Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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NOW OPENU TO TRAVELEnS The Tisdale Hotel, Sumnierton, 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. Geo.S. Hacker &Son MANUFACTURERS OF 013K Doors, Sash, Blinds, Moulding and Building - Material, CHARLESTON, S. C. Sash Weights and Cords, Hardware and Paints. Window and Fancy ass a Specially. NORi I BOOlIKIS, R iHiSIIOIS, gliulhjons 11111 t89ffilleet8. OFFICE OF JUE OF PROBATE,I Manning, S. C.. Aug-ust 1. 1900.f To Executors. Administrators, Guardians and Committees: Irespectfully call your attention to annexed statute6. You will Please give this matter early attention. Very respectfully. J. M. WINDIA.M. Judge of Probate. Sec. 2004-(1942). Executors. Administrators, Guardians and Committees. Shan innuall while any estate remains in their care or cus tody, at iny time before the first day of July of each year render to the Judge of Probate of the county frmwhom they obtain Letters Testa mentary or Letters of Administrators or Let ters of Guardianship, ew-. a just and true ac count. upon oath. of the receipts and expendi lures of such estate the preceding Caendar year which, when examined and approved shl be deposited with the Inventory and ap psremet or other papers belogng to suc ons as* ma e neestedin the"*st"ate(ude Approve the diday of Mairch,189. INSURANCE FIRE. LIFE. ACCIDENT & BURGLARY INSURANCE. Tailor-Made Clothing. AFLL LIE OF SAMPlLES. Carpets, Art Squares, RUGS. DRAPERIES & BIED SETS. Colored designs and samples of goods. Carpets sewed free and wadded linin;g fur -, nished FREE. J. L. WILSON. WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE WHEELER'S Chill and Fevr Tonic IS UNQUESTIONABLY .A. COnnXIine Tc~ni Guaranteed to Cure CHILLS AND FEVER. INTERMITTENT, BILIOUS AND CONTINUED FEVER. There is no occasion to proclaim its merits from the housetops, but those who have used WHEELER'S CHILL TONIC will tell their neighbors, " It has cured me and it will cure you." -FOR SALE BY THE R. B. LoRYEA Drug Store, ISAAC M1. LORYEA, Prop 'PHONE No. 2. - MANNING, s. C. Kodol Dyspepsia Cure Digests what you eat. This preparation contains all of the digestants and digests all kinds of oo. Itgives instant relief and never fails to cure. It allows you to eat all the food you want. The most sensitive stomachs can take it. By its use many thousands of dyspeptics have been cured after everything else failed. It prvnsfrmation of gas on the stom acrelieving all distress after eating. Dieting unnecessary. Pleasant totake. It can't help but do you good The R. B. Loryea Drug Store, Money to Lenid SOn improved farming lands. Termus: as long as wanted; interest, 7 per cent on large loans: 8 per cent on small loans. For particulars apply to LEE & MOISE, Attorneys, Sumter. S. C. J. N. McCOLLOUGH, Opposite Central Hotel. Give me a trial and 1 will give you the best work for little money. Satisfaction guaranteed. EMIIIS TheKind You HVeAlways Bought signatur * 0 s0eOee. 0 0 o0 00 0*.0 00 *00 MAST gSLAVx Copyright, 1901, 1 CHAPTER XII. THE LAW SCPrEME. SEPTEMBER of the year 1860 was exceptionally hot and dry even for the climate of Louisiana. Navigation of the Mississippi's tributaries was impracticable. The baked alluvion crumbled Into a depth of Impalpable dust, which rose in clouds at the dis turbance of a dog's trot. The stiff lands were of stony hardness. CreamS white lay the cotton fields on either side of the bayous to the green borders of the moss hung swamps, and the beds of the deep, yawning bayous themselves could almost be traversed dry shod. It was afternoon at the close of the month when Evaristc attired in the latest of the city's modes, alighted from his buggy at Mother Deshau telles' gate. Though he had driven the long distance from Red River landing, on the Mississippi. where he disem barked from the steamboat on his re turn from a visit to New Orleans, he appeared neither travel stained nor heated. Rather he looked spotless and cool. Laure, in a gown of stuff which might have been woven of the spider's web and which clung lovingly to her perfect figure, welcomed him with a warmth of manner which would have proved fatal to any of her 20 Gas conoid admirers. Her beauty, though dark, was rich, dazzling and dangerous, and she knew It. She realized the pow er of a smile made up of glistening teeth and parted carmine lips. heglint ing of deep brown eyes. tLe arch pose of a pretty head and the springing step of dainty feet were a poem of health and vitality of her own composi tion. But the narrow forehead and mouth spoke as much of will as of love. She led Evariste to the shaded veran da and, serving him a draft of refresh Ing wine, said: "Now tell me. great traveler that you are, all about the wonders of the grand city, for you know I have never been there." "Oh, no," he replied. "I saw no won ders except miles of steaming streets and swarms of sweltering people." "Nothing