Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-02-16
CHAPTER |.
The Boy at tho earony.

The BOY AT mo saTony.
The Quiutards had not prospered
On tbs barren lands OF the pine woods
whittier they had emigraHed 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
Baropy, where he had made his last
stal against age and poverty, were
to Calm him, now that he had given
up the struggle in their midst.
Though he had lived continuously
at the Barony for almost quarter or
a century, there was none among his
ueighbors who could say he had
looked on that thin, aquiline lace 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
aud vide over the county.
That notable man OF business. JoDa-
than .Crenshaw, was closeted in tho
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'
tions OF the old generals.
CrenshaT sat before the flat-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.
Crensbaw nodded.
HE lived entirely alone. saw no
one, / understand" said Bladen.
Alone with his two or three old
s,aves-yes,, sir. He wouldn't even
see me-"
There was 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.
"Ali know is this: General Quin-
tard was a conspicuous man. In these
parts fifty years ago: he married a
Beaufort
so he did," said Crensha1, and
there was one child. daughter; she
married a South Carolinian by the
name OF Turbcrville. Great folks,
those Turbervilles, rolling rich
And what became Of the daughter
who married Turbervlle?"
Died years ago. said Crenshaw.
They were interrupted by a knock
al the door.
Come in" said Crensbaw. The
door opened and small boy entered
the room dragging after him long
life. Suddenly overcome by 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, l want this here old
spotin' rifle" said The child.
II reckon You may keep it-at least
I've no objection" Crenshaw glanced
at Bladen.
"uh. by all Means said the latter
Spasms of delight shook the smau
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.
rut who Hannibal Wayne Hazard is
lust wait minute. sir'-and quit
ting his chair MI. Crenshaw hurried
FROM the room to return almost im'
mediately with a tall countryman.
MFR, Baden, this is Bob Yancy. Rob.
tho gentleman. wants to hear about
the woman and the child; that's your
story"
.;Hovdy. SIR" said Mr.. lancy. 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..
Ysncy. The evening befo'. it was
and!rd gone to Fayetteville 10 get ny
Christmas films. Just at snudo"n
hooked up that blind mule OF mine to
toe-carl and started TO home A mile
out OF town ] heard some one stosn'
ing through the rain after me. ]
pulled up and waited, and then maze
rDt It was woman. She spoke when
she was alongside the cart and says,
Can you drive me on to the barohy
Wheu:T got down TO help her into The
cart saw she was totiug child II
her arms. Well, sir. she hardly spoHAe
Until we came 10 the red gate, when
che says, Stop, If you please; III
walk the rest Of the way. The last
seen, Other she was hurrEins
through the rain toting the child IN
her arms
Mr. CrenshaH took UP the narrative
When morning come she was
gone, but the child done stayed he