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NOW OPEN TO TRAVLELS The Tisdale Hotel, Summerton, S. C. Livery Stable Near at Hand. New Building. New Furniture. J. S. BELL, Opp. Central Hotel, Manning, S. C -: DEALER IN: Bicycles and Bicycle Supplies. I also repair wheels and guarantee my work. MACHINERY REPAIRINC A SPECIALTY. All work entrusted to me will receive prompt attention either day or night. J. S. BELL. GeoS. Hacker &Son \1.AU FACTUREIS OF DoorsSash, linds -La Doors, Sash, Blinds, Moulding and Building Mat-erial, CHARLESTON, S. C. S;ish Weights and Cords, Hardware aml Paints. Wid= U=4 Facy g!ass a Specialty, NIIV4 I0 110019. NSil91i0Is, 000100si RNd cmmillees. OFFICE OF Jt.1;.hOF PRUBATE, I Ma nning. S. C.. Augsst 1. 1900. ' To Executors., Administrators. Guardians and Committees: I respectfully call your attentioll to annexed statute. You will please gire this matter early attention. Very respectfully. J. .1. WINDHAM, Judge of Probate. Seo. 2C64 (1942). Executors, Administrators,, Quardians and Committees, Shall annually while any estate rem~ins in their care or cus tody, at any time before thc first day of July of eac year render to the Judge of Probate of the gouny fr. whom they obtain Letters Testa mentary cr Letter% of Administrator% or Let Wrs of Guardianship. etc.. a just and true ac onpi.. upon oath. of the receipts and expendi *A""p*t of such estate the . preceding Clendar er. whiub. whien emimincd and approved shall ' b eoitedl wrif the- Inventnry 3nd ap. Trailetor-Mh aer bloning. sr Coored ek thesignssmpesto of s. pr sarpts asewIneretn ded liesaende fr Appred hE. a o ach 87 -RE LIF . LCWDE SN. BURNLAY ISAID WHTGUREELER' Cilordlei and saese of ni C ar eedfee ad wtde Cli ur CHILI. ANDWFEVER, AND NT NE ER WHEELER'STOC will telntei neigbr Tnica curede d to Cure. IFTRBALE .BIIOUS A.MB CORYUD EA. T re ug nooeSntoprem t SAACs frM.LoREto , urtose DysE pEsi CILTCr wiethei weht ou I a. cnedts and iets ll indso R. B.ivsiLtotreAer Dirug towsyuroeat, IS ou wa. ThReos senstov 'Ptonh can tak i. ByNIG is. C.n thad sdyspepiha v Cu e Diedtr wharthing els aile.I prepatsfrati ontain galo f thetm acle ing ald digstes alle kingo t cant elptn eie n ee t bre Dtl W i to ea i ThedyR.wn. ore most Stre, Mobnascntei.B ito L e man One afmprveryfaring elsald. T ach lovng walledinteresst eretg onelarge loncssar leasnt otsall. loans. Forycuarug Sytore LEE & MOISE, Attorneys Sutnter. S. C. GUARANTEED UNDER A - $5,000 DEPOSTU -' R. R. FARE PAID 200 FREE Scholarships offered 0 Write quick to CA-AL.A. BUStNESS COL LECE. Macon. Ca Berste h8 Kimi You Have Always Baugnt RSLA Copyright, 1901, CHAPTER VIII. ARTICLE 3510. HEcooling air of November had checked the fruiting of the cotton plant and quicken ed the sweetening of the sugar cane. The harvesting of the one was ending, of the other about to begin, when a small company came together at "L'Esperance" upon Oakfell's invitation. Though not nu merous, it reliably represented the best sentiment of the parish-Baldouino and Brulleton from lower Bayou des Glalses, Millechaze and Colmesnotte from Borodino and Moreauville, Jewett and Fyrth from Bayous Bauf and Huffpower, Bizet and- Dufosse from Cocoville, Valsin Mouillot from Bayou du Lac, Father Grhe from Mansura. A truly satisfying dinner, topped by venison and mallard ducks, had main tained the good fame (if the Oakfell board,. and, the servants being with drawn by Mrs. Wyley. giests and host, over their coffee, considered the case 6f the jockey Leon. Briefly and clearly OQanfell stated the result of his examination of the law and the fr As. In proof of Quillebert's guilty knowledge that he bad not even the shadow of a claim of ownership, he read this extract from a certified copy of the deed signed by him and Poydre, the agent of the heirs of Queyrouze: "The oldest son of the said negress Olive, called Leon, is not included in the present sale, a condition without which the present sale would not take place and is void if the ;urchasers dis regard it.". And, as estailishing Leon's right to freedom. he cited the article 3510 of the civil code: "If a master suffer a slave to enjoy his liberty for 10 years during his residence in the state or for 20 years while out of It. he shall lose all right of action to recover possession of the slave unless the slave be a runaway or fugitive." "This provision of the law," said Oakfell, "the distinct exception in the act of sale and Quillebert's perfidy in entrapping the unsuspecting boy have determined me, gentlemen, to institute suit in behalf of Leon for freedom, and I have felt that I should declare my purpose to those friends and neighbors whose judgement and sesteem I value most." All looked to Baldouino. who after a moment of silent thought confidently spoke their response: "Your resolution increases our re spect for you. Quilleber': is a shameless demoralizer, an evil influence in the community. His chief gains have no toriously been from gambling and usu ry. His instincts are lOW, and his practices are scandals hurtful to our young men. This theft of a man from . e4 They found him at a sharp bcud in the public road. himself