The establishment of Mr. Cross, up in the barrens, had not much to boast
of as to its architecture or location. It consisted of a long, low
building, formed of logs, but covered with boards, and the roof
shingled. Attached to it were several buildings, constructed entirely of
logs, but well shingled roofs were over the whole of them, and they were
otherwise finished, so as to impress the beholder with the idea that the
owner was in very different circumstances from those who occupied such
buildings for many miles circuit. In front of this main house ran a
piazza, its full length; while upon a tall pine tree, nearly opposite
the centre of the premises, hung a rude sign, with the owner's name, D.
Cross, in large letters on the bottom. The inside of the building
presented a mongrel appearance of store and tavern; a little of both,
and not much of either. There was a counter, and small scales upon it;
with decanters, and a few dirty tumblers at one end. Barrels were
standing in different parts of the room. There were one or two plain
board tables, and a few benches, besides two chairs with backs, and
several without. Three large casks were placed together against one side
of the wall, and the faucets in them clearly told for what purpose they
were used. Behind the counter ran some long shelves, upon which lay
jumbled together a little iron ware, a little crockery, and very limited
assortment of dry goods.
The location was not an unpleasant one for those who admire the
seclusion of a forest; for lofty pines towered on all sides of it,
except to the north, where a clearing having been made, probably when
the house was erected, a thick growth of scrub pines had come forward,
and presented the appearance of a swamp.
There was, however, somewhat of a clear space immediately around the
building, formed by the meeting of three or four roads, running off into
different directions, and pointing out this spot to be, as it really
was, the centre of attraction and influence to all that region.
The owner of this domain, Mr. David Cross, had become, from causes which
have been explained in a previous chapter, a person of some
consideration; he owned quite a number of acres of heavily timbered
land, connectively with his house; and by various means had managed to
bring the whole population, at least for some miles circuit, into a
state of dependence upon himself. He was not gifted by nature with a
very commanding form, being rather under than over the medium height.
This deficiency, however, he did all he could to remedy, by holding
himself very erect; and as he was a little inclined to be fleshy, it
sometimes even appeared that he leaned backwards in his efforts to make
the most of himself.
The only member of Mr. Cross's family in any wise related to him, was
his son David; a young man of some activity in the way of business. But
having been tutored entirely by his father, it may be supposed he had
not the most correct notions in matters of morality; although, as yet,
no very flagrant charges had been laid up against him in the minds of
those who dealt there; for the very good reason, that the elder Mr.
Cross chose to keep things in his own hand, and bear all responsibility.
As to the mother of David, little was known respecting her--it was
supposed she had died when her child was an infant, for he had no
remembrance of her.
David was not unpopular with the inhabitants of the barrens. Being of a
lively turn, and of careless, open manners, they felt a freedom in his
presence, which was quite in contrast with the servile subjection they
ever had to realize when dealing with his father.
As the tavern of Mr. Cross was the only place where the laborers he
employed could find a lodging place during the season of the year when
their services were required--the distance from their own homes being
often too great to allow of return until the close of the week--it was
seldom that the place was without sojourners; and too many of them had
but a scanty allowance for their families, after their six days' toil.
It was a very warm day among the pines; no breeze abroad, and the air
from the heated sand almost suffocating. Mr. Cross was behind his
counter, busily employed in stirring the toddy stick, and waiting upon
those who were calling for their favourite mixture; some were leaning
over the counter, some resting on the benches, and not a few were lying
at full length upon the piazza, and in the shade of the pine, scanty as
it was, which served for the sign-post of the tavern, when the rumbling
of a carriage was heard, and the unusual sound attracted the notice of
all present. Those who were prostrate, arose at once, and looked forth
through the different openings; and those who were in the act of
drinking, suspended operations, and held their glasses on the counter,
casting glances of inquiry at Mr. Cross and at each other.
'It's Dave, I suppose,' said Mr. Cross; 'although I didn't think he'd be
along this hour yet.'
'That aint Dave,' replied one of the men; 'for it comes very slow, and
sounds heavy: I can tell Dave's buggy a mile off, by its rattle.'
Mr. Cross, apparently satisfied that there was truth in the remark,
walked slowly from behind the counter, and approaching the door, those
who were standing there hastily made way, and left the post of
observation to him alone; they collecting in groups on the outside.
Convinced that it was not his son's carriage that approached, the little
man stood with his hands in his pockets, his person straightened up, and
his eye intently fixed on the road upon which the heavy vehicle was
rumbling, and glimpses of which could be seen through occasional small
openings in the pines.
