The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-07-24

Not far from Birmingham on the old
Mount Pinson road, there stands an old
battered frame house. around which a
romance clings which for strangeness AND
sweetness rivals that which we read In
stories.
1t was while on a camping trip that
we managed to unearth the story. A
merry band Of boys and girls were camp
ing In the old Handy Mill house. We
noticed that the neighboring farmers
viewed our place of habtation with more
or less dread and carefully avoided II
after nightfall. Arising one morning
earlier than my companions. went down
to the falls and found there an old, old
man fishing. He bade me a good morn
ing and entered into conversation
Child" he said, "ain't you all scared to
stay in that place; don't you know II
Is halntedT And with that he told me
the history of the place.
Yes, 1t was way back in the COS, when
all the land around in these parts was
owned by old Colonel Handy. This house
Is but a mere shell to what 1t was then.
I remember so we'll the afternoon that
young John, the Colonels only son,
brought his wife home. They had driven
all the way from Huntsville by stage.
With her she had brought her old negro
nanny and her maid Caroline. On the
seat with the driver was large package
which aroused our curiosity and which
young John laughingly explained was his
wifes pet crepe myrtle bush. We after
wards learned that she refused to leave
her old home without this flower. That
night the old house was ablaze with light
and merry laughter resounded from room
to room. Bright eyes flashed and impa-
tient feet tapped the floor eager to begin
the merry dance. Finally. a hush fell
John was coming down the broad stairs
with his beautiful wife on his arm. His
friends gathered around them with many
glad wishes and welcomed her into their
midst as only the old-time southerners
could. From that hour she was known
far and near as the beautiful Rose Han
by. Banjoes began tuning and the i'd
dies commenced their piercing notes
Young John and beautiful Rose took their
pldCcS al tllc ucd0 Vi tHC ioOiii " VPSh
the Glance when a horseman was heard
hurrledly approaching. He dashed into
the room, all mud-splashed. and with his
face stained with blood. war has beer
declared" he cried. Colonel Handy. you
are to report to General Rush at once
Sergeant John, you and your cavalry are
to move on to Charleston
Instantly all was confusion. Orders
were hurriedly given and carried out
Men were seen hurrying to and fro, and
the impatient neighing of the horses add
ed strangeness to the scene.
I'm the glare Of the many candles stood
beautiful Rose. Her face was pale and
her eyes cleaned with a strange. fright,
ened look. Finally young John entered
and stood with her, his suit of gray on
and his spurs scraping the floor In his
hands he carried his sword unsheathed
Taking it from him she kissed the naked
blade, putting It In his scabbard, ant
said: John. by the love you bear me keeI
your sword bright from the stains Of
dishonor and cowardice.' Unwinding thu
scarf from her head. she knotted 1t ir
the hit of his sword and with look Of
unutterable love. she bade him goodbye
She went with him to the gate and wher
he had mounted he again took her into
his arms, passionately kissing her. ant
said: Darling. I'll return when your crepe
myrtle blooms With this he was gone.
"She returned to the now des0late house
and quieted the fears of the slaves. Mos
| of her guests had departed hurriedly fol
| their own homes and those who had re
manned were in no mood for merriment
| The candles went out, one by one, and
soon the old house was wrapped in 81
| lence and darkness
Days, weeks and months went by
She could hear nothing from her hus
band. She busted herself In the many
household tasks and tried to drown hel
| sorrows by doing good. She was known