Is the crowning disgrace he has put upon ottr parish. In undertaking to thwart and rebuke him you do a true service to the good people of Avoyelles, Mr. Oakfell, and shall have the support of all of us here." "Not only our support, Mr. Horace," exclaimed Valsin, "but our protection also." "The danger is not to me, but to Leon," Oakfell replied. "I fear that Quillebert will kill him outright In the rage into which the suit will throw him." "Then," said Fyrth, whose presiden y over sessions of the lynch court in the early days of the state had made his name a dread to evildoers and whose countenance testified a terrible courage. "he must in advance be warn ed that he cannot live 12 hours in *Avoyeles afterward, and I suggest the priest as the proper person to notify him. Do you object. sirr' addressing Father Grhe. "I do not," replied th*e latter, and the party dispersed. As prearranged by Oakfeil, the sher 1ff, charged with the ser'vice of the legal processes, called at the house of Father Grhe, and the latter azcompanied him on the visit to Quillebert. They found him at a sharp bend in the public road skirting the Bayou Rouge, seated upon his horse and conversing with I.aure Zuneau, sole occupan: of her graund other's exaggerated buggy, to which was harnessed the colossal mule. Comn ing suddenly upon the two, they saw~ the girl quickiy snatch from Quille bert's hand a small wvatch and long golden chain and furtively bestow them under the seat of the vehicle and were amused at her confused efforts to recover the loosened reins and drive on before they spoke. "Pray do not be disturbed at this in terruption of your tote-a-tete, made oiselle," said the sheriff. dotling his at. "I have but to deliver these pa pers to M. Quillebert and be off, with apologies for the intrusion." And he handed the docuinents to, Quillebert, who received them mechanically.. with out so much as looking at the large written characters indorsed upon them. "Before reading those papers. M. Quillebert, allow meo to speak with you," said Father Grhe, tiding near him and in an undertone commuhnicat ing the particulars of the meeting at "L'Esperanee" and the wvarning in the words of F'yrth. In the struggle to sup'press his un:ger Qullebert's face was that of a demon. It became knotted with swollen veins; his bloodshot eyes glartd like a bated brute's; his heavy lips, though tightly pressed together, shook like storm swept waves of a muddy stream. and rs v 0* by T. H .Thorpe. *e0 sha!pcless l aqp. En'.tier GIrhe turned his eyes away from the0 revOiting Spec tacle, but Laure gazed upon it fas einated. "The cowardly creoles join the bully Ing Americans in threatening a French man *vith lynch law, and you, won sieur priest, are their herald, eh? That is the casel,' at length QuIllebert mut tered hoarsely. "It will only a-.gravate the situation to use insulting- adjectives," answered Father Grae. ",Those citizens have but adopted a hieroic mode of forestalling a possible and deplorable outcome of an appeal to the law In humanity's cause, and I have borne their messagZe in the hope of preventing two murders. Mlle. Luneau, you seemn to have the confidence of M. Qu~llebert." He ac Scompa ied these words with a signifi cant look at the r-11. "Advise him against his dange-.ro;s Impulses." Her face was instantly aflame, and her eyes became orbs of wrath, but she made no audible reply nor returned the bow of the priest and sheriff as they rode away. "You see, my little Gasconne," said Quillebert, "what flows from a com bination of maudlin hysteria of the Estelle Latiolais type and abolition am bition azd avarice of the Oakfell brand." "The Horace Oakfell brand, you mean," Laure retorted sharply. ".M. Evariste, I am sure, has no part In these doings." "So, so!" mused Quillebert aloud, as if detecting1 something, yet doubting whether the discovery pleased him. "Not M. Evariste, eh ? Aha' Well, let us see. Estelle. yes. Oak fell, yes. But not M. Eviiriste; no? She has lost her reason on Oakfell, but not M. Evariste, eh? And I have thought he was pray In- at her church!" "Not so. I do not believe a word of it," snapped Laure. "Nor I now. I must hare been mis led by the frequency of his visits at the Latiolais house." Observing that Laure's vexation was approaching the limit of restraint, he adroitly gave his cominents another direction. "'My ha tred of the one made it too easy for me to do Injustice to his half brother. I should have remembered that Evariste has French blood. IMs grandfather was a grand rascal of '93. Estelle's great-grandfather was a grand gentle man of '89. There should be more puissant sympathy between hlim and the true Gasconne maid than between him and the simpering descendant of a supercilious and skipping emigre. We_ may have. a frien inhe% enemy's camp." "Butthewaring ustbe ed, Laresad - "Forthepreent yes" Qillber re luctntl assnte: "bt m daywil come." "Thatis enugh. And ith stng thiseyoin awher the rdtcut theC-e thenae wbideadhe.osig h behe coardlyteoes oine side bully bIgl outian if theampin fro the ch reain ofthe lynhra, and though she scud prest. hae thser oerd h