short of Paris for you, then?" said Laure. "Well, I might compromise on Vien na or possibly Nice. But see, Laure, what I bring you." Evariste took from his pocket a small packet, opening which she discovered a dainty Russia leather and satin lined case. with gold en Initials "L. L." inlaid upon it and within It the watch given her by Quille bert, which Evariste had taken to be repaired In New Orleans. Lifting the watch, she discovered at the end of the chain a charm, a gold crescent studded with wine red rubies and sparkling dia monds. She could not speak her delight at once, but looked in an ecstasy from the jewel to the young man and from him to the jewel-her face would then have been an artist's treasure-until words came to her, when she exclaimed: "From you to me?" "If you will accept." be said. "I do accept." she cried. "and shall prize this crescent as the most precious of my possessiopis. But what will Es telle say?" "What will Quillebert say?" returned Evariste, with some shade of irritation in his voice. "Why?" asked Laure, startled. "He gave you the watch and chain," he said. "And she gave you the"- She check ed herself and bit her lip In vexation. "The what, Laure? Say it and let it go." "Forgive me, my friend. Yes, let it go and with it any thought of those two persons who" "Let us not speak ill of the absent, but talk of other things. Be prepared for unwelcome news from the city later on. Quillebart will lose the suit." "Why do you say that?" "Because I heard the arguments In the supreme court and thought I ob served their effect upon the judges and the assembled lawyers. The whole matter Is exceedingly distasteful to me, as you know; still I could not well d.e cline my brother's invitation tobe pres ent at the trial of the appeal. Zabourin made a learned and forcible effort for Quillebert, quoting authorities and drawing deductions which appeared absolutely unanswerable. But Horace, with an ease at which I marveled, met every proposition, and his irresistible logic picked it Into shreds. He ex posed the sophistries of Zabourin's con tention and flung them aside. With childlike simplicity of language he made Leon's case so plain that every layman understood the principles on which It rested as thoroughly as did the most learned lawyer, and with the eloquence that comes of unaffected earnestness he held up the justice and equity supporting the decision of Judge Tailleur. Be appeared to carry every man within hearing of his voice, and when he concluded It seemed that all doubts of the righteousness of his case had been demolished. His peroration was beautiful and pathetic without being theatrical-in fact, was what they call a prose poem. I was as much amazed as any of his hearers could have been. I cannot divine when and where he got all the wealth and vari ety of learning he displayed in that ad dress." Laure was Interested, but not pleas ed, by Evariste's glowing account of his brother's brilliant and masterly ora tory. "Where Is M. Horace?" she asked. "He came up on the boat with you?" "No. Why?" "Oh, nothing. I only supposed he had returned with you and stopped at Es tele's. That is what he will do when he does come back." "Laure, why do you persist in such allusions. You surely know full well how they wound me." "Of course I do. But It Is not to wound you. No; it Is to make you see who they are that care nothing for your happiness. That gIrl is as indif ferent to you as the pearl whose beau ty she vainly affects. She reaches for fortune; you have none. She aspires to American ladyship; you are a creole. Stay with your kind, my-friend. It will pay you best in the long run." This speech was a whip cut to Eva riste's spirit, and words of chagrin and anger rose to his lips, yet he forced them back and, consummate actor that be wasaveo no sian of his smffe-in2. 49 'T. H. THORPE * e.* y T. H. Thorpe. . eWVVI * 4 eW1 "ion nave not told me where your brother 1s," Lanue sai. fondling the crescent loviugly. "I left him at New Orleans talking politics. One hears nothing else there now. Thei suppo:ers of Dreckinridge encourage Horace to run for congress, and he is quite willing to do so, though he tells them he is opposed to the ex tension of slavery. They regard tho race as being entirely between Mr. Breckinridge and Mr. Douglas. Lin coln's candidacy is laughed at." "If the lawsuit should be decided against M. Horace, lie will be bitterly opposed in this parish," Laure ob ser-ved. ."That is a very big if," Evariste re plied. "And if Lincoln should win a great niany plans will be upset. I know nAthing of politics, but they say these things on the highlands." Laure smil ed apologetically. "You must make that 'if' still larger. Laure. The great heads in the city will hardly admit that Lincoln is running." "I have heard my grandfather say there were just two smart men in this parish-Baldouino and Quiliebert-one gifted as if from God, the other as if by the devil." "Well?" queried