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that cabin twenty years ago-where he came from then nobody knows. He's very shy and unsociable, and stays by himself. When he was first about, some person asked him his name; he said that was no one's business but his own, and wouldn't tell. He's apt, in fact, to be contrary and obstinate in everything."

"Is he deranged?" inquired Somers. "Why, I think not. He's queer, but I reckon there's nothing else the matter. He comes down here sometimes when he's in want of anything out of the store, and he always seems cute enough." "He has money then?"

"Why, no, he brings wild-turkeys, and muskrat skins, and tobacco, too, when he raises more than he wants himself. He uses no shooting fix, they say, but catches the wild things he gets with some kind of gins, and snares, and nets." "He acknowledges no name, you inform

me."

"Oh, that was only at the first-I was the one who got him to own up. I tell you how I managed it; one day he brought some plunder to the store and got a piece of shirt cotton for it; there was a little balance in his favor which he wanted to take out in a coil of rope. When I told him that the rope came to some two shillings more than his due, he answered, never mind, I'll take it and square off accounts next time.' 'Certainly,' says I, spreading out my book very quick, what name shall I charge it to, sir? He gave me a curious kind of a look, but answered after a little, 'put down Cain.' So he's been Mr. Cain ever since."

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"There used to be a family of Cains about here, did there not ?" said the lawyer. "So the old folks say," replied the other," and it's quite likely this is one of the set, who went away from the country when he was young, and afterwards took a notion to come back. No person, though, recollected having ever seen him before." Somers remained silent some moments, pondering over the information he had received.

Sam Murray, who loved to be all the time either talking or listening, interrupted his reflections, by saying: "I reckon you havn't found the missing corner yet-it's a very queer thing, isn't it, that that stone is hid away so close ?"

"It is strange," answered Somers, "and what is most unaccountable about the affair, is the fact that no one appears to have seen it, while there are dozens who declare they have heard of its having been seen, perhaps no longer time ago than fifty years. A person would have supposed it the easiest matter in the world to prove the anciently understood locality of the corner-though the stone itself were lost. If the situation could be pointed out within a rod or two even, there would be a possibility of identifying some old marked trees on the line running southward from it. I have abundance of documentary evidence, but that sort of proof which ought to be obtained with least difficulty, seems to fly all search. The Compton title stands, as it is, on sufficiently secure ground; yet I know what the jury are disposed to ask for, and should be glad to content them in every respect."

"You are right, Mr. Somers," said Murray, a jury is more apt to be taken with a plain man's say-so than with learned figurations. Now, if I was in your place, sir, I would look around some among the blacks. They have a great many wild incredible stories to tell about the Hardwater corner, but some useful hints might be obtained, which could put you in the way of getting testimony worth offering in court."

"It is an excellent suggestion," said the lawyer, " and if you would inform me of any old negroes from whom something might be derived, you would confer a great favor. I have sought out some few myself, but I confess with little profit. Your acquaintance among them is, of course, necessarily more extensive than mine."

Sam Murray replied with the manner of a man fully aware of his own importance. "As I said before, Mr. Somers, it don't become me to be officiously concerned on either side-my position as well as my inclination requires me to be neutral. I should hope, if the thing weren't contrary to nature, that both parties might be successful.”

"And so should I, with all my heart," observed Somers.

"But," continued the landlord, "since that can't be, I must look on in contentment, whatever turns up. So, therefore, as my breast is filled with these sentiments, nobody can accuse me of partiality against

either Mr. Astiville or Mr. Evelyn, in talking indiscriminately and frankly to a lodger like you. By the way, you mean to stay all night, I suppose, sir ?"

"Certainly," said Somers, in a tone which was far from betraying the reluctance of a forced determination. "I could not leave without having a good long chat with an old friend like you."

"You will have a chance then to see Naomi Fuller, an old Nigger wench, who I'll be bound knows as much as any of the tribe. She'll roll you out some curious yarns; how much of them is to be depended upon, you yourself must decide. She will be in at the store during the course of the afternoon and I will point her out to you." Murray was as good as his word. Somers strolled off carelessly so as to be able to intercept the old woman and have a quiet talk with her. It was not long before he observed her trudging energetically in the direction of his ambush-stepping out, he suffered her to overtake him, and then accommodating himself to her pace, sauntered at her side. He soon got good Naomi talking very sociably. He listened sympathetically to the account of her ailments, and when she remarked in what urgent need she happened to stand of a nine-pence, he drew out his purse and after pretending a fruitless search for a coin of the denomination mentioned, handed her half a dollar. She returned a most profound courtesy, and said, "Thanky massa, thanky."

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Aunty," said Somers, when he thought he had opened the way sufficiently, "have you ever seen the Compton corner-stone on the Hardwater-the fourth cornerstone."

"Thank heaven, marster," she answered, “I has never seen it-bless your life, child-it would be better for my eyes to be clean out rather than they should look on that piece of rock."

66 Why is that?" said Somers.

"Do yer ask why," she exclaimed, "Isn't there a sperrit what watches over it? Certain and sure nobody can see the stone without seein' the sperrit likewise; and who'd want to see it ?"

others? I suppose no ghosts keep guard over them."

"But what other corner-stone besides this," said Naomi, impressively, "is the headstone of a grave ?

"Ha!" said Somers, "I have heard some vague report of this kind—but there is no truth in it, is there ?”

