gold prices In
the markets of the world. Though en-
barge was laid by the authorities upon
expectation Of the staple, lie success
fully snuggled cargoes down the
Atchafalaya through Berwick bay to
French traders and brought back pack
cts Of consols and notes of the Bank Of
| France.
A strange companionship came to be
observed. Evariste Oakfell and Quille-
| bert were seen much together and not
infrequently at Dede's cabaret, but SO
ensrossed were the neighbols with the
growing miseries Of their isolation that
theirs was only silent wonder.
The rumor that the two were part
ners in contraband adventures was re-
ceiyed with mere struggling Of shoul-
ders and turning up Of eyes, save by
Estelle, who repelled them as malicious
! and whose trusting heart was satisfied