The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1911-10-25

| ed on the barren lands of the
pine woods whittier they had
emigrated to escape the mala'
ria of the low coast, but this no longer
mattered, for, the last of his name and
race, old General Quintard, was dead
lin the great house his father had built
almost a century before and the thin
acres of the Barony, where he had
made his last stand against age and
poverty, were to claim him, now that
he had given up the struggle in their
midst.
Though he had lived continuously at
the Barony for almost quarter OF a
century, there was none among his
neighbors who could say that he had
looked on that thin, aqui!ine face in all
that time. Yet they had known much
of him, for the gossip of the slaves,
who had been his only friends in those
years he had chosen to deny himself
to other friends, had gone far and
wide over the country.
That notable man of business, iona
than Cranshaw, was closeted in the
library with stranger to whom rumor
fixed the name of Bladen, supposing
him to be the legal representative OF
certain remote connections of the old
generals.
Cranshaw sat before the flat-topped
mahagony desk with several account
books before him. Bladen stood by
the window.
81 suppose you will buy in the prop
erty when it comes for the sale?'' the
latter was saying.
Crenshaw nodded.
HE lived entirely alone, saw no one,
I understand" said Bladen.
"Alone with his two or three old
slaves--yes, sir. He wouldn't even see
me-"
There was a brief pause, then Cren-
shaw spoke again. Il reckon, SIT, II
you know anything about the old gent
leman's private affairs you don't need
no call to speak on that point?" he
observed.
"All l know is this: General Quin-
tard was conspicuous man in these
parts fifty years ago; he married
Beaufort"
$50 he did," said Cranshaw, land
there was one child, daughter; she
married South Carolian by the name
of Turberville. Great folks, those Tur-
burvilles, rolling rich
"And what became of the daughter
who married Turberville?"
Oiled years ago." said Crenshaw.
They were interrupted by knock at
the door,
Come in" said Crenshaw. The door
opened and small boy entered the
room dragging after him long rifle.
Suddenly overcome by a shyness, ne
paused on the threshold to stare with
round, wondering eyes at the two men
"Well, sonny, what do you want?' ask
ed Mr.. Crenshaw indulgently.
please, sir, l want this here old
spot tin rifle" said the child.
81 reckon you may keep it-at least
I've no objection" Crenshaw glanced
at Bladen.
ooh, by all MEANS" said the latter
Spasms of delight shook the small fig
ure, with a murmer that was meant fol
thanks he backed from the room, clos
ling the door. Baden glanced inquir
ingly at Crenshaw.
You want to know about him, sir:
Well, that's Hannibal Wayne Hazard
But who Hannibal Wayne Hazard is
Just wait minute, sir,-and quitting
his chair Mr.. Crenshaw hurried from
the room to return almost Immediately
with tall countryman. "Mr. Bladen
this is Bob Yancy. Bob, the gentleman
wants to hear about the woman and
the child; that's your story
"Howdy, sir" said Mr. Yancy. he
appeared to mediate on the mental
effort that was required of him.
ct was four years ago come next
Christmas" said Crenshaw.
"Old Christmas" corrected Mr.. Yam
cy. "The evening before, it was, and I'd
gone to Fayetteville to get my Christ
mas fixins. Just at shutdown | hooked
I'D that blind mule of mine to the cart
land started TO- home. A mile out OF
town | heard some one sloshlng
through the rain after me. pulled
I'D and waited, and then | made out it
was a woman. She spoke when she
was alongside the cart and says, Can
YOU drive ME on to the Barony :?
When ] got down to help her into the
cart | saw she was tOting a child in
her arms. Well, sir, she hardly spoke
iuntil we came to the red gate, when
she says, Stop, if you please; I'll walk
| the rest of the way The last | seen