Evariste. "I have also heard that Baldouino sa' not long ago that If both Douglas an Breckinridge are candidates to the end Lincoln will be elected president, and Quillebert has said that he will win the suit in the supreme court." Laure had spoken with a positiveness that was not without its effect upon Evariste. and as he pursued his jour ney homeward he seriously revolved in his mind these possibilities and their bearing upon his own alms and inter ests. Oakfell returned a week later, and his supporters set actively to work to secure a favorable delegation to the convention called to met at Baton Rouge on the 15th day of October. They were successful. though considerable strength was developed against him. It was believed te would receive the nomination, which would be tanta mount to election. His friends proud ly anticipated the distinction his career In congress would give to the parish and had agreed upon three representa tive citizens to accompany him In a short canvass of the district after the convention. He had spent a happy hour with Estelle and was sitting In his plantation office thinking of her when Leon brought letters and papers from New Orleans just arrived by way of the Red River landing. One bulky envelope bore the card of a profes sional friend of whom he had request ed the earliest possible news of the court's judgment. The letter said: "I caused a copy to be made of the opinion handed down by the supreme court this morning In the suit of Leon Queyrouze versus Quillebert for free dom and mail it by today's boat In order that you may know the result before tomorrow's newspapers can reach you. The chief justice was the organ of the court and had the con currence of thr-ee of the associates. One justice, as you will notice, dis sented." Quivering with interest,-he read the following dictum of the highest court of the state, penned by Its chief justice: "The plaintiff, with his mother and other children, were inventoried as be longing to the estate of Queyronze. One Poydre, actIng as agent for the heirs, made sale of the property, with the exception of the boy Leon. He sold the mother of the plaintiff and her oth er children to the defendant Quillebert. Leon himself was expressly exempted from the sale, being then In the keep ing of one Mrs. Wyley. to whom he had been sent by the expressed wish of Quyrouze. About nine years after the defendant obtaIned possession of the pliantiff and enjoyed the benefit of his labor until he ran away after the Institt.tion of this suit. "There is testimony In the record to show that Queyrouze and his heirs in tendedI that Leon should be free and some conversations in which he said he was free. The plaintiff, however, never asserted bis freedom and never left tlhe service of the defendant until he absconded after the bringing of this suit. On the contrary, be admitted he was a slave to a person whom he wished to bargain for him. "Howvever desirous the heirs of Quey rouze may have been that the plaintiff should become free, their wishes alone could not make him so. This being a matter affecting the public order, It required the action of the public au thorities before it could be brought about. "It is apparent that in this contro versy it Is a matter of no consequence who is the owner, whether Quillebert or the heirs of Queyrouze. The only question which we can consider is whether the plaintiff had acquired the status of a free person of color prior to the promulgation of the act of 1857, which now prohibits emancipation. "It is quite clear that the plaintiff has never enjoyed his liberty for one week, much less the space of len years. He has been all his life under the con trol of others, who have enjoyed the benefit of his labor. -It matters not, so far as this controversy is concerned, whether the defendent Quillebert has acted in .good or bad faith or whether he has acted agaInst the wishes of the heirs of Queyrouze. If the plaintiff canot show the facts on which the law declares his emancipation or free dom, he must fail in his action. "The judgment of the lower court, which was in favor of the plaintiff, must be reversed." Oakfell with burning eyes read again these words of the chief justice: "It is a matter of no consequence who Is own er, whether Quillebert or the heirs of Queyrouze." "It matters not whether the defendant Quilebert has acted in good or bad faith or whether he acted against the wishes of the heirs of Quey rouze." Sick at heart, he let fall the paper and lowered his head, murmuring: "He Einds his felIcw guilty of a skin Not colored liie his; :v~ urd. having power To cnforce ta vern. e uch a worthy cause Dooms and devotes him a~s his lawful prey." From his gloomy reflection he was re called by the voice of Leon at the door, saying: "Mr. Horace, are you sick? Is any 'thing wrong?" "Yes: I never was so sick as now, and Bomething has gone wrong. Leon, the supreme court hr-s adjudged you a "O merciful God!" Leon groaned, clutching