Tstra isor thm shchse' lnth Quallbt heut tersedg oandaw thiuleeyfo nt willered aheravae the emergedo from use iosutno awacivshe anwredo Fher resec -nTlhoe hadbegun he bu asce of theroicmo sheeresalingt wat appaento teklawssns hutanith' cause aned cIdee one ther surefooedi teas thaoe ofm preking tis murrs. hepbridesepprscih an siguting Heur fagne y was isaid: fam, "Ares bouzmaeoselle.", utsh mde no haude epyinor reytre the, bowho repere and moehe as te "Tlle,"ash, "what isro athem bnatin of thispersecutri of theon stnt? Isaolitpeighborybolito am abitionist?" rceo teOafl "IThae oart inathe bsinds, you leme," Lhe rnswerted isply.the sortdofething toointrestnm. y douting wther anther disovehic plea tom his semotnal yaue. Obut fell, yesveu not charistre, nd? She haes los her unertAkn thae thought was pray-h o ing woul her l churht ho heha o t srao."Id o eiv odo it"T inape ared."Luefrih ed btheoncluncyrof his reaisit at the Tovers inothe Oboosen ta hoertanother diretion "Myhe wha trod ofve the emaderI o s or inEept toido Einruste tWo icair brother fir slado thave ememerlo haiEa?"t hastFee Loodi." IShe gshotfther grat-gafathent wastchirndgentle fane of '8uhed Thereshold Bet ore igan sm ptheansween man "You re butconuesi, madetwieen aHuracilios n sppinglemaiogaes sine maywent awa frenoi the coney' neampou." asag. "Bt ishyo waron us be adld."h Lracid.o h otes ed o "ora tyhe sntwes," Qoyuebrt re er, tl asent sed:'-utmda willreus that heyoul pretlrempythouedsfe whic leten."h rth sh e serhed isougbrother withpresting-h handlo of Etewhe Laureai pssiartelth ig muIn an psedingingmself toward schem fucton the ayos.Re."n thes tins? where teye ad utie lee andwwoun don ae sote ban to the narrow btritte lessh cossng, she beawhe avatnteohrsderdn "Tis out no theswamp fmaethelle." ectido terirish ndlyouh.h "fIcould faeped under dty," said befre, sihing. sn, chsechinal ath wae her grndoherun coansees she ad edoth bere hr wherstn beeraneds fromnow, fors, hor wa hae awareconvn erupresenc ntih hadmplshenthe deam cnt oe theas sheer adcoclvt prethn apparntdecvesKness, btn wtha ld Oliat boeo' moti. hecrn hims hret the brige'aprothe and sealutng these tauhingy she searnd: tefo Odee thez madeoselle."Te r "Probably. I thank you, mI.;ni selle. Good night." The young mnui raised his hat with his right hand as lie tightened the bridle with his left. "But!" i xclaimed Laure, as i^ to stay him: then, suddenly changing her pur pose, amiably repeated "Good night, monsieur," and, crossing the bridge, toiled slowly up one bank, while Eva riste's horse bounded up the other like a chamois over an Alpine wall. He gave bridle and spur to the fleet animal, whose speed was timed to the storm that raged within his breast. Ills brows were drawn downward and together, and from under them his eyes looked fiercely, but saw only the im ages created by his frenzy. He could but believe that his frequent visits and warmth of manner had plainly notified to Estelle his passion, though it was as yet undeclared in speech. and the os tentatious suavity of her reception of him, as he now regardc.l It. was suffi cient warrant for confidence that his devotion was acceptable. Hls brother's patronizing munificence and studied show of candor had lulled him into a sense of security against any possible clash between their desires. Yet those two had met on a memorable day. An arduous task had been imposed by her and taken up by him, which necessa rily Implied reciprocal regard and trust, reward of the tenderest nature and the hope thereof. Their hands had clasped, and he, for the guerdon of her favor, had set forth in a venture perilous alike to his life and his political pros pects. Only a perfect undersuznding of the most ardent character could explain all this, so skillfully hidden from him. Herace, taking advantage of his (Eva riste's) dependence in fortune, was ruth lessly trampling his heart underfoot, for he could not but have known his love for Estelle. ShouNd be submit to be thus ignorcd in that which was most vital to his happiness? Would life in such submission be worth living? No; a thousand times no! Horace boasted American bravery. Evariste would meet it with a trait. inherited from his ancestor, which had contributed to deepen the red of the French revolu tion. The unguided courage of his brother was a dolt; his own talent was a patient, calculating engineer. He would await the proper time for Its employment, and the effect would be the horrid crash of all that had been builded on his wrongs. This was the first shadow that had fallen upon his life, and his soul surged darkly as a tempest tossed sea when the winded horse stopped at the gate of the Oakfel home. Seeing Horace advance toward him, he gave the command of Gloster "Dive, thoughts, down to my soul! Here Clar ence comes" and greeted his brother with a smile. CHAPTER IX. QUILLEBERT ENTERTAINS. T is in the nature of some men to maintain and defend the wrongs they do more obstinately and cour ageously than their rights and to stake more for the retaining of an unjust acquisition than a legitimate gain. There are those who would die rather than restore