Soon the cleared space before the tavern was gained, and every eye
turned instinctively towards Cross, as though asking an explanation from
his countenance. The ruddy, or rather purple hue which it usually bore,
immediately assumed a higher color; his hands were withdrawn from their
resting-places, his head uncovered, and bustling through the crowd which
surrounded his door, he was bowing, and smiling, and doing his best to
play the agreeable, the moment the superb vehicle drew up before his
sign-post.
The travellers were indeed persons of no small consideration, if an
opinion could be formed from their equipage. The carriage was large and
airy, hanging low and gracefully upon long sweeping springs; of a dark
olive color, which contrasted finely with the light drab linings of the
inside. The horses were two noble blacks, caparisoned in brass mounted
harness, and driven by a negro somewhat advanced in life, and perched
upon a heavy luxurious cushion. He was neatly dressed, in the fashion of
days that were passing away, and was very much absorbed in the
management of his team; which, although covered with lather and dust,
were evidently full of mettle, and not at all fagged by their travel.
Within sat a gentleman and lady, youthful in appearance, with two
children; the eldest not over six years of age.
Mr. Cross did not wait for the footman to alight, but advancing to the
door.
'Mr. Rutherford, your servant, sir,' opened it, and threw down the
steps, before the gentleman had time to inform him that he was not
intending to leave the carriage.
'Your lady will surely want to rest a little; our accommodations,
indeed, are not much to boast of, but poor as they are, we shall be
proud to have you use them.'
The lady bowed to Mr. Cross, acknowledging that she felt obliged for his
offer.
'You must excuse us at present, Mr. Cross; we have some miles farther to
ride, and if you will show the footman where to procure a little water
for our horses, I will be much obliged to you.'
'Certainly, certainly; here, men, water, water; don't you hear? some
water for these horses.' There was a great rush among those standing
near to accomplish the request; but whether to obey Mr. Cross, or to
oblige the traveller, may be questioned; for they had heard his name,
and therefore knew that a man of more importance than Mr. Cross was
present.
But as there were reasons why the last-named gentleman should, if
possible, have an interview with his visitor, he felt that an effort
must be made to obtain one.
'If Mr. Rutherford could favor me by stepping aside, but for a moment,
it will not detain--'
'It would be scarcely worth while, Mr. Cross. I presume I know what you
wish to converse about; and I am not just now prepared to give you an
answer.'
'Ay--well, sir--I won't presume to dictate, sir; only you know we
usually make our contracts about this time, so that we may make some
calculations for hands, etc.'
'That's true, sir; but to be plain, Mr. Cross, I am not sure that I
shall not make some other arrangement, at least, so far as my interest
goes in these barrens. I do not feel satisfied with our present plan--we
pay great wages, you must be aware.'
'Stand back, men, stand back; don't you know civility enough not to be
crowding the gentleman?' Mr. Cross had his own reasons for not wishing
too many listeners; for some ideas might possibly be conveyed to them
not consonant with his interest.
'Our people are rough, as you see, madam,' addressing the lady, 'and
you'll pardon their ill manners.'
'No pardon at all necessary, Mr. Cross; these good people are not the
least in our way.' This the lady said in a voice sufficiently loud to be
heard by all present; and then, with a pleasant smile cast upon the
group, she asked,
'Will one of you be kind enough to bring me a glass of water for my
little girl?'
Not one, but several glasses were, in an instant almost, at the carriage
door. The lady took them all; and as they were returned to the brawny
hands held out to receive them, dropped a piece of silver in each.
'God bless you, lady!' responded at once each of the lucky attendants,
and a smile of pleasure lighted up all the dark countenances of the half
savage-looking beings, who were gazing in wonder at the equipage and its
inmates.
Mr. Cross was compelled to be a silent spectator of this little scene;
but the dark scowl which passed across his features told plainly that it
was not quite agreeable to him.
'Am I in the direct road to Widow Brown's?' inquired Mr. Rutherford,
casting a glance at the little man, and then around upon those present,
as though it was a matter of no consequence from whom he received the
answer. It came readily from many of the bystanders; the voice of Mr.
Cross being lost in their louder exclamations; even if he answered at
all, which is doubtful.
'Yes, sir--yes, sir; its about six miles from here; but you must turn to
the right hand when you get to the edge of the great swamp.'
'Thank you, thank you all; and here is a trifle for you, my friend,'
singling out the one who had procured the water for the horses, and
tossing him a silver dollar.
