Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-12-15
CHAPTER XII.

| CHAPTER Al.
| THE BEAT OF SPARRow'.5 Wing.
| Dr. Cameron's appeal had left the
old Commoner unshaken in his idea.
There could be but one side to any
question with such a man, and that
was his side. He would stand by his
own men too. He believed in his own
forces. The bayonet was essential to
his revolutionary programme-hence
the hand which held 1t could do no
wrong. Wrongs were accidents which
might occur under any system.
Yet in no way did he display the
strange contradictions of his character
so plainly as in his inability to hate
the individual who stood for the idea
he was fighting with maniac fury,
He liked DR.. Cameron instantly, though
he had come to do crime that would
send him into beggared exile.
Individual suffering he could not en-
dure. In this the doctors appeal had
startling results.
He sent for Mrs. Lenoir and Marion.
II understand, Madam" he said,
gravely, that your house and farm
are to be sold for taxes?"
Yes. sir; we've given it up this
time Nothing can be DONE" was the
hopeless answer.
Would you consider an offer of
twenty dollars an acre."
Nobody would be fool enough to
offer me 1t. You can buy all the land
in the county for dollar an acre. It's
not worth anything"
Il disagree with you," said Stone
man, cheerfully. Il am looking far
ahead. 1 would like to make an ex-
pertinent here with Pennsylvania
methods on this land. I'll give you
ten thousand dollars cash for your five
hundreds acres II you will take It,"
You don't mean it?" Mrs Lenoir
gasped choking back the tears.
Certainly. You can at once return
to our home, I'll take another house,
.,rd invest your money for you In good
northern securities"
The mother burst into sobs, unable
to speak, while Marion threw her arms
impulsively around the old mans neck
and kissed him.
His cold eyes were warmed with the
first tear they had shed in years.
He moved the next day to the Ross
estate, which he rented, had Sam
brought back to the home of his child
hood in charge of a good-natured
white attendant, and installed in one
of the little cottages on the lawn. He
ordered Lynch to arrest the keeper Of
tie poor, and hold him on a charge
OF assault with intent to kill, awaiting
the action Of the grand jury. The lieu
tenant governor received this. order
with sullen anger-yet he saw to It's
execution. He was not quite ready for
br.ak with the man who had made
him.
Astorished at his new humor, Phil
and Elsie hastened to confess to him
their love affairs and ask his approval
of their choice. His reply was cau-
tious, yet he did not refuse his consent.
He advised them to wait few months,
allow him time to know the young
people, and get his bearings on the
conditions of southern society. His
mood of tenderness was a startling
revelation to them Of the depth and in
tensity Of his love.
When Mrs. Lenoir returned with
| Marion to her vine-clad home, she
spent the first day Of perfect joy since
the death Of her husband. The
deed had not yet been made for the
transfer of the farm, but 1t was only
question of legal formality. She was
to receive the money In the form OF
interest bearing securities and deliver
the title on the following morning.
Arm in arm, mother and daughter
visited again each hallowed spot. with
the sweet sense of ownership. The
place was in perfect order. Its flowers
were in gorgeous bloom, its walks
clean and neat, the fences painted, and
the gates swung on new hinges.
They stood with their arms about
one another, watching the sun sink be-
hind the mountains, with tears of
gratitude and hope stirring their souls.
| Ben Cameron strobe through the
gate, and they hurried to meet him,
with cries of Joy.
Just dropped in a minute to see If
you are snug for the night" he said
"Of course, snug and so happy, we've
been hugging one another for hours, y
said the mother. "Oh, Ben, the clouds
have lifted at last!"
Has Aunt Cindy come YETI" he
asked.
mo, but she'll be here in the morn
ing to get breakfast. We don't want
anything to eat" she answered.
Then I'll come out when I'm
through my business, tonight, and
sleep in the house to keep you COM
pany."
Nonsense" said the mother, "we
couldn't think of putting you to the
trouble. We've spent many a night
here alone"
But not in the past two years." he
said. with a frown.
We're not afraid" Marion said, with
a smile. Besides, we'd keep you
awake all night with our laughter and
foolishness, rummaging through the
house"
You'd better let me-" Ben protested
NO" said. the mother. we'll be
happier tonight alone with only Gods
eye to see how perfectly silly we car
be. Come and take supper with us to-
morrow night. Bring Elsie and hel
guitar-I don't like the banjo-ant
we'll have a little love-fcast with mu'
sic in the moonlight"
. Yes, do that" cried Marion. Il know
we owe this good luck to her. wan
to tell her how much love her for It,
well, If you insist on staying
, alone" said Ben, reluctantly, "Tll bring
Miss Elsie tomorrow, but don't like
| your being here without Aunt CindI
tonight"
"Oh we're all right" laughed Mar.