a chair for support. "Save me from that man, Mr. Horace, or kill me!" "Save yourself. Take a good horse from the stable and fly for your life. Never stop until you are where that human wolf cannot reach you. The cursed news may not be known to any one else in the parish for tw days yet, and, if so, you will have that much start. Take this and go." Oakfell gave him a sum of money. "Some day I will prove I am grateful for all your goodness. sir," said the poor fellow, retreating from the door. Soon the muffled sound of a horse speed ing over the dusty road was heard, and Leon was again a runaway slave. The newspapers of the city arrived two days later, bringing the intelli gence of the supreme court's ruling, with editorial remarks cormending it as a timely check to abolitionist propa ganda. Great was the rejoicing on the highlands. The cabarets had a day of business recalling that of the trial. Dede did so thriving a trade that he was put to bed early in the afternoon, leaving the harvest to the madame. At night bonfires were lighted, and po nies clattered and flitted across the prairie, their courses indicated by the cracking of pistols and shrill cries of "Long live Quillebert!" "Down with Oakfell!" The victor received the congratula tions of his admirers at Dede's with profuse entertainment of gumbo and rum, but with the t?- :luillity of a strategist who had foreseen success planned through feigned retreat. Prat jean's lips and eyes were beyond con trol and continued to dance long after the hot rum had stilled his tongue. Oakfell assembled his friends and, explaining that the decision could'be used as an effective weapon against him in the convention, requested their leave to withdraw his candidacy. Aft er.much discussion the justness of his view was conceded. and the consent he desired was given. A formal note was received from Pratjean demanding the return to his client Quillebert of the slave Leon. who. the writer said, was harbored by Cakfell. It was consigned to the flames. A little letter came through the local post saying. "I suffer for poor Odette's grief, but more be cause you suffer and through my fault." This was not consigned to the flames. The result of the litigation was a se vere shock to the young lawyer. His confidence in his fellow men was weak ened. le lost respect for authorities. Ambitions seemed but snares to peace of mind. Wrong. chicanery and cruel ty appeared essential to success. His brother, upon whom he had lavished so much affection, could not or did not cheer his drooping spirit. The time "Save me from that man!"' was sadly out of joint; the adjustment was that of the powerful, "brief, com fortable and wrong." Thus dejected and gloomy, he wan dered for days about the plantation, not caring to read, avoiding converse, unable to feel interest in what had formerly engrossed him, when .in the early days of November came the in telligence, astounding, incredible, yet verified, that Abraham Lincoln had been elected president of the United States. CHAPTER XIII. TURIBID wATEES. IE now seemed to quicken its fgh.Events trod on the heels of events in scramble - nd hurry of occurrence. Dis integration of institutions, en terprises and associations, public and social, appeared everywhere like a cor roding disease, and demoralization 'was the rankest of growths. Secession, civ i1 war, suspension of industries, gath erings and departures of volunteers, dissensions and suspicions, dread of the negro-4dumb cause of contention gave somber color to the life of fair Avoyelles. The first banner flung to the breeze was. the flag of France, hoisted by Quillebert over his dwelling, thus warning both factions that molestation of him or his would be at the peril of his imperial master's displeasure. Oakfell was instant to take his stand, Though discountenancing negro slav ery, he was wedded to the doctrine of state sovereignty and in its defense buckled on his sword. He was choseri lieutenant of the company of horse or ganized under the captaincy of Judge Honore Victor Tailleur, whom Prat jean succeeded on the bench. '..he ay approached for the~ company to proceed to New; Orleans Cor assign ment to its regimem. and brigade, to be forwarded to the front. The half brothers held a long conference in the plantation oflece. "Evariste," Horace said, "I do not concur in the general belief that this strife will end in 00 days. My fore cast is that it wvill extend into years and will be fierce and desolating. My life has known three sweet affections which have been as incense to it. The love I bore your mother still clings to her memory. All my yearnings for kinship have been centered upon you, whom I have cherished as son, brother and friend and have sought to shield from the rude experiences of life. Though absent, I wish to leave my pro tection with you and for that entreat you to promise that under no circum stances wvill you enter the military service during the coming war. I