'God bless you, sir--you're a gentleman.'
'Good day, Mr. Cross.' He bowed respectfully to the host, and to all
the admiring group, and the heavy carriage rolled on its way.
Mr. Cross walked back into his stronghold with a very dissatisfied air,
while the men gathered outside in little knots, discussing the
strangeness of the whole scene, and wondering what ailed the old man,
'he seemed so out of sorts.' Scarcely had the carriage disappeared, when
a rattling was heard, and the rapid and heavy stamping of horses' feet,
and David Cross tore up to the door, among the groups of foresters,
scattering them to either side, with as little consideration as though
they had been so many sheep. Curses deep arose in their hearts, but came
not forth at their lips.
'Here, Jo, you put Bony in the stable, and rub him down--won't you?'
'Yes, sir,' was the ready answer. But the man addressed shook his head
so significantly, and jerked the horse so rudely, as he turned him
round, that if Mr. David, Junior, could have seen it, he would have
understood that his exploit in driving was not much relished by others,
if very agreeable to himself.
The elder Mr. Cross immediately led his son into a private room
adjoining the store, and with much anxiety in his countenance waited for
the result of the errand upon which he had been sent.
'Foster says, he has closed the bargain with old Ross; he is to give you
a quit-claim deed for all his right and title to the property in the
barrens, for the sum you named.'
'That's good--did he say anything further?'
'He said something about my telling you that he was on the look out;
that he would hunt like a cat for a mouse; but the old fool was afraid
to tell me what he meant.'
'Michael Foster is no fool; but, I suppose, he thinks it best to be mum.
Yet do you know Rutherford has been here?'
'No: has he?'
'Yes; and he refuses to make any contract this year; and I could see, by
his management with the men, what he's at: but he'll miss it. He'll have
to stoop his head yet, high as he holds it now.'
David made no reply; but, whistling a lively tune, walked away, and
mingled with the men, who were again gathering around the counter.
The travellers experienced no difficulty in finding their way, and soon
drew up before the humble residence of the widow.
'It looks better, my dear Mary, than I expected,' said Mr. Rutherford,
as he alighted from the carriage. He was about to enter the dwelling,
when Mrs. Brown appeared at the door. She was neatly dressed for one
living in so poor a place--that is, her plain dark calico was put on
with care, and she wore shoes and stockings--articles not often seen in
the barrens. She wore no cap, for her light brown hair was not at all
changed by age, and her countenance was as fresh and fair, almost, as at
twenty-one. She seemed surprised for an instant--
'Have you forgotten me, Aunt Mary?'
'This ain't Mr. George Rutherford?'
'Yes, it is--once your little Georgie.'
'Oh, dear! how glad I am to see you;' and the tears started to her eyes.
'And that is Mrs. Rutherford, and these are your dear little children.
How they _do_ look _just_ as you used to look.'
'We are all well acquainted with you, Mrs. Brown; for my husband is
continually talking about you.'
'Oh, dear! I never thought to see any of you again; for I did not
suppose you would ever get so far out of the world as to come here. I
cannot ask you to go into my poor house; but there are some seats under
the trees, where your lady might sit down, and--'
'Oh, Mrs. Brown, you don't think that your Georgie, as you used to call
him, has got a wife who would not go into a house many times worse than
yours, to see one he thinks so much of; so, with your leave, we will all
go in, for we have come on purpose to see you.'
'I am very happy, if he has got a lady who knows his worth.'
'Take care, Mrs. Brown, what you say; I am afraid you did a little
towards spoiling him when a boy: he is not out of danger yet.'
The family now passed into the cottage, while the widow and old Caesar
had a few kind salutations to make, 'ere she followed and took her seat
among them.
Many were the questions asked about the old homestead, for twelve years
had passed by since she was last there. Deaths, births, marriages,
changes of circumstances, and relations, how they had accumulated during
that period! and how often the tears would start, and the lip tremble,
as the recital went on! Her own story was but a short one; for many
things she was obliged to pass over, or touch lightly upon.
'But where is the little girl you had with you, when last at my
father's? she must be almost grown up now.'
'Oh, no; she is but a little girl still; she is only sixteen now; but
she is very obedient and kind-hearted.'
'Just like her mother.'
'Oh, I don't know as to that, ma'am; but she is an obedient child, and a
great comfort to me--and the best of all is, I hope she is a Christian.'
'That is good,' exclaimed Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford, at the same time.
