The Richmond climax. (Richmond, Ky.) 1897-1914, 1912-03-06
CHAPTER I.
The Boy at the Barony.

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 a quarter OF
a 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.
That notable man of business, Jona-
than Crenshaw, was closeted in the
library with a stranger to whom
rumor fixed the name of Bladen, sup
posing him to be the legal repre-
sentative of certain remote connec.
lions of the old generals.
Crenshaw sat before the f1at-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, l understand" said Bladen.
Alone with his two or three old
slaves-yes, sir. He wouldn't even
see me-"
There was brief pause, then Cren-
shaw spoke again. Il reckon, sir, If
you know anything about the old gen.
tleman's private affairs you don't feel
no call to speak on that point?" he
observed.
"AH know is this: General Quin-
tard was a conspicuous man in these
parts fifty years ago; he married
Beaufort"
$50 he did," said Crenshaw, land
there was one child, 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 a knock
at the door.
Come in said Crenshaw. The
door opened and a small boy entered
the room dragging after him long
rife. Suddenly overcome by a shy
ness, he paused on the threshold to
stare with round, wondering eyes at
the two men. We'll, sonny, what do
you want?" asked Mr.. Crenshaw in
diligently.
please, sir, 1 want this here old
spo'tin' rifle" said the child.
Il reckon you may keep it-at 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
for 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 is
Just wait a minute, sir"-and quit
ting his chair Mr.. Crenshaw hurried
from the room to return almost I'M
mediately with a 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.
1T was four years ago come next
Christmas" said Crenshaw.
"Old Christmas" corrected Mr..
Yancy. The evening befo', it was,
and I'd gone to Fayetteville to get my
Christmas fixin's. Just at shutdown
hooked up that blind mule Of mine to
the cart and started TO home. A mile
out of town heard some one slosh-
ing through the rain after me.
pulled ND 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 Baronyy'
When got down to help her into the
cart l saw she was toting child in
her arms. Well, sir, she hardly spoke
until we came to the red gate, when
she says, Stop, II you please; I'll
walk the rest of the way The last
seen of her she was hurrying
through the rain toting the child in
her arms"
Mr.. Crenshaw took up the narrative
when morning come she was
gone, but the child done stayed be
hind. I've heard Aunt Alsidia tell as
how the old general said that morn
ing, pale and shaking like, You'll IND
a boy asleep in the red room; he's tc
be fed and cared TO, but keep him
out of my sight. His name is Hanni
bal Wayne Hazard That is all the
general ever said on the matter.
The old general was borne across
what had once been the west lawn t.
his resting-place in the neglected acre
where the dead and gone OF his race
lay. and the record of the family wal
complete, as far as any man knew
Then Crenshaw, assisted by Bol
Yancy, proceeded to secure the grea
house against intrusion.
They passed from room to room Sc
curing doors and windows. and a
last stepped out upon the back porch
~Hullol" said Yancy, pointing.
There on a bench by the kitchen
door was Hannibal Wayne Hazar'
asleep, with his old spo'tin' rim
across his knees.
sWeT, declare to goodnessl" SAT-
Crenshaw.
Il reckon you'd rather drop wor'
with yo' missus before you toted hin
homer" suggested Yancy, who kneN
something Of the nature Of his friend
domestic thraidom.
"A woman ought to be boss in ne
own house." said Crenshaw.
I .'Feelin' the truth Of that. I've neve
married. Mr.. John. But was goln
to say. what's to hinder me iron
toting that boy to my homer