leave with you full authority to manage all my interests, and this will supply you with ample means to purchase exemp tion from any call which may be made for troops. Promise me, Evariste." "Would not that be taken as coward Ice?' asked Evariste. "Not necessarily," replied Horace, "after what I will say to our friends on the subject. But, even if it should, make that sacrifiee for may sake and give me your promise. for should you enlist my anxiety for you would on man me as a soldier, and should you be killed this would never be home for me again. Promise me, my boy." Evariste walked to the door and look ed out into the starlit night. Return ing, he gave his hand to Horace and said, as if he had strtggled: "I thank you, Evariste. Now let us pass to another subject near my heart. You know I have intended always to divide with you all I own. Such is still my purpose. Perhaps it should have been done in form before this, but you I have never intimated the wish, and I have been much distracted by other matters. But it is here provided for." Giving him a sealed envelope. he con tinued: "If I fall, open this ai:d act up on it. A second and last pledge you must give me. I told you three af'ec tions have made life sweet to me. The last, Evariste, is my love for Estelle Latiolais." Evariste's heart suddenly ceased to beat He felt himself falling from his chair, but clutched the arms with tightening grasp and by a supreme ef fort of will restored his self command without drawing his brother's notice. The latter continued: "I need not tell you what this love is to nic. You can well understand that it is more than food, drink, air, rest or sleep. It is all that makes life. Yet I have never told her of my love." "You have not?" Evariste exclaimed quickly. "I have not." "But you will before you go?" he ask ed anxiously. "I will not," replied Horace, and Eva riste breathed freely. "The fate that awaits me as a sol dier," Horace resumed, "is so uncertain that it would be unjust to leave her plighted, though I knew my love to be returned, and I have no such knowl edge. Now, Evariste, you are well aware of the weakness of her old grandfather and how profitless to her is his guardianship-ndeed, how sadly she needs protection against his im providence; also you cannot be ignorant of the baneful influence exercised over the old gentleman by that conscience less wretch Quillebert. Swear to me, brother, by all you hold most sacred that you will advise, aid and protect her against the mischiefs these two may work to her fortune and defend her from danger and harm in every form. I place you on guard; give her In charge to you. Swear you will pre serve her safe till my return." Oak fell's feelings had mastered him, and his eloquent eyes welled over. "I make the promise and swear to keep it," said Evariste. "A wealth of gratitude shall be your reward," Horace cried, embracing him warmly, and the brothers spoke good night. Wearing for the first time his mili tary uniform, Oakfell paid his visit of Oafuswth-cin ade to~ Esel nteev ftecm panys dpartre.Bot hadschole thmeve- o teodel-het p pea brv9n et epbc h wod oflv thtwreee rsn fromhis eartto hs lis. A is sua in uchtrilsth resul wa dlue "aeose"Oakfell saidonact ak Igadie Estae perhap beven tsome phany' deparure Bontrin yoar schoole, tohapprove for theodeal, syour onpy ar yourave admited to kee, bac theg wos ofialoe t weeer singex tnt subjctas the ruilet'ws dina wtemtion. Ihage saf brote say e nderstood thng toter beteehn you "Most rein an givnt braeh.il "Memoell," Oakfellrd sai ouak ug alee one he peras be se utenl. Repan hmy acnd trs beg you pltoy p deoie. Lll, ou nlyl kinsmasns yrise.I haut hors~e hpmro thi ecaavser, kos rointyl carac trand ouhve aditnedt to-heis, mthrg hi aile guieknesby him becaue ex tent subject Ete ullebid er tremina ion.ce havedin chare my roerly. "We anins," shingsd pnn to stndbtwe yoat And cocade of Evrite acptd he cArged Eere ao sd. feln "Mostd passinly andssingl he hand. keep rI,O f ansdwered. yu"isol Isul ay no oe, histre heastru as plictly mdemielho sold behny perl ord crisi aise ih hhartee snken.fo thisfecaswte cton. his f chas mkinmorjy. I will be guiant copy hmbeaus pranu ied forbidin maorea o hey "ea. bti, shein ad, pinn a aingtohsca a nyecekaef d weed creodes sweaersionateley, aisgr skind Aueorn, ansoldsp byoustnc."Nn "Argevot Yasnd Godiless"-ho Eseus couldo say noepre, uhrew plaer arms autOersinte whkeepdbeinghissser and wetrmifer foloer were bokn akin toej. Adi e tr ek Ide were aswallntedompny tht prac etddto the byumoat the acstam eboladng amirsd toza adavingu handeriefios of dark peype icreoasd bepuhehis bynurey fair skieda tioseradn soldcsaieryisnct.life eritant valsins orottwon, refus andmdemdlynolowegod prires Oak thes markts of the old.r Thouhtey bargo wreasld u by the oiteapo sxotadard to the mst.pe be sccs daity. sugge crigos ownh tme and privaonsadts of the pB nrasedo hrne.pse i etrsadseua tins strange mpnecessaie o