ill gotten wealth, yet would yield their honest earnings to avoid a threatened inconvenience. Such are they who restlessly cultivate alumny to the undoiug of the victim and laugh at the truth which damns themselves. Constant Quillebert was no weakling There was no lack of vigor in his char acter. His was .a strong mentality, his ision straight, though his courses were oblique or tfortuous. Neither was be the passive creature of circum stances nor yet a mere form molded by ny:.ronment. Such as lie was he made imself by the exercise of volition, forcing his selective power into each trait of his character and every phase f his life. He could without strain of reason have been a pious churchman, but preferred to defy piesteraft, and from choice, not conviction, became a saucy infidel- Wife and children would have sobered and softened his progress to the grave had he willed, but domes tie restraints were as distasteful as moral limitations, and hence he scoffed at matrimony. Nothing was less diffi ult or expensive than become an American citizen, entitled to political rights and honors equally with his neighbors; but, weighing the induce ments on either side of the proposition. he refrained from swearing fidelity to the constitutions and laws which pro tected him and his accumulations and remained the subject of a foreign po tentate. His genius and accomplish meats would have enabled him to achieve by approved industry and com ~mendable methods a competency, even wealth, in the generous country where e dwelt, yet chicanery, commerce in the failings of his fellow -men and free booting excursions to tihe horizons of the law appealed to him more cogently. and, as said by Baldoulno. "his chief gains were notoriously fromn gambling and usury," and he was rated a rich man with a goodly store of gold. While it had been p)otentially his to be in the community an elder, giving judgment, e enjoyed eminence amiong the cav lers against order. Shrewd. bold, un scrupulous, tireless, he was no mean foe whom Oakfell had called into the arena. During the quadrennial period pre eding the civil war no other word was ha the back room of Dcdc's cabaret. so eloquent to stir popular wrath in Louisiana as the word "abolitionist." Its exposition came from a press and hustings which were at one upon the slavery question, and its definition was confined within the synonymous scope of "hypocrite," "assassin," "'insurrec tionist," "house burner," "negrophile." Its blight upon the name of a man was as subtle and sure as that of dishonor upon the fame of a wo:nan. And the rancorous and intolerant, the quickest to respond in fury to the hated word, were the very poor whites inhabiting the infertile highlands, who never own ed and seldom hired negro slaves. All sentiments have their extreme expo nnts, and it was not anomalous that the most inimical to the abolition move ment should be those who apparently would be least damaged by its accom The cunning wit of Quillebert was in stant to see advantage in this condi tion of the popular mind. le had nev er pretended a legal right or title over Leon. He knew he bad never pur chased him. He had not forgotten the exception in the deed. le was conscious that his possession resulted from a shamefulI:ddnapiL... !d his do minion had no other basis than might. He felt that, tried upon its merits of law and fact alone, the issue would be determined against him. Therefore other influences must be brought to bear upon the contest. and ready to his hand lay te anti-American prejudice and antiabolition passion. The thought of Oakfell triumphing over him stung as an ox lash. The barrenness and un worthiness of his cause stimulated him to exertions and inspired tactics which were revelations of endurance and in genuity. In as many nights he rode to Man sura. Le Coigne, Dordelon slough, lie de Cote, Marksville. Bayou Blanc, Pa ren Haut, Coude d'Guf, Bout de Bay ou and Pointe Maigre and sounded the head man of each of these settlements. Laure Luneau was his embassadress to the women of Coude du Francais. These were the colonies of his country men or their descendants, small plant ers of the nonslaveholding class, keep ers of catarets and roadside shops, blacksmithi, shoemakers, gardeners, charcoal burners, fishermen and hunt ers of the mallard and the papabote. The insinuation was dropped among them that :he suit was a move on the part of the abolitionists and Oakfell was their agent, and close upon it fol lowed the rumor, traceable to no source, that while at Baton Rouge he received numerous letters from Boston, Albany, Philadelphia and Oberlin. The night of the Sunday preceding Christmas found Quilllebert presiding at the baize covered table in the back room of Dede's cabaret at Mansura. There were no cards or chips on the kloth. but In their stead were dishes and a great bowl of steaming gumbc prepared by Dede's wife (he had Lo negroes) and gliasses and pitchers of hot rum spiced by Dede himself. Around the board were Dr. Do T*oux, Aristides Portvie, Fulgence Jadot, Mar tin Brille, Alce lohelin, Hlomiier Tit bout, Norbert Cazebat and Tibource Pratjcan. The