Cheraw chronicle. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1896-2005, 1912-05-16
CHAPTER II.

rounds Of temperate industry which
made up his daily life, for If Yancy
were not completely idle he was re-
sronsible tor a counterfeit present
ment of idleness having most OF the
merits of the real article.
The Barony had been offered for
sale and bought in by Crenshaw for
eleven thousand dollars, this being
the amount of his claim. Some six
months later he sold the plantation
for fifteen thousand dollars to Ma
thaniel Ferris, of Currituck county.
There's money in the old place,
Bob, at that figure" Crenshaw told
Yancy.
"Bladen's got an answer from them
South Carolina Quintards, and they
don't know nothing about the boy"
added Crenshaw. $50 you can rest
easy, Bob; they amt going to want
him."
We'll, sir, that surely is passel OF
comfort to me. I find l got all the
instincts of a father without having
had none of the instincts OF a hus-
band"
A 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 fiutter of skirts and recognized
one of the horsewomen. 1t was Mrs.
Ferris, wife of the Barony's new own
er. She refined in her horse abreast
Of his cart.
Aren't you Mr.. Yancy?" she asked.
81 am Mrs. Ferris, and l 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 gloyed hand.
This is my friend, Miss Betty NAL
roy"
"Glad to know you, maam," said
Yancy.
Miss Malroy faced him, smiling.
She was quite radiant with youth and
beauty.
1--WE 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.
I'm a manner he is and in man.
ner he ain't," explained Yancy, some
what enigmatically.
DO you know the old deserted cab
in by the big pine?-the Blount
place." asked Mrs. Ferris.
Eyes, ma'am, / know it."
Il am going to have Sunday school
there for the children; they shan't
be neglected any longer If l can help
it. Now won't you let your little
nephew Gomez"
Il reckon you-all can count on my
nevvy," Bob said.
Hannibal and Yancy were the first
to arrive at the deserted cabin in the
old field Sunday afternoon. Shy chill
dren from the pine woods, big broth
ers 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
a deep impression upon Iancy, COM
fortably seated in the doorway.
"You will all be here next Sunday,
won't you?-and at the same hour"
she said, rising.
There was a sudden clatter OF
hoofs beyond the door. A man, well
dressed and weH 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.
81 am hunting a place called the
Barony; 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"
His tone was one OF surprise.
His death occurred over a year