'Ah--then you both love good things yourselves; don't you?'
'We hope we do.'
'The Lord be praised for his mercies. It seems to me always a great
thing for the rich to be pious--they can do so much good.'
'Yes, if they have a heart to do good. Is your daughter at home, Mrs.
Brown?'
'No, ma'am; but she will be here soon. She has gone to visit a neighbour
a little south of us, among the farmers. We have but a poor
neighbourhood around us; and you know young people want some one of
their own age to be with and talk to.'
'Why is it, Mrs. Brown, that the people in the barrens are so poor, and
apparently so degraded?--they get work enough, and are well paid for it.
My husband is very anxious about the matter, and wishes to remedy it if
he can.'
'Oh, well, ma'am; I don't know that I have got the right idea of things;
but it has appeared to me these many years that there must be wrong
management. Our men work hard, but are only able barely to live, as you
see; and for so many people to be all poor together, is a great evil.'
'Do you think, Mrs. Brown, that they get their pay?'
'I think they do, ma'am, in a certain way. Mr. Cross settles with them
every month, and keeps things square; but you know, ma'am, when a man
gets so much power into his hands as Mr. Cross has, he may be tempted to
do wrong because no one can bring him to account for it. The men are
obliged to take the wages he sees fit to allow them, as there is no one
in this region to give them employment.'
'And charges them what he pleases for the goods they must purchase?'
'It is pretty much so, ma'am. They must have the necessaries of life you
know, ma'am; and although they purchase only such things as their
families absolutely need, yet it is so managed, that they are brought a
little in debt at each settlement. Some think that he charges almost
double what the goods cost him; but, situated as they are, no one dares
complain, and so they go on from year to year.'
'This is slavery I think, Mary, with a vengeance,' said Mr. Rutherford,
looking at his wife.
'It is just as we expected, my dear.'
'Well, I hope, Mr. Rutherford, that I have not done injustice to Mr.
Cross. He has been good to me and mine. Perhaps, after all, the people
think hard of him without sufficient cause.'
'You have only confirmed my suspicions of the state of things here. You
know that I own a large part of these barrens; and, therefore, it is my
duty to look into matters, and not suffer evils to exist, if I can
remedy them.'
Mr. Rutherford then proceeded to touch upon matters more immediately
relating to the widow's personal interests, and which, in fact, had been
one of the objects of his visit. It was in reference to her removal from
this region, so destitute of privileges, to her former home, beneath his
own roof, where her children could be usefully employed, and herself
made comfortable.
It was some time before she could make any reply to this generous offer.
'You must not hesitate, Mrs. Brown, to accept this offer; for I assure
you, that I heartily join with my husband in it.'
'Oh, I thank you, ma'am; I believe you are sincere, and are acting from
the kindest motives, and perhaps you will think it strange that I should
hesitate a moment about accepting it.'
Just then, the conversation was interrupted by the entrance of Hettie.
Her appearance surprised Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford--the fine glow on her
cheek, the raven blackness of her hair and eyes, the pleasant smile that
immediately lighted up her countenance, the simple curtsey that she
dropped, all so pretty and so natural--they had not expected to meet so
lovely a flower in such a waste; and the widow must not be blamed if she
indulged some little pride as she presented her to their friend. Hettie
was her bright star; hope always rose when she appeared. An increasing
interest was excited in the minds of Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford, and the
subject of her removal again introduced.
'You cannot tell,' replied the widow, 'how much I feel the kindness of
your offer; and were only the interest of myself and Hettie to be
consulted, I should not long hesitate. But, oh! Mrs. Rutherford, you
cannot yet tell how a mother feels towards a wayward son. William is not
just what I could wish he was, but he still clings to me. I know he will
not be willing to leave these parts, unpromising as they are: for me to
separate from him, and allow him to go without restraint in the midst of
so many temptations, would be like giving him up to ruin; and I cannot
but hope he will one day be different from what he now is; the Lord, you
know, has many ways to bring back the wanderer.'
Her friends could urge no further the whole of their request, but
ventured to say--
'Will you not, Mrs. Brown, let us have Hettie? We will do for her as
well as we can.'
This proposal was one that she felt it her duty to accept, however
trying to be separated from one she loved so dearly.
After a short consultation with her daughter it was decided that she
should accompany them. Wishing to give them an opportunity to make some
little preparation, Mr. Rutherford concluded to drive into the open
country, which lay a little to the south of the widow's cottage--the
scene where our story commenced.