last was a swarthy, big t awed, low browe:l muia, short and broad shouldered, a lawyer who in the last election had been an unsuccessful can'idate for the Judgeship. Is rest less black eyes, small and set close to gether, hooked nose-and twitching lips over an assertive chin reveald the spir it and faculties suited to further the purposes of Quillebert. The outer doors were locked and windows barred. Nine saddled horses stood under the long low shed at the rear of the cabaret in closure. "Listen, Constant," said Pratjean. "In the court I shall say the plaintiff was born a slaye: his master never emancipated him. Emancipation must be express; it cannot be inferred from conduct. Born a slave, never emanci pated, whence got be the right to sue and stand In judgnient? Answer me that! First, the question, Has he the right to sue? If you can answer yes to that, only then the second question, ownership vel non. If you must an swer no, then, though M. Quillebert owns him not, the plaintiff is out of court and cannot be heard. No right, no suit; that's all." "That's so!" came from his auditors in enthusiastic chorus. "Softly! Softly! Not so fast!" ex claimed Quillebert, thumping the table with his glass.: "All that fine logic may do for the day of trial or it may not. The judge truckles to the Ameri cans too much for my taste." "He does," assented Pratjean. "Therefore," Quillebert continued, "we would be fools to run to him. Slow is the word. Delay, postpone, put off, tire them out, threadbare the case, starve it, so that when it finally gets into court It must be carried on a lit ter. You can do that, ehi. Tibource?"' "That is my forte," the lawyer an swered, chuckling. "Meanwhile," Quillebert went on, "prove to your neighbors, your wives and daughters that it is all an aboli tion trick; that the people are being be trayed by this bragging American and the aping lowland creoles. Why, that Latiolais girl is already ashamed to speak French in company."~ "Bah!" ejaculated three of the listen ers and spat on the floor. "When the true French get to under stand rightly what this case means, Oakfell will not have courage to try it, or, if he does, the judge will not dare to decide in favor of the negro." Quille bert emphasized thiis forecast with a noisy blew from his fist upon the table. "But, Constant," De Rhoux inquired, "what about Leon in all this delay?" "I have considered that," Quillebert replied. "Thie rascal has gone, spirited away, of course, gakfell. I tracked him to the steamboat wood pile on the Atchafalaya near Simsport and will hunt for him no farther. If I win this case, I will sue Oakfell for $20,000 damages for abducting my jockey and $20,000 more for giefaming me. I will teach him what it is to threaten a Frenchman with lynch law. And old Latiolais shall weep a bucketful of tears for the meddling of his pearly granddaughter, for I hold $6,000 of h:9 notes." "Aye, yi yi! Leonidas be hanged!" cried Dede, and the glasses clattered approval. "So you see there is a fine campaign, with spoils for you, Tibource," said "And planned with the skill of a general," the lawyer declared, his mean little dyes sparkling, while his tongue caressed the jumpinag lips. "And now" -Quillebert produced notebook and pencil - "which of you has heard Leon admit he was my slave? I at the race track," answered Ja dot, Brille and Titbout. "And I at the church." said Portvie. "And I"-Dede's utterance was thick and his pose unsteady -"right here with me." "Never mind. Dede; you can be spared, but tbe rest of you wvili remember this when called as witnesses at court," he said to the others, writing in his note "We will, sure, sure, sure," they prom ised, and he returned the book to his pocket. "Bn!" said Quillebert. "Fulgence, tell old grandpere to let you have that gun, and I will pay him for It next Thursday. Aristides, come to me tomorrow and sign a new note at one year. I'll give you the old one and not count the interest. Martin, you can conmc and drive those two saws home any time after tomorrow. Homer, tell Tatin to pay your taxes and bring the receipt to me, and I have a pretty sil ver cross for your little girl Felice, Fill your glasses, my friends. It is late. Dede, have you the flasks ready, as I wished?" "Every one full, corked and in the hot ashes," Dede assured him pon pously. "Then"-Quillebert raised his glass tie clewcked the impulse and saia: ' "You but continue to befriend me and my cause, and all will be well." Long after he had passed out of her sight she stood upon the veranda press ing her wildly throbbing heart and whispering to herself: "Oh. why are there not more men like this man?" CHAPTER X. SWORDS CROSSED. ILL you go with me to the trial today, Eva riste?' asked Oakfell at the conclusion. of an early breakfast. "No, brother, unless you need me or Insist," Evariste replied. "I am feeling entirely out of sorts and should suffer from the excitement. If you are will ing, I prefer to remain at home and. take the place of Blnker Wyley, who must drive with his mother to the court. But for your sake'I wish you success." "I find no'fault with your choice