Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1902-03-01

has never enjoyed his liberty for one
week. much less the space OF ten years.
He has been all bis life under the con-
troll OF others, who have enjoyed the
benefit OF his labor. 1t matters not. so
far rs this controversy is concerned,
whether the defendent Quillebert has
acted In good or bad faith or whether
he has acted against the wishes OF the
heirs OF Queyrouze. II the plaintiff
cannot show the facts on which the
law declares his emancipation or free
dom. he must fail In his action.
"The judgment OF the lower court,
which was In favor Of the plaintiff,
must be reversed"
Oakfell with burning eyes read again
these words Of the chief justice: 'Tt is
matter OF no consequence who Ia own
er. whether Quillebert or the heirs Of
Queyrouze." at matters not whether
the defendant Quillebert has acted In
good or bad faith or whether he acted
against the wishes OF the heirs OF Quey.
rouze."
Sick at heart, be let fall the paper
and lowered his head. murmuring:
s'Hs hnds his fellow guilty OF a akin
Not colorsd like his own and, having power
To enforce the wrong. Cor such a worthy cause
poons and dsvotes him a. ais lawful prey"
From his gloomy reflection he was re-
called by the voice OF Leon at the door,
saying:
''Mr. Horace. are you sick? Is any
thing wrongT
Eyes; / never was so sick as now, and
something has gone wrong. Leon, the
supreme court has adjudged you q
slave, the slave Of Quillebert"
20 merciful God! Leon grosned,
ciutching q chair for support. Save
me from that man, Mr.. Horace, or kill
meY'
'Save yourself. Take q good horse
from the stable and fly for your life.
Never stop until you are where that
human wolf cannot reach you. The
cursed news may not be known to any
one else In the parish FOR two days yet
and. IL so. you viii have that much
start Take this and 60" OakfelI
gave him q sum Of money.
Some day will prove I am grateful
for all your goodness. SIR" said the
poor fellow, retreating from the door.
Soon the muffied sound Of horse speed
ing over the dusty road was heard, and
Leon was again a runaway slave.
The newspapers OF the city arrived
two days later. bringing the inteIll-
gence OF the supreme courts ruling
with editorial remarks commencing II
as timely check to abolitIonist propa-
ganda. Great was the rejoicing on the
highlands. The cabarets had a day Of
business recalling that OF the trial
Dede did so thriving a trade that he
was put to bed early In the afternoon,
leaving the harvest to the madame.
At night bonfres were lighted. and po-
mics ciattered and fitted across the
prairie. their courses indicated by the
cracking OF pistols and shrill cries OF
Long i've Quillebertr' "Down with
Oakfellp
The victor received the congratula-
lions of his admirers at Dede's with
profuse entertainment OF gumbo and
rum, but with the tranquility OF a
strategist who had foreseen success
planned through feigned retreat. Pratt
jeans lips and eyes were beyond con-
W. oAo SVuNhucu W uduCe iOnS 4IIer
the hot rum had stllled his tongue.
Oakfell assembled his friends and.
explaining that the decision could be
used as an effective weapon against
him In the convention, requested their
leave to withdraw his candidacy. Aft
er much discussion the business or his
view was conceded, and the consent he
desired was given. A formal note was
received from Pratjean demanding the
return to his client Qulllebert OF the
slave Leon, who. the writer said, was
harbored by Oakfell 1t was consigned
to the flames. A little letter came
through the local post saying. 'T suffer
for poor Odette's grief. but more be-
cause you suffer and through my fault"
This was not consigned to the flames.
The result OF the litigation was a Sc
we're shock to the young lawyer. His
confidence in his fellow men was weak
ened. BE lost respect for authorities.
Ambitions seemed but snares to peace
OF mind. Wrong. cbicanery and cruel
ty appeared essential to success. His
brother, upon whom he had lavished SO
much affection, could not or did not
cheer his dropping spirit. The time