The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1915-12-11

Juanita fcurd another visitor at the
McNash CGbin-Bad Anse Havey. He
recognized her only with a naughty
nod, like that OF al Indian chief, and
she gave him in return a slight incli-
nation OF her head, accompanied by a
glance OF starry contempt in her violet
eyes. Yet, in the attitude Of the noun
taineerS to the man, she saw such
herOworship as might have been ac-
corded to some democratic young
Monarch walking freely among his
subjects.
Once Fletch said: "Ma'am, how's
yore school a.comin' on? Air We git
tin things started ter suit ye?"
Juanta flushed.
"Not yet" she answered Tm try.
ing to Get acquainted first. When
90 start, hope to make up for lost
time"
II reckon thct school will be Alright
good thing over thar; don't ye low
so, Anso?" Fletch's good-natured
density had not recognized the hos
tility between his two guests.
Anse laughed quietly.
II reckon" he said, so long as tho
lacy just keeps on sayin' not yet thai
wont be no harm done. l don't quar-
rel with dreams"
The lady flushed, and a hot retort
rose to her lips, but she only smiled.
I'm bid!ng my time, Fletch," she
assured him. My dream will come
true"
But for this dreams fulfillment she
must have land. There must be dormi-
tories for boys and girls, and play
grounds where muscles and brains.
grown slow from heavy harness, could
be quickoned. She fancied herself
listening to the laughter Of children
who had not before learned to laugh.
But as she made inquiries Of land
holders whom price might tempt to
sell, she was met everywhere with a
reserve which puzzled her until bare.
footed and slouching farmer gave iler
a cue to its cause.
This man rubbed his brown toe in
the duct and spoke in lowered voice.
II don't mind tellin' We thet I'd be
plumb willin' ter sell out an move"
His eyes shone grecdily as he added
Fer fair f1gger, but moughtn't live
ter move eff sold out"
What do you mean?" she asked,
much puzzled.
Wall, wouldn't hardly like ter hev
this travel back ter Bad Anse, but I've
done been admonished not ter make
no trades with strangers"
OH" she exclaimed in low voice,
and her face flushed wrathfully.
Whom does your land belong to-" She
demanded after a moments silence.
Are you a bondman to Bad Anse Ha.
Vey? Isn't your property your own ?"
He looked away and rummaged in
his pockets for few crumbs Of leaf
tobacco, then he commented with the
dreary philosophy Of hopelessness
Hits a Gods blessed truth thet q
feller hyarabouts is plumb lucky es
long as his lifes ais own"
So she told herself, Bad Anse had
begun his war with boycott! She
could not even buy foothold on which
to begin her fight. Back there in the
Philadelphia banks lay enough money,
she bitterly reflected, to buy the coun-
try at an inflated price, to bribe it's
courts, to hire assassins and snuff ou,
human lives, yet, since the edict of one
man carried the force of terror, she
could not purchase a few acres to
teach little children and care for the
sick. AT least it was confession that,
for all his fine pretense Of sccrn, the
man recognized and feared the poten-
ti2lity CT her efforts.
AS the bright green's of June were
scorchod into the lustier hues of July
and tue little spears of corn grew
taller, she began 10 feel conscious Of q
certain drawing back, even Of those
who had been her warm admirers, anG
to notice scowls on strange faces as
they eyed her.
Somewhere a poison squad was at
work. OF that she felt sure, and her
eyes flashed as she thought of it's au.
thorsaiD. Each day brought her new
warnings offered under the semblancc
Of kindness and friendship.
Folks hereabOuts liked her power
ful wcll, but hit warnt hardly likely
thct Bad Anse, ner Miit McBriar.
would suffer her to so forward with
her projcclls. They'd dcne been hold
in eff cause she war woman, an
she'd better cult OF her own behcst."
So they were willing to let her sur.
render with the honors of war! Her
lips tightened.
In answer to detailed questioning
her informant would shake his head
vaguely and suspect that hit warnt
rightly none OF his business nohow;
he just lowed hit We" kindly act ter
give her timely warni.'."