and thank you for your good wish," said Oakfell, who was soon flying upon his fastest horse to Marksville. Plantation affairs concerned Evariste but little that day. Riding through the fields to place himself in evidence be fore the squads of laborers, he plunged into the very heart of the dark Choc taw swamp and gave himself up to thoughts blacker than its shades. He flung himself from the saddle and walked furiously to and fro through the tangled growth as the captive hy ena restlessly tramps his cage's length. He sat upon fallen trees with head buried in hands over wifich his long black hair fell as a pall upon expired hopes. He leaned on the patient, won dering horse, muttering curses on the conditions and persons that were the causes of his unhappiness. But in all this frenzy and wrath and mad acting he kept before him always and dis tinctly, as a registered oath, the pur pose to possess Estelle, even at the cost of his brother's undoing should the power ever be given him. It was the day of the great trial. The tactics of Pratjean had at length been exhausted, and now he was compelled to the combat. Though Oakfell started alone, be was joined by supporters at every planta tion, store and settlement he passed and entered the village escorted by a numerous cavalcade of the most sub stantial dwellers in the lowlands. Im mediately about him were Baldouino, Jewett, Valsin Mouillot and Father Grhe, the last meeting the party at Mansura. But the Quillebert forces were also up and moving, and from ev ery point of the prairie they could be seen in bunches, galloping on their lit tle ponies, occasionally yelping: "Vive QuIllebert! Hurrah for 'Quillebert!" And already their diminutive steeds had forestalled every hitching post in the streets and about the courthouse yard, and the riders had swarmed in the cab arets, calling for absinth anisette (at Quillebert's charge) and denouncing vo ciferously the cursed Americans (at Quillebert's instigation). In the his tory of the parish no such concourse had ever filled the courtyard or tested the capacity of the courtroom. The 0 Hs Zong, black Isairelas a paUl upon long bladet~ pocketknife was ,in many a hand, hungrily demolishing tree bark and fence board, and the ugly hump of the Colt pistol was 'seen under many a blouse, while not a few shotguns were observed to be carried from pony sad de to cabaret and there put out of sight. The general expectation was that blood would flow freely before the setting of the sun. Quillebert was at the office of Prat jean, scowling, morose, surly and deaf to his advocate's assurances of vic tory. He caused his witnesses to be brought to him singly and rehearsed in their expected testimony. While this was proceeding the commanding figure of Jewett was seen to emerge from the crowd In Oakfell's office and, his red whiskered face set in an expression of grave determination, walk slo'wly across the courtyard to Pratjean's office. The movement was quickly notified to the cabarets, which were instantly emptied of their patrons, who drew near to watch and hear what they could of his mission. Arrived in front of the little office building,- Jfewett stopped and called: "Pratjean!" "Hello!" answered the lawyer, ap pearing at the door. "Step here a moment. I wish to have a word with you," said Jewett. "Will you not come into my office, M. Jewett? You are perfectly'welcome to come inside." Pratjean assumed his most suave manner and lieked his un quiet lips. "No; I have but a word to say and prefer to say it here in the open.".- And s Pratjean approached him Jewett continued: "I hear there is a good deal of devilish fool talk going on among these absinth soakers in the coffee houses. Now. I just want to give you a bit of Information, and you may make use of it as you see fit. It i this: Oakfell's friends have come here prepared for anything that may hap pen. If a gun cracks, they are not go ing to pay any attention to those prai ri rabbits over there, but will ff11 Quillebert's body so full of lead that he would furnish shot for all their papabote hunting next summer." "M. Jewett,'" said Pratjeani, erecting is head with an air of offended dig nity, "do you mean" "I mean just what I have said, Prat jean, and you understand me perfectly well." And Jewett stalked back to Oakfell's office In his customary delib erate gait. - As Pratjean was turning to re-enter the office his name was again called, and, looking around, he saw Dede hur rying to him. "Listen, Tibource," said the latter, panting. "Valsin Mouillot went to Totorin's cabaret this minute and told him if there was any trouble today he and six others would shoot at you and nobody else until you were used up." "I will attend to him later," mutter ed Pratjean, the fright of this com munication settng lhisjipls to thumping Roofing Paper. 3-ply Roofing Paper........75c per roll. 2-ply Roofing Paper.......52c per roll. 1-ply Tarred Paper........$35 per ton. Rosin-Sized Sheathing Paper, 17 lbs. per roll..................30c per roll. 20-tb. Paper...............38c per roll. 30-th. Paper...............50e per roll. All prices f.o.b. Charleston. For direct shipments from factory in lots of 25, 50 or 100 rolls, we can make closer delivered prices. CRON PORILND OfM 0. 