It was with an united exclamation that they first met the view which
opened to them, as they emerged from the pines.
'Ah, how beautiful!'
It was, indeed, a striking contrast to the region through which they had
been travelling.
The country was little varied by hill and dale, and in no wise improved
by the hand of man: for the houses which could be seen were but
unsightly buildings, and all the enclosures of the rudest kind; yet
common-place as was the face of the land, in connection with the
extensive water view, there was much to justify the exclamation--it was
a panorama delightful to those who had been so long riding amid the dark
monotony of a pine-forest.
On either side of the strip of country which lay immediately before
them, and around the whole view in front, was water: first a clear river
stealing down on the right, and then another on the left, each
hastening to mingle their waters in the beautiful bay, ere they rolled
to the ocean; in the distance, a long line of land stretching towards
the east, as far as the eye could reach, encircling an immense bay, and
losing itself where sky, and earth, and water are mingled in one; while
beautifully breaking the wild expanse of water, a strip of land ran out
into the bay, over whose crest could be seen, in the distance, the white
sail winging its way to the broad ocean.
Even old Caesar felt the animating influence of the scenery; and urging
on his horses by a cheering word, the carriage rolled along as fast as
was becoming such a stately concern.
'Whoa-a, whoa-up--whoa there.'
'Oh, Caesar! what's the matter?'
There was, at the same time, a fearful leaning to one side.
'Nuttin', missus; only de wheel cum off.'
It was, to be sure, nothing else; but that of itself was sufficient to
prevent any farther progress for the time being. Caesar and his master
were soon down; the horses detached from the carriage, and the wheel
picked up and brought to its place.
''Tis all right, Massa George, only de linch-pin is gone; may be me find
um.'
And very diligent was the search for the lost pin, but to no purpose;
the prospect, indeed, was not the most agreeable; for a long road must
be retraced ere home could be reached.
A young man from an adjoining field, seeing their dilemma, hastened to
offer his aid. Very soon rails were procured, and by means of them the
heavy coach was raised, and the recusant wheel replaced; and then the
young man who showed much readiness to assist, as well as ingenuity,
procuring a bit of hard wood, began whittling it into the shape of a
pin.
'Mister, what a' yo goin' to do wid dat 'tick?'
'I'm making a pin for you, daddy.'
'My golly! you no t'ink dat hold dem big wheel on. No blacksmith nowhere
here?'
'Yes; there is one not far off; but you want something to keep your
wheel on until you can get the carriage there.'
'Why me no bring him here when he makes de pin?'
'Why, you see, daddy, he will want the measure of the hole to make it
by; and the old man does not like to walk very much, as he is fat and
clumsy. It will be as much as we can do to get him to make the pin at
all; he don't like to work such hot weather.'
'Ay, ay. Well, den; you right, bubby.'
With that Caesar prepared to attach the horses to the carriage, while the
family walked on towards the little low building with a high chimney,
which was pointed out to them.
As the carriage drove up, a very fleshy person was seen waddling towards
the door, and putting one arm out on each side, supported himself in the
doorway. He looked at the coach, and the horses, and the driver,
alternately, in great astonishment. He saw the old black smile, but took
no notice of it; and fixed his eye at length on the long sweeping
braces, as though wondering where such powerful springs were made.
'Massa Cutter forget me.' The old man cast his eye up.
'Massa Cutter no 'member Caesar?'
'Caesar--Caesar--what, not Caesar Rutherford? No--yes--so it is--why, you
old rascal, how do you do? Give us your fist. I thought, when you showed
your teeth at me, that I'd seen you before. But you grow old, man--your
head is all getting white.'
'Ha, ha, ha; Massa Cutter growin' old, too, and big! My! what a sight!
Good livin' I 'tink here, Massa Cutter.'
'Good living--there's no living at all--it's too hot to live; nothing
but salamanders could stand it. But what's brought you here?'
'Oh, you see, Massa Cutter, me lose de linch-pin; so dis young gemman
tell me de blacksmith close by; but I no 'spect to see Massa Cutter--ha,
ha, ha!'
'And you want me to make a new one, do you?'
'If you please.'
'Here, Bill Andrews, since you have been so helpful to these folks, and
helped them here, you may just come and help me; so take hold of them
'tarnal old bellows, and blow for your life.'
'That I will, Uncle Sam.'
The old man, although reluctant to move about much, made expeditious
work with his hammer; the pin was soon made and fitted to its place, and
the carriage ready for another start. Before this, however, Mr.
