The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-05-15

We'll. sir, that surely is a passed. OF
comfort to me. | find l got all the
instincts of father without having
had none of the instincts OF a hus-
band"
richer, deeper realization of his
Joy came to Yancy when he had
turned his back on Balaam's Cross
Roads and set out for home through
the fragrant silence of the pine woods.
Just beyond the Barony, which was
midway between Balaam's and the
Hill, down the long stretch of sandy
road he saw two mounted figures,
then as they drew nearer he caught
the hutter OF skirts and recognized
one of the horsewomen 1t was Mrs.
Ferris. wife of the Baronys new own
er. She reined In her horse abreast
OF his cart.
Aren't you Mr. Yancy?" she asked.
Il am Mrs. Ferris, and ! am very
pleased to make your acquaintance"
The same here" murmured Yancy
with winning civility.
Mrs. Ferris companion leaned for
ward, her face averted, and stroked
her horses neck with gloved hand.
This is my friend, Miss Betty Nal.
roy"
Glad to know you. ma'am," said
Fancy.
Miss Malroy faced him, smiling.
She was quite radiant with youth and
beauty.
I'VE are just returning from Scratch
HILL" said Mrs. Ferris.
And the dear little boy we met is
your nephew, is he not. Mr.. Yancy?"
1t was Betty Malroy who spoke.
In a manner he Is and In a man.
ner he aint," explained Yancy, some
what enigmatically.
DO you know the old deserted cab
In by the big pine?-the Blount
placer" asked Mrs. Ferris.
"Yes, ma'am, / know It."
Il am going 70 have Sunday school
there for the children; they shant
. be neglected any longer If l can help
1t. Now won't you let your little
nephew Gomez"
II reckon you-all can count on my
nevvy," Bob said.
Hannibal and Yancy were the first
10 arrive at the deserted cabin in the
old field Sunday afternoon. Shy chill.
dren from the pine woods, big broth
ors with little sisters and big sisters
with little brothers, drifted out of the
encircling forest.
Mrs. Ferris missionary spirit mani
tested itself agreeably enough on the
whole. She read certain chapters
from the Bible, finishing with the
story of David, narrative that made
e. deep impression upon Yancy, COM
fortably seated In the doorway.
you will al be here next Sunday.
won't you?-and at the same hour?"
she said, rising.
There was sudden clatter OF
toofs beyond the door. A man. well
dressed and well mounted had rid
den into the yard. AS Mrs. Ferris
came from the cabin he flung him.
self out OF the saddle and, hat in
hand, approached her.
Il am hunting place called the
Harony; can you tell me If l am on
the right road?" he asked. He was
man In the early thirties, graceful
and powerful of build, with a hand
some face.
1T is my husband you wish to see?
l am Mrs. Ferris"
Then General Quintard Is dead?"
Ills tone was one OF surprise.
His death occurred over year
ago, and my husband now owns the
Earony: were you a friend OF the gen.
eral's?"
mo, madam; he was my fathers
friend, but had hoped to meet him."
Ills manner was adroit and plausible
"Will you ride on with us to the
Earony and meet my husband, Mr..
-" she paused.
"Murrell-Captain Murrell. Thank
you; / should like to see the old
place. should highly value the priv
ilege,' then his eyes rested on Miss
Malroy.
Betty, let me present Captain Muir.
rell."
The captain bowed. giving her a
glance OF bold admiration.
BY this time the children had strag-
gled off into the pine woods as ST.
lently as they had assembled; only
lancy and Hannibal remained Mrs
Ferris turned to the former.
If you will close the cabin door,
Mr.. Yancy, everything will be ready
FOR next Sunday" she said, and moved
toward the horses, followed by Muir
rell. Betty Malroy fingered for a mo.
ment at n nnibal's side.
"Good-by, little 10y; you must ask
your Uncle Bob to bring you up to
the big house to see me-" and stoop-
Ing she kissed him. "Good-by, MIR.
Yancy."