e a eorbitantlatiDedes forartto, wutiso cogrossed wermthe negodsprices the thein markes of their isoutio that brgo was ol y iletoriesr o Teprtato ofa the stple hersesar fllysmugontabad cargotes owas the Aevdtch thereg shrig bay shol Fetrders and ingugof eyes, ack-b Etseloe won replld noefthea aicios engrossed+werete unewnos wittie with Evariste's explanation that his intimacy with Quillebert and the caba ret was intended to enable him the bet ter to guard her grandfather, for it was true that Leonidas was almost dai ly the third of the trio at Dede's test ing the fortune of cards -with Quille bert; that he made periodical settle ments of losses by giving promissory notes, and habitually reached his gate stupefied by potations of rum. After one of these seances, the old man having been lifted to his saddle and his horse's head turned home ward, Quillebert and Evariste sat at table in the cabaret, the former drink ing brandy, the latter sipping a light wine. "How much of Latiolais' paper do you hold?" asked Evariste. "Sixteen thousand dollars, to be paid in gold," Quillebert answered. "How much of it Is secured by mort gage?" "Eleven thousand dollars." "What will you take for half the whole batch?" "Fifty bales of cotton." "Have I that much under your shed now ?" "Yes; more." "Where are the notes?" "At my house." "Will you transfer them today?" "Yes, if you will come with me. But why do you want this paper, and what need is there for such haste?" "It does not concern you to know. Come," Evariste said, rising from his chair. "I am not so sure of that," replied Quillebert, following him. The exchange having been completed, Evariste continued on to the Latiolais home. Most solicitously he plied Es telle with inquiry as to her comfort and health, the affairs of her planta tion and behavior of her slaves. "None of these matters gives me the care that my dear grandfather does, M. Evariste," she said sadly. "Not only does his Intemperance increase appallingly, but he seems haunted by some secret fear, and he cannot sleep unless in his cups or under the effect of a drug. So kind, so gentle and lov ing, it is killing me to see his old age thus miserable. I am sure much of It is due to his association with M. Quille bert. Oh, can you not stand between him and that wicked man?" "Mademoiselle, believe me, I am sm cerely distressed by what you say and am doing all I properly can to effect what you desire. A more direct Inter ference on my part would be resented by M. Latiolais and render me power less for future service In his behalf. But let us be hopeful. For your sake I will be watchful and ready to act for his protection." Evariste accompanied his words with look and gesture of sin cerest devotion. "I know you will. I know you will," Estelle replied, "and I trust in your friendship and tact unquestioningly, as your noble brother bade me." Evariste flushed and said: "Is It impossible for me to win your confidence by my own merit, made moiselle? Must I have it only at the bidding of'another, though that other be my brother?" "IM. Evariste," Estelle exclaimed, "do not speak so! You wrong yourself, your brother and me by such words." "Possibly, but I have feelings, though you persist In ignoring them." "My friend, forgive me if a word of ine has wounded you. I did not so intend. Your brother always delighted at the mention of you, and I suppos "Yes, mademoiselle, except when he is held up as the lens through which alone I am seen. I only mean that I strive by my own endeavors to deserve your trust and seek it not through- the Inspiration of another." "I do trust you, Md. Evariste, because, being Horace Oakfell's brother, you cannot but deserve to be trusted," she said firmly. This display of loyalty to Horace staggered him, and he retired, nettled and meditating things which boded no good to the dependent girl's peace. - The second year of the war witnessed a. second conscription of recruits to Gave vent to her overwrought feelings. strengthen the armies at the front, and Evariste's name was drawn, to the in inite amusement of Quillebert and Dede. He joined in the merriment and by the application of 4,000 francs sent Dominique Binoret of Par en Haut to the enrolling officer in his stead. Six weeks later Dominique was capering as nimbly as ever at the gumbo balls of Bayou Blanc, vanishing with the stars of morning and as completely. Evariste hastened to explain to Estelle that his sending of a substitute was n fulfillment of the promise ex acted from him by his broth'er, adding cynically: "Therefore, mademoiselle, you will not only acquit but you will praise me." But when at sight of him Laure sang teasingly, "Soldier, soldier, marry, marry me; I will give you a fife and drum," he was annoyed not a little. "Very well," said he; "If you wish it so very much, mademoiselle, I can vol unteer and march to the battlefields, gaining the credit for two recruits in stead of one." "No, you must not; you shall