Rutherford had reached the shop, having left Mrs. Rutherford and the
children to enjoy a fine shade at a little distance. As Mr. Cutter had
been acquainted with his father, it afforded the former an opportunity
of making many inquiries about events long transpired, some of which,
being connected with Mr. Cutter's removal to his present house,
occasioned, on his part, very long and heavy sighs, and serious shakes
of the head. At length he could hold in no longer.
'Oh, dear, oh, dear! it makes me feel bad all over to hear you talk
about them places and things;--to think what an old fool I've been to
come to such a place as this.'
'It does not look like a very thriving place, Mr. Cutter.'
'Thriving! there's nothing thrives here but rum and deviltry.
_Thriving!_--I tell you what, the _old 'un_ thrives here, no one else,
and a great haul he'll have--he's fixing for it. No schools, no
meetin'-houses, and no nothing that's good;--the men most all drunk and
lazy, and the boys going to the d----l, if I must say so, asking your
pardon, as fast as they can.'
'This is a poor account of your place, Mr. Cutter. What do you suppose
has caused such a state of things?'
'It is beyond me to say, sir; there seems to be a kind of curse on the
place; and it is my candid opinion, if something ain't done here
soon--some preaching, or something else of that sort--we're a gone
case;--even a dumb Quaker would be better than nothing. He might walk
round in his square coat, and frighten the old 'un a little.'
Mr. Rutherford could not restrain a smile at the earnestness of the old
man, and the singularity of his idea.
'From your description, Mr. Cutter, you are not much better off here
than our people in the barrens.'
'Not much to boast on, I tell you, sir. Only they can't raise nothing,
and must depend upon old Cross for work to buy their bread with, and he
charges them just what he pleases; and if they should grumble, or ask
for their money to spend elsewhere, he would turn them off entirely, and
then they might live on huckle berries and pine knots.'
'They are badly off, I believe, sir; but I hope to be able to make some
change in things there. The people are, no doubt, imposed upon, and I
shall not allow it to be so if I can help it.'
'Bless your young heart for saying so; but you must look out for Cross;
he's a precious villain--I _tell_ you.'
'I believe he is no better than he should be; but I shall try to manage
it, so as not to injure the poor folks, at any rate.'
'Well, I'm glad on it, for there are some clever people among them.
There's the widow Brown; why you must know her? she used to live in your
father's family.'
'Oh, yes, I know her well, Mr. Cutter; and part of my errand down was to
see her. Her daughter, I hope, will go home with me to live.'
'What! Hettie! Hettie ain't going away--and yet she ought to go out of
such a hole as this. She is too pretty and too good to be round here.
What's the matter, Bill? Where's the use of keeping the old bellows
creaking, when there's no iron in the fire?'
'Oh, I didn't think. You are done, ain't you?'
'Yes, I hope so. I've pounded myself all in a heat. But what makes you
look so pale, man?'
'Oh, nothing; I ain't pale, am I?'
'Yes, you are pale--go sit down, man.'
'No; I thank you, Uncle Sam. I believe I will go home now, if I can be
of no more use to the gentleman.'
Mr. Rutherford, seeing him about to depart, stepped up, and cordially
thanked him for his kind and efficient services; and taking out his
purse, was about to remunerate him handsomely for his trouble.
'Oh, no, sir, nothing; I thank you.'
'But it has taken your time, and you have been of great service to me;
allow me to make you some compensation--thanks from a stranger are not
worth much.'
'They are worth a good deal to _me_, sir, since I have found out who you
are.'
'Why, what do you know of me?'
'My father removed from your place, sir; and I have often heard him
speak of your folks, how kind they were to him; perhaps you may remember
him, Zechariah Andrews?'
'Remember him? certainly I do; and are you his son? Well, this is
strange indeed:' at the same time taking Bill's hand and giving it a
hearty shake. Many inquiries were made and answered; and the interview
closed by an invitation on the part of Mr. Rutherford, that whenever he
might need a friend he would call upon him.
'And now, Mr. Cutter, good by,' giving the old man his hand; 'I hope you
may live to see things look brighter than they now do.
'I hope so, sir; but I tell you there is but little chance of it. The
old fellow has danced here so long, it will be hard getting him off the
ground--preachin' might do it. But I want to say one thing to you--look
out for Cross; he ain't too good in my opinion for any thing--he's a
dangerous man, depend on it. But I won't keep you waiting. God bless
you, and keep you out of harm's way.'