94-96 E. Bay St., CHARLESTON, S. C. nro-exem. I have opened up a Sewing Machine store next door to Mr. S. A. Rigby's general merchandise store August 1st, 1900. I will carry the . N81 [Ing 018000io MONe MONe. The new ball-bearing "New Home," the best machine made: also "New Ideal" and "Climax," from $18 to $40. I sell on Instalment, Easy Payment Plan. I clean and repair any kind-of machines for least money possible. Call and see me. A. I. BARRON, Ag't. Tax.Notice. COUNTY TREASURER'S OFFICE, CLARENDON COUNTY. Manning, S. C., Oct. 4, 1901. The tax books will be open for the collection of taxes for the fiscal year - commencing January 1st, 1901, on the 15th day of October, 1901, and will re main open untll the 31st day of Decem ber, following, after which time a penalty of I5 per cent attaches to all unpaid taxes. The following is the tax levy: For State purposes, five (5) mills. For Constitutional School Tax, three (3) mills. For Ordinary County Tax, three (3) mills. Total, 1 mills (separate from Special School Tax.) Special one (1) mill, School Tax, School District No. "124". Total 12 mills. Special two (2) mills, School Tax, School District No. "16". Total13 mills. Special three (3) mills, School Tax, - School District, No. (21". Total 14mills. Special four (4) mills. School Tax, School Districts No. "7", "9","19","20 and "22". Total15mills. - Every male citizen between the ages_ of twenty-one and sixty years, except those incapable, of earning a support from being maimed or from other causes, and except those who are now exempt by law, shall be deemed taxable polls. The law requires that Commutation Road Tax shall be paid for thesucceed ing year when State and County Taxes are paid. , S. J. BOWMAN, Treasurer Clarendon County. W H E N YOU COME TO TOWN CALL AT WELLS' SHAVING SALOON 'Which is fitted up with an oye to the comfort of hi customers. . . HAIR CUT TIlm IN ALL STYLES, SH AVIN(G A~n S H AMPO OING Done with neatness .an dispatch... .. .. .. A cordial invitation is extended... J. L. WELLS. Manning Times Block. TO CONSUMERS OF Lager Beer. We are now in position to ship our Beer all over the State at the following prices: EXPORT. Imperial Brew-Pints, at $1 per doz. Kuffheiser-Pints, at..90c per doz. Germania P. M.-Pints, at 90c per doz. GERMAN MALT EX TRACT. A liquid Tonic and Food for Nursing Mothers and Invalids. Brewed from the highest grade of Barley Maltr and Imported Hops, at....1.10 per doz. For sale by all Dispensaries, or send in your orders direct. All orders shall have our prompt and areful attention. Cash must accompany all orders. T HE - ERMANIA BREWING CO., Charleston, S. C. MONEY TO~ LOAN. 1 am prepared to negotiate loans. n. good real estate security, on rea sonable terms. R. 0. PURDY, Sumter. S. C. Salary YEARLY. Men and women of good address to represent us some to travel appointing agens oersfo alary guaranteed yearly; extra commissions a expnses; rpid advanementol etb berl income and uture. New brli ines. Write at onca. STAFFORO PRESS, 3 Church St., Yew Haven, Conn. Money to Loan. APPLY TO WILSON_& DuRANT. SURVEYOR'S CARD. Parties desiring surveys and plats made will receive my most careful and ccurate attention. I am supplied with improved instru ments. Address, S. 0. CANTEY, Summerton, S. C. ADVICE AS TO PATENTABilItTY FE Ntic in "Iventv Age eoo "Ho Nootain c t iss" md abolitionists and success to the sons of old Gascony." "Down with the Americans! Victor3 to the Gascons!" cried every man, ris ing to his feet and emptying his glass. Dede brought forth the nine flasks of hot rum and distributed them among the company for sustenance on their ride in the chill night air, and, quietly mounting horses and ponies, this re markable gathering dissolved. The last to leave were Quillebert and Pratjean. The latter said admiringly: "You are a genius, Constant." "No fool, at least, I hope," laughed the latter, disappearing into the dark ness of the swamp road. Tbere were but two sessions of the court each year for the trial of suits of a civii nature, ani tese were arrangea to meet the agricultural convenience of the people, one in February in advance of planting, the other in September be fore the commencement of harvest. Hence the procrastination prescribed by Quillebert was no very difficult feat. Dilatory pleas put in by Pratjean serv ed to toll the case over two terms, ipanning a year. His professional en gagement in the court of another par Ish and the sudden sickness of Portvie, an important witness for Quillebert, certified in writing by Dr. De Roux, sufficed to carry it over the second year without trial. Throughout this space the interest and activity of Quillebert's adherents never flagged. It was the theme. of talk at every store, cabaret and steamboat landing in the high lands, at every Saturday night gumbo ball and Sunday mass. At sessions of the court and police jury the attending crowds discussed it with ever increas ing heat and bitterness, the prosecu. tion of Quillebert and menace' to Cau casian