not," said Laure, suddenly dropping her gay ety and showing alarm. "It is not your fight. You own neither slave nor land to fight for. Even the gains of your ventures with Md. Quillebert you must account for to your hero brother f he returns, for they were made by the use of his money." "Laure, why are you continually say Ing things which you know vex me?" "Because I want you to realize your situation, learn the truth, see your in terest and know who are your friends. Does that girl over there," extending her arm in the direction of Estelle's home, "ever tell you a truth for your profit?' "She does not presume to advise me," Evariste replied. "A little presumption in the way of good advice would be but slight return for your devoted protection of herself A he.. Anotng, gandfather, nrotectionn so disinterested and costing~ so much self sacrifice on your part." Laure laughed contemptuously, assuming a mock attitude of humility and lifting her saucy eyes to the young man's burning face. "Do you make bold to insinuate that I am acting selfishly?" S"Oh, I do not call It making bold to say what I know or what I think, and I never insinuate." "How, then, can you know my mo tives save as they are indicated by my acts?" "I am the granddaughter of the doc tress," she said haughtily. "Bah!" exclaimed Evariste. "Have a care, Evariste; have a care. The doctress must not be insulted." Laure's warning was so serious and dramatic that Evariste Involuntarily checked the impetuosity of his manner. He said: "Laure, I meant no Insult, no disre spect Her relationship to you would forbid that. We are friends?" "Friends?" she repeated. "I am your friend. I do not believe anything could make me other than y6ur friend. But what does it mean to be friend to one? Is It n6t to tell the truth and warn away from danger? I am not convent taught, and I know nothing of what are called convent proprieties, but I do know when to speak and what to speak to a friend who is blindly endan gering his career. Hear me well. Openly join hands with Quillebert and trust in. me, and Independence and hap piness will be yours. Pursue your dou ble faced course with that tearful chit, and upon your brother's return your post will be that of servile dependence upon his bounty. Bold? Yes, because I feel the truth and say It for your sake and"-turning away and hiding her face, she sobbed-"for mine." "Laure, you have said too much!" he exclaimed hotly and started away. "The senseless infatuation for a girl who despises you makes you say that. But time will show. You will come to me yet. You are of my kind. You will come to me yet" Her eyes blazed with passion as she confronted him again, and her words seemed to burn their way into his soul. She ran into the forest and, throwing herself at the foot of a familiar old oak tree, gave vent to her overwrought feelings in a fit of vio lent weeping. Then, bathing her cheeks and eyes in the cool waters of the ma rais, she stood long upon Its edge, thinking intently. Setting her teeth firmly and clinching her little fists, she mentally vowed, "I will It-he shall be mine!" and returned to the cottage with the bright look and airy step of one whose spirit had never known tribulation. But Evariste's agitation was not so quickly allayed. He now saw in Laure an active, interested hinderer of his designs. He could not estimate the po tentiality of her Influence with Quille bert, who could make disclosures fatal to him in the regard of the pure hearted Estelle. He recognized that he had made no progress in her goodagraces. Difficulties accumulated, but they only hardened his determination and drove him to devise a course of action of swift and heroic severity in ending all uncertainty. The event on which this policy depended, though abhorrent, was one for which he devoutly wished. Laure's speech had stung him, and he swore Estelle LatiolaIs should be his bride. CHAPTER XIV. THE BLIGHT OF WAB. ITH the line of Federal oc cupation extending along wthe east bank of the Mis sissippi from New Orleans to Vicksburg and the Con federate army of the transmississlppi department hovering about the western and northern borders of Louisiana, the people of Avoyelles were in a state of Insulation which made life harder day by day and at times appeared to men ace even the very possibilities of exist ence. Commercial navigation of the rivers, on which they depended for much of their supplies, was stopped. A number of the largest planters had taken refuge with their slaves and ani mals in Texas and the Indian Terri tory. The scarcity of all staples of food and clothing increasing from month to month, labor was but poorly sustained and diminished crops were cultivated under formidable and multi plying difficulties. Medicines were a desideratum sorely needed. Privations and suffering'were present actualities. Selfishness grew apace, community interests waned, social phases disap peared, and indifference to neighbor hood