The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1904-08-18

sBERT BosNER's Sons.
; grandfather filled the pipe from the
large bowl which he had carried about
with him from my earliest recollection,
and in the intervals Of his putting re-
lated some Of his experiences in Aus
tralfa and New Zealand. Many OF his
anecdotes were interesting; but none so
! interesting to me as the information,
casually disclosed, that my father and
he would be absent from the Hall near
ly the whole of the next day surveying
our vacant farms.
That night could not sleep, and the
heavy hours dragged wearily. 1 was
feverish and restless from suppressed
excitement, and the first streak of
dawn was the signal for me to aban-
don my bed. threw my window open
wide. The day had risen fresh and
| fair, and the birds were busy seeking
their food. Nature was refreshed by
the storm of yesterday, and the aspect
before me told Of peace and reanima-
ton.
l thought, perhaps q little sadly, Of
my old life at home before had seen
uncle Sam; and Of the great change
that had come over my habits, thoughts
and hopes within the past few months,
lamenting that extended knowledge
should not always signify increased
happiness, but too often the contrary.
1 endeavored, but not very effectually
to comfort myself with the reflection
that the matters which troubled my
father and I were not Of our creation
neither were they very much within
our control. The die was cast, and
must redeem my promise to my uncle;
there was no escape from it now, how
ever distasteful the task. The honor
Of our whole family, and my own per-
sonal interest, largely depended on the
issue.
At breakfast my father and Mr.. VOL
sey talked very freely, but still care
fully avoided any reference to uncle
Sam. The former was particularly
considerate and asked me to accom-
pany him over the vacant farms in the
old kind way in which he had always
been used to speak to me, so that l
was hard put to it to excuse myself.
My father and Mr.. Wolsey were no
sooner departed than I sought John
Adams, and found the old man in the
stable polishing harness.
John" said. put the bay mare in
the dog-cart while go in the house to
write note. 1 want you to go to
Chevington at once"
ITO Chevington, Master Ernest?" the
old man echoed in tone Of surprise.
"Yes, to Chevington," I repeated.
Look sharp; there's no time to lose.
l shall be back again in two or three
minutes"
When 1 returned with my hastily
scribble apology Adams was backing
the mare into the snafts, and very
soon afterwards was ready to start on
his journey.
Take this 1 said, giving the old
man the letter, "and deliver it to Mrs.
Butterwell, at Kingsthorpe Grange,
Chevington. Don't drive the mare too
fast; give her good bait and at least
an hours rest at Chevington."
"Will there be any answer to the
letter." inquired the old man.
Il don't know; possibly there may
be-"
I went to the gate and watched the
old man drive away until he was lost
to my sight in the bend Of the road,
and then, returning into the house,
went direct to Adams bedroom.
So far as remembered, I had never
been in that room in my life, though
I perfectly well knew which room it
was. To my great annoyance 1 found
that the door was securely locked.
After considering this circumstance
for some moments, l decided not to
ring for a servant but to go myself
to the kitchen.
IL INC nAtSASh ohSApSNeSo piSo
ence created surprise, and the house
keeper came forward to meet me.
There is something in Adams bed
room I want; he has just gone out, |
and the door appears to be locked. Do
you know where I can find the key"
I asked.
"He always carries it about with |
him"
"Whatw I exclaimed; "does he clean
his own room and keep 1t locked"
"Yes, sir" answered the house
keeper.
How long has this been" I in
quired.
Years and years; 1 can't tell you
how long," answered the woman, smil
ing.
waited no longer but went at once