Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1912-04-11

CHAPTER !.
The Boy al the Rarony.

INC 10Y Al tnO 6afony.
The Quintards had not prospered
on the barren lands of the pine woods
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 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
century, there was none among his
netgabors who could say he had
looked on that thin, aquiline face in
all that time.
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 satabefore the fiat-topped
mahogany desk with several account
books before him. Bladen stood by
the window.
4 suppose you will buy in the prop
erty when 1t 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 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?"
All know Is this: General Quin-
tard was conspicuous man in these
parts fifty years ago; he married
Beaufort"
$50 he did," said Crenshaw, land
there was one child, daughter: she
married South Carolinian by the
name Of Turberville. Great folks,
those Turbervilles, rolling richs
And what became OF the daughter
who married TurbervilIe?"
Died years ago." said Crenshaw.
They were Interrupted by knock
ct the door.
Come in said Crenshaw. The
door opened and 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
thu two men. We'll, sonny, what do
you want?" asked Mr.. Crenshaw In
diligently.
Please, sir. want this here old
spo'tin' rifle" said the child
Il reckon you may keep tat least
I've no objection" Crershaw 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. siry
Well, that's Hannibal Wayne Hazard.
But who Hannibal Wayne Hazard is
Just wait minute, sira--and quit
ting his chair Mr.. Crenshaw hurried
from the room to return almost i'm
mediately 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.. Fancy. He
appeared to mediate on the mental
effort that was required of him.
ut was four years ago come next
Christmas" said Crenshaw,
"Oid Christmas - corrected Mr..
Yancy. THE evening befo', it was,
and I'd gone to Fayetteville to get my
Christmas hxin'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 up and waited. and then made
out 1t was a woman. She spoke when
she was alongside the cart and says.
Can you drive me on to the Rarony?.
When got down to help her into the
cart saw she was toting a child in
her arms. Well, sir. she hardly spoke
until we came to the red gate, when
she says. Stop, II you please; III
walk the rest OF the way. The last
! seen OF her she was hurrying
through the rain toting the child In
her arms"