concerns prevailed. And thus it was that, though a numerous cortege attended the obsequies of Mother De shautelles, the doctress, who was found dead In her thronelike chair, with Egyptian cotton in her hands and an unfinised fillet in her lap, yet when Laure accepted the protection of Quille bert and. became his- housekeeper, an event which In normal times would have set the entire parish by the ears, the spirit of gossip and censure mate riaized now in mere shruggings of shoulders and shakings of heads. On returning to the cottage after the fu neral Quillebert had said to her: "You cannot live here alone. Your father and I were friends. I am older han he would be if alive. Do not mind what these dolts about here may say. Look to your own Interests. Come to my house. When this war is ended and I have finished the harvest It yields to me, I may go back to France to end my days. Perhaps we may then mar ry." And Laure had replied:, "No; we will not marry then or ever, but I will go and keep your house. I have no kin here. It is nothing to me what the neighbors say. I can truly speak worse of them than they of me, and they know It. I am not beholden to any one and will make my way ac tordng to my own notions, not those of others." In the autumn of 1862 news percolat ed into Marksville and thence spread rapidly that a terrible battle had been fught near Perryville, in Kentucky, between divisions of the armies com manded by General Buell on the Union side and General Bragg on the Con federate and that Judge Tailleur and Horace Oakfell had been slain and left on tbe bloody field by -their retreating comrades. For many months the re port could not be verified or tested, communication with the army of the southwest being cut off by the Federal lines east of the Mississippi, but gen eral credence was given to It An add ed gloom settled upon the people. Father Grhe strove in vain to prevent these tidings from reaching Estelle. She staggered as If under a bludgeon's blow, but tears came not to her relief. Odette knelt beside her and repeated like a devotee telling beads: "There is no proof Mr. Horace Is dead. Then, mistress, do not believe It." And by dint of her strange persistency she lodged a doubt in Estelle's mind, which brought her the consolation of a frail hope. Quillebert gave the intelligence to Laure witha chuckle and observed:. rCnnuend on noetna. Roofing Paper. 3-ply Roofing Paper.......75c per roll. 2-ply Roofiig Paper.......52c per roll. 1-ply Tarred Paper........$35 per ton. Rosin-Sized Sheathing Paper, 17 lbs. per roll..................30c per roll. 20-lb. Paper...............38c per roll. 30-lb. Paper...............50c 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. 0ROH1 PORRIND Mi W.9 94-96 E. Bay St., CHARLESTON, S. C, WroTICP2. 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 B081Li10e 01861101 M9111l199 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 TREAsum'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 15 per cent attaches to all unpaid taxes. The following is the tax levy: For State purposes, five (5) mills. For Constitutional School Taxjthree (3) mills. For Ordinary County Tax, three (3) mills. Total, 1U mills (separate from Special School Tax.) Special one (1) mill, School Tax, School District No. "24". 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 14 mills; Special four (4) mills, .School Tax, School DistrictsNo. "7", "9","19","20" and "22". Total 15 mills. 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 Roid Tax shall be paid for the succeed ing year when State and County Taxes are paid. S. J. BOWMAN, Treasurer Clarendon County. WHEN YOU COMB TO TOWN CALL AT WELLS' SHAVING SALOON Which is fitted up with an oye to the comfort of his customers. . HAIR CUTTIN(* IN ALL STYLES, SH AVING AND S HA MPO OING Done with neatness-a 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 $1.10 per doz. Kufheiser-Pints, at..90c per doz. Germania P. M.-Pints, at 90c per doz, GERMAN MALT EX TRACT. A liquid Tonic and Food for Nuirsing Mothers and Invalids. Brewed from the highest grade of Barley Malt 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 careful attention.' Cash must accompany all orders. CERMANIA BREWING CO., Charleston, S. C. MONEY TO LOAN. I am prepared to negotiate loans on good real estate security, on rea sonable terms. R. 0. PURDY, Sumter, S. C. Gu"aite $900 Saar YEARLY. us. sorne to travel ppointing agents other or local worke looking after our interests. $900 alar guarateed yearly;cext commsin lished house. Grand chance for earnest man or liera income and future New brilin lines. Write at once. STAFFORO PRESS. 23 Chuzrch St., New Haven, Conn. Money to Loan. APPLY TO WILSON & DuRANT. SURVEYOR'S CARD. Parties desiring surveys and p lats made will receive my most careful and accurate attention. I am supplied with improved instru ments. Address, S. 0. CANTEY, Suznznerton, S. C. ADVICE AS TO PATENTABILITY F E Nodieran"Inent tsee"ed