The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1907-11-10

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wondering how she could possibly win
| the few white families less than
mile away-a hitherto hopeless task
when a knock sounded upon the door.
Come in she called, without spir-
it. The door opened, and in walked
man whose furtive glances she had in
stinctively Interpreted as not I'M
friendly. His was the land the school
had bought. For years Laura had
hoped to capture this planter, and here
he was.
Bud Seagle walked in with the air of
q culprit driven to confession, and
| dropped to a chair. After twirlirg
his hat for few moments in his con-
fusion, he glanced up with a frank
smile Of curiosity. In that one look (he
never could explain how the little
Northern woman dissipated the last
demnant of Southern suspicion, and
bound his loyalty to her and to her
work with forged chains.
eMiss' Mason" he said, impulsiyely,
holding out his hand, Il didn't think
| I could ever do this. but I've come to
tell you that I believe in the school.
an that We can count on me to help
ye all l can"
It was the turning point of his life
this simple speech. Somehow he felt
it's import. and he finished with deep
breath.
| Thehigh color stole over Laura Ma
sons face. Guickening it through in
spiration. She felt that the best way
to take this almost miraculous avowal
CT new faith was to accept it simply
years of fighting and self-sacrifice
She spoke quickly in as much of a
matter f-course tone as she could
assume
Il am glad, Mr.. Seagle, that you do
not regret selling your land to the
school,"
Tn proud of it, ma'am. I'm proud
of the fac Bud laid his. hat on the
floor, feeling strangely at home.
What do you expect to do now?'
Mrs. Mason asked softly.
Il don't know. 1t seems like I
handn't anything to 90 now; but III
yacate the mansion as soon as We say
Il didn't mean that, Mr. Sleagle. -
she said with rare smile, and bent
toward him. Il mean Just the oppo-
site. Why don't you stay here alto
gether? That is
Buds eyes grew large in mild won
der. His lips parted to question.
Il mean Mr.. Sleagle. want you to
be an active part of our land scheme,
that's ALL
Its right smaht scheme, an I'd
like right well to see it tried; but I've
done sold the place to ye, an / don't
see how l can help"
Il will tell you what want" Laura
Mason spoke quickly. Il want an hon
est, honorable Southern gentleman
who knows the people, the conditions
and the land to manage the Seagla
j place for US. In short, want you to
be our rider, and stay at the mansion"
Bud Seagle's face redeemed and then
slowly paled at the suggestion. He
started TO speak.
Don't answer yet Let me talk i
while and explain our plans and what
VIC Ncul-ti4CA sou IiAA oAlS" CL
For fully half an hour Laura Mason
poured forth her soul. Her great
dream Of educating the ignorant ne
gro to own his home was now on the
point Of realization through this man.
She explained to him with business
precision how he could do all the ad-
vancinS. thus making a handsome pro-
fit on his ready cash-and she suggest
ed to him. with womanly gentleness.
the nobility and the usefulness of life
which she urged upon him.
Why Mr.. Seagle," she said, rising
in her enthusiasm, -@you will have a
magnificent opportunity; the greatest
that ever will come to you. Think OF
it. Just think CT it, 80 s@
!3ssssI,n do it. His sensitive dps quiv.