The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1902-03-06
tBy SEWARD w. HOPKINS.


They were in temple, ornate with
rude embellishments carved from lava
stone and coral. The temple was
lighted with huge candles-a native
article that sputtered great deal, but
gave a good light.
There was an altar-of coral rock
and in it was q man apparently seven
ty-fve years old. His hair was white.
His face was bronzed. He had the
pose, the look of a Frenchman.
"Jean Chicotr' whispered Gordon.
IT believe it" replied, trembling
with excitement. There was little
doubt in my mind that I beheld the
father-in-law of my uncle and grand
father of the heiress to his fortune.
Before the altar knelt about twenty
priests, all uttering what recognized
from horrible familiarity as prayers TO
the goddess Pele.
Back of the priests sat few women
and children, all natives. Evidently
the entire population of the village
we had passed was inside the temple.
eve must surprise them by show
of force now," said Gordon.
He gave his orders in whispers.
The men were ready to march in with
rife at shoulder.
Forward" commanded Gordon, in
. loud voice.
The command and the tramp Of SOL
diers startled the natives. They
turned and saw us. Then with shrieks
of terror they ran around the temple,
seeking for means of escape. The
man at the altar looked at Us as we ap-
preached, calmly and rehectively. He
did not seem alarmed.
"Haltw commanded Gordon.
Then. turning to the man in the
altar, he said:
'.Listen to me. We have not come
to make war on you. We are looking
for person named Jean Chicot. He
is described as Frenchman. looking
much like you. We know he is some.
where in the Wailuku Valley. If you
are Jean Chico, you are the man we
want. Come with US, and these peo.
pie may depart in peace.
The white-haired man waved his
hand.
'I am Jean Chicot." he said. 81
know you not. 7 know not why you
seek me. Yet will come to you"
His voice was the voice of an old,
old man. He came toward US, and
we noticed that he tottered with age.
"Not very formidable now, at any
rate" said Gordon.
"Why don't You shoot those
priests" asked Seacamp, savagely.
care you going to let the reptiles es'
cape?"
1--WE came after Chicot," was Cor
don's reply.
"You represent the queen. I am
yours" said Chicot to Gordon.
"There is no queen. I represent
the government" replied Gordon.
"No queen' Is Liliuokolani
lead?"
"No. She has b .eposed. Ha'
waii is now a repubLc."
"Save US, Pele!" calculated old Chi.
cot. "When did this happen?"
"Some time ago." replied Gordon,
testify. He had not come up the
Wailuku Valley to talk history. "Let
Us sit down. We want to talk to you. "
The priest and other natives went
out. and Gordon ordered that the sen.
tinel be set free. We went down
where the priests had been and seated
ourselves on their wooden benches.
"I turn him over to you, Tom, u
said Gordon.
'Jeau Chicot," I said, "where is
your daughter Annette?"
'Dead."
"Where is your granddaughter
Helene?"
The old man sprang at me, but was
seized and pushed back to his seat.
"Who are you?" he said.
"My name is Warringford," I re-
piled.
"Hated name!" he cried, rubbing
his hands together and exhibiting
much emotion. Another Warning
ford wronged me and wronged my
daughter; and now you come with
soldiers to seize Helepe!"
"Where is she?" asked.
He did not reply.
"Now, see here, Jean Chicot," I
said. 81 will tell you the whole story,
and then perhaps you will help me-
My uncle, Thomas Warringford, is
dead. He left papers and will tell
/ "a l.: L. don crln o.