The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1912-06-14
CHAPTER I.


whittier they had emigrated to es-
cape the malaria Of the low coast, but
this no longer mattered, for the last
Of his name and race, old General
Quintard, was dead in the great house
his father had built almost century
before and the thin acres OF the
Barony, where he had made his last
stand against age and poverty, were
10 claim him, now that he had given
up the struggle In their midst.
Though he had lived continuously
1t the Barony for almost quarter OF
century, there was none among his
neighbors who could say he had
looked on that thin, aquiline 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 county.
notable man of business, Jona-
than Crenshaw, was closeted in the
library with stranger to wnom
rumor fixed the name OF Bladen, sup
posing him to be the legal repre-
sentative of certain remote connec-
tons of the old generals.
Crenshaw sat before the tiat-topped
mahogany desk with several account
books before him. Bladen stood by
the window.
Il suppose you will buy in the prop
erty when it comes up for sale?' the
latter was saying.
Crenshaw nodded.
HE lived entirely alone, saw no
one, | 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, sir, II
you know anything about the old gen
tleman's private affairs you don't feel
no call to speak on that point?" he
observed.
"All | know Is this: General Quin-
tard was a conspicuous man In these
parts fifty years ago; he married
Beaufort"
80 he did," said Crenshaw, land
there was one child, a daughter; she
married a South Carolinian by the
name of Turberville. Great folks,
those Turbervilles, rolling rich"
And what became OF the daughter
who married Turberville?"
DIED 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 shy
ness, be paused on the threshold to
stare with round, wondering eyes at
the two men. We'll, sonny, what dc
you want?" asked Mr.. Crenshaw in
diligently.
please, sir, l want this here old
spotin' rifle" said the child.
Il reckon you may keep tat least
I've no objection" Crenshaw glanced
at Bladen.
"Oh. by all MEANS" said the latter
Spasms of delight shook the small
figure. With a murmur that was meant
Tor thanks he backed from the room
closing the door. Bladen glanced In
Quiringly at Crenshaw.
You want to know about him, sir
Well, that's Hannibal Wayne Hazard
But who Hannibal Wayne Hazard 4
Just wait a minute, sir"-and quit
ting his chair Mr. Crenshaw hurried
from the room to return almost In
mediately with tall countryma1
"Mr. Baden, this is Bob Yancy. Bot
the gentleman wants to hear abou
the woman and the child; that's you
story"
"Howdy, sir" said Mr.. Yancy. II
appeared to mediate on the menta
effort that was required of him.
1T was four years ago come mex
Christmas" said Crenshaw.
"OId Christmas" corrected Nj
Yancy. 1.-The evening befo', 1t wal
and I'd gone to Fayetteville to get m
Christmas fixins. Just at shutdown
hooked I'D that blind mule Of mine
the cart ana SLdIl6u ~ hOulO' n LII
out of town heard some one slosl
ing through the rain after me.
pulled UP and waited, and then l mad
out II was a woman. She spoke whe
abe was alongside the cart and say
Can you drive me on to the Barony
When l got down to help her into II
cart I saw she was toting a child
her arms. Well, sir, she hardly spoil
until we came to the red gate. whe
ahe says, stop. If you please; L
walk the rest Of the way The la
seen Of her she was hurryir
through the rain toting the child
her arms"
Mr.. Crenshaw took up the narratv
-When morning come she WI
rons. but the child done stayed b
hind. rye heard Aunt Alsidia tell
now the old general said that NOR
tne. pale and shaking like. You'll III
= bow asleep In the red room; he's
be fed and cared TO-, but keep al
out Of my sight His name Ia Ham