The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1910-05-12
D cLARlssA MAcKlE

Maxwell stood with folded arms
watching his house burn to the gr., md
In the grove Of chestnuts. neg1o ~arv-
ants ran excitedly to and fro, d.a..ss::ng
the precious heirlooms away from the
blistering heat Of the fire.
Mahogany and glass and china and
silver, pictures and carpets, formed a
miscellaneous pile representing all the
home that was left to the last of the
Maxwells.
The long drought and its consequent
lack Of water, told the story to the
neighbors gathered about the young
master who looked with brooding eyes
on the scene Of devastation. The
nearest neighbor had galloped five
miles when the first glare of light at
midnight had declared the alarm Of
fre.
He stood at Maxwell's elbow, pant.
Ing with the exertion of his long ride,
Q strange look of triumph on his fat
face.
I'm sorry for you, old man." he
said with an air of heartiness. you've
certainly had the DEVILS own luck!
First. the failure of your cotton-then
Blue Jeans dropping dead on the track
when he was marked for a winner and
lastly"
Maxwell MAYED an impatient hand.
Spare me recitation Of my aflic-
tons. Seymour" he said ,drily. There
isn't one item have overlooked, as.
sure you! Not even the fact that the
insurance will exactly pay OF the
mortgage!"
Seymour's face settled into heavy
lines Of ill-concealed satisfaction. "Oh,
I say, wasn't thinking of that, you
know, Maxwell, although l must say
I can ind use for the $4,000 l loaned
your uncle. It's been tied up In that
mortgage for IL years and l don't see
any more show of Its being paid on
now than before he died-though
you've tried hard to do it. I'll admit!
Dverything's against you, Maxwell.
Better clear out and start anew
John Maxwell did not reply. He was
staring straight into the heart Of the
IRE with troubled dark eyes. The
outer framework of the house had
crumbled In with the walls and lay q
palpitating center of white heat.
Above 1t arose the six dark towering
stone chimneys-unharmed by the
flames.
In the heart of the fire, John saw q
fair face crowned with golden hair,
and the blue eyes that looked so sadly
Into his pronounced him failure. He
groaned as he turned again to his
companion.
You're right, Seymour-1'll clear
out and start over again somewhere
else. There isn't much chance for q
northerner in the south anyway" His
eyes drifted back to the fire now dying
down into smoldering embers.
A train of dark figures went cease
lesslv to and fro between the grove
and the cabins of the servants. Max.
wells furniture would soon find hum
bier quarters.
"Cisterns empty. I suppose?" ven.
tured Seymour after awhile.
Almost dry-couldn't draw gallon
in time to do any good. I don't know
how 1t started-from the kitchen IRE,
probably. All I know is-this!" He
swept his hand toward the ruins Of his
home and 1t was intercepted by the
touch of soft. cool palm.
I'm so sorry, MIR. MAXWELL"
breathed Eleanor Lee at his side. Clad
In riding habit and with her golden
hair uncovered to the night wind she
had stolen from her bed to be beside
him in his trouble.
Eleanor! Go home at once!" com.
manded Seymour angrily. this is no
place for you"
I'll ride back with you, stepfather,"
said Eleanor, looking down from her
saddle at his perturbed countenance
plainly visible in the glare from the
smouldering ruins. Again she turned
to the young man beside her.
"You will build again, Mr.. Maxwell"
she said decisively.
Maxwell laughed shortly. II cannot,
Miss Lee. This fire beggars me. Mr..
Seymour will take the land of my
hands,"
"And you?" There was forced indif.
terence in her tone.
Begin over again."
"Here?"
mo. shall return to the north"
There ensued long silence while
the three looked at the glowing en-.
bers Of what had once been the finest
mansion in West Virginia.
If there's nothing we can do to helm
you. Maxwell, we better go home.
Won't you make the Hall your head.
quarters until"
Seymour paused awkwardly.
Until I clear out?" Maxwelrs laugh
vas not pleasant to hear. Thank you.
40. seymour-1'u find q shakedown
somewhere on the plantation as long
% am here" His voice trailed hus.
lilly into silence.
Seymour mounted his horse and
turned into the avenue. Come. Flea.
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