superiority constituting the be ginning, middle and end of each sym posium. Inevitably it took on some what of a sectional character, the rich planters of the lowlands being the sym pathizers with Oakfell and the critics of Quillebert. As the administration of President Buchanan approached its close rumors of aboliflonist aggressiveness grew in frequency and proportion and so charg ed the public mind with combustible Ideas that the simple mention of this lawsuit caused a number of small ex plosions in the form of fisticuffs within the courthouse yard, even "under the drippings from the eaves of the tem ple." To the women and children of the uplands, many of whom had never seen him, the name of Oakfell was as execrable as Judas Iscariot's. So acute had this unfriendly feeling grown that some of the conservative minded sug gested to Oakfell the policy of with drawing the suit. He firmly rejected the advice. Throughout this turbulence of senti ment Evariste held calmly aloof. When ever the subject was obtruded upon him he dismissed it with the remark that he was neither a lawyer nor a pol tician. His brother regarded this in difference as in harmony with his poet Ic temperament and was not displeas ed. Evariste became more seclusive in habit. He rode often and far into the solitudes of the swamps, where the deep shade accorded with his somber mood. Rivalry with Horace for the hand of Estelle he felt was hopeless while his sole expectancy of fortune was from his brother's grace, and his visits to the Latiolais mansion were made atfintervals of increasing length, degenerating into brief formalities, but he bitterly cursed his dependence and silently fed the flame of passion within his pent breast. Laure, brown and vital, surprising him now and again In his wanderings, lifted him from the deeps momentarily, yet he struggled to escape her and descend to his gloomy yearnings. Still, upon the progress of the public agitation he kept a steady and observant eye. Estelle was dismayed at the conse uences of her demand upon Oakfell, which she was made to realize by the dismal reports of her grandfather and the malediction of herself by the Quille bert faction. To her own impetuous ess and presumption she charged this strife among neighbors and its unhap py possibilities. She wept and prayed 'or guidance and finally, sending for Dakfell, said to him: "It 'was at my request, made upon a girlish Impulse, that you entered Into this contest, which has aroused such itterness and so altered your position in our parish. Then you had not an eemy. Now I dare not think of the umber who wish you harm. I did not hen foresee this dreadful result, but oday I am quite a woman and know I hd no right to involve you so grievous y for the gratification of a mere whim f mine. I entreat you to proceed no further in the lawsuit. To press it ow would result only in your injury, .ut in no one's good." The girl's speech was earnest and er prayerful face so beautiful that akfell gazed upon it in a wortiless apture until his very silence suddenly alled him to reply: "You say further prosecution of the uit could result in no one's good," he aid, smiling. "What, then, becomes of eon's freedom, which is its sole oh et?" "Oh, but Leon is gone. M1. Quillebert ill never see him again." She spoke s one to whom had been unexpectedly iven the opportunity of successfully losing debate by a word. "Ah, mademoiselle, do you not know hat under laws which now exist and are enforced by the courts of the Unit d States Quillebert can take Leon herever found, drag him hack to this place, hitch him to a plow, whip him efore each meal and compel him to sleep standing, and 'that man's last state shall be worse than the first?'" "Impossible! Impossible! This is a hristian land," shudderingly exclaim d Estelle. "It is possible, I assure you, and prob ble, for, as you well know, Quillebert Is no Christian man, and, while I grant -ou this is a Christian land, yet Chris fianity forms no part of Its law. This ins been distinctly declared by its most ugust court," Oakfell answered. "What, then, are courts, Mr. Oak tell?" she demanded, astonished. "They are human institutions for the nterpretation and enforcement by man gainst man of man made laws, and Fet humanity is the least of their attri >utes." "And before such you will persist with this case, so unpopular and so lurtful to you?" I will, because there is no other tri unal to appeal to; I wili, because to bandon this wronged man to the law's :ruelty in the face of the brutish mob's breats would be cowardly, traitorous o my standard of honor and unworthy f your respect, mademoiselle, which, [ trust, I have and will endeavor to :erit. I will flgat this fight to the end f'or the sake of the right and, just be cause you did inspire it, for the sake f you." The young innais face glowed with a warmth of-feeli:g which his words but partially expressedl. Estelle's soft eyes filled with tcar-s of tue supremest joy ier life had yet known. "Go, then, and may God befriend you and your noble cause," she said, giving her hand, upon which he was abou Jo ntprcss a 1mrnine kiss. but