"But it is true though," answered the hag, shaking her head, "it would be well if it weren't. All of them stones was put down regular and right-there was no grave when the fourth one was planted no more than when the rest-man's wickedness made that arterwards, and see the following of it! What other stone is missing but that?---don't you find 'em just where they was fixed at first? Why should that one only be moved ?"

"Who then is buried there?" said the lawyer, " and what caused his death?”,

"Don't ax me-don't ax me-" replied Naomi, with an uneasy air. "Bless you marster, I 'cuses nobody-nobody in the world; that's a wicked, awful placethat's all."

"You need not be afraid to talk to me, freely, aunty," said Somers, compelled to make considerable bodily exertion, so rapid was the rate at which she now proceeded, "there cannot be any harm in speaking to a person who will never breathe to any one where it was he gained the information."

"No-no," said Naomi, still walking on as fast as she could. "Old birds are scary, master. Ask white people, for there is them that knows, but don't try to coax a poor worn out servant into trouble."

"Tell me this, however, aunt Naomi, how are you sure that there is a grave at the corner, when you have never seen it?" Can't say nothin' 'bout it;" was her

reply.

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Yet, good Naomi," continued the lawyer, perseveringly, "I know you don't want to lead me into error. It is a very important matter to ascertain whether or not this fact be as you represent. May you not be mistaken-is it an unquestionable factone to be relied on as a thing established, that this grave really exists where you Say?"

"Yet," argued Somers, "I do not sup- "I'm not mistaken, marster-it's as cerpose spirits haunt any spot without a reason tain as that the sun shines this blessed minbut what reason is there in this case? ute. I'm a poor weakly creatur; there Why is this corner worse than any of the aint no larnin', and mighty little sense in

my old skull, but some things I knowsand this are one of them. Wherever that stone are, there's the grave stretchin' off from it a long grave too, not a hole such as babies' corpses is put in-there the sperrit wavers and flickers over it-these things is certain. I know, besides, that the stone aint ever goin' to be found. When the men came out with their compasses and spying fix, says I, 'twon't come to nothin'-and so it didn't. You might get an English compass and 'twould be the same- -the iron aint on the yearth, or in it, that can pint to that horrid, odious place."

"I thank you," said Somers, " for what you have told me. It is of little use, however, unless I knew of somebody to look to by whom I could prove it. Now, if you can tell me of any white person who will be willing to testify that there is a grave at that spot, I will cheerfully give you this dollar." Naomi opened her lips as if to speak; then closed them; finally the temptation proved too strong. "There's plenty of white people," she said, "who knows as well as I do--that is, most so well-what I know, I know, and it's nothin to nobody; but there's Josh Evans could tell you a sight, still he's way off some-where, he may be dead for what I can say. Yes, there's nobody else has as much 'quaintance 'bout it as Josh. But there's others as can say somethin'-Jeems Watson, Dick Bryan, Sol Simms--most every old body around, if you'd question tight, could speak a heap. But don't go to any man that John Astiville has lent money to."

She made this last remark in a very low tone, and taking the dollar which he offered, separated from him hurriedly, as if she apprehended that she had already said too much. Somers was quite at a loss how to estimate the communications which had been made to him. He was well aware of the superstition of the negro mind, but there was something in the manner of the old woman while she uttered her declaration, which seemed to denote a conviction having a real and substantial foundation. Her statements, too, agreed with some dark hints received previously and from a very different quarter. The lawyer's mind also dwelt much upon the man called Cain. Whether that individual were sane or not, Somers felt quite confident that he must be aware of the true site of the corner. His agita

tion when the spot was mentioned was very remarkable. Naomi's story appeared to point to some crime connected with the stone could it be that Cain was the perpetrator, and that his singular conduct was the effect of remorse ? Somers worried himself in vain with trying to arrange the wild, grotesque materials that had been that day furnished him, into a shapely, consistent, and probable whole. "If, however," he thought to himself, "I could but make that white-haired man speak, I am confident I would have a witness worth more than all the rest put together."

It is not to be supposed that while the attorney of the New Yorkers displayed such activity and zeal, there was any remissness on the other side. Everlyn, who had all faith in the rightfulness and legal sufficiency of his title, was not willing to omit any honorable means of securing the great stake which was put at hazard in the event. Astiville had endeavored to rid himself of any trouble in the matter, by disposing of the remaining fourth of the tract. The northerner however, whom he got to look at it, was too wary to buy a law suit. He admitted the value of the land-indeed his eyes shone, as he spoke of it but calculated that it would be "jest as well, and a leetle better," to wait a while. Astiville, accordingly, small as was his love of the expenses attending litigation, saw there was escape. The case being thus, he thought that what was worth any effort at all was worth a vigorous effort, and though he did not communicate every one of his measures to Mr. Everlyn, that gentleman fortunately shared the benefit of them.

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Mutual sympathy and a common interest naturally gave rise to a very warm and cordial intercourse between the families. Everlyn did not indeed find in his neighbor that liberality of sentiment, nor that open, frank, and liberal manner, by which his own character was distinguished and adorned. Yet it was pleasant to have as warmly interested and attentive a listener, whenever he desired to talk of the subject that for the time engrossed all his thoughts and desires. Astiville's shrewdness, also, and fertility, and unfaultering confidence in a favorable result, supplied a grateful support to a mind of itself somewhat too easily inclined to despondency.

Sidney Everlyn had no mother, and the

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"Your manner tells me," said Sidney, do not look like the bearer of bad

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tidings."

"No, no," said the young man, smiling joyously, "if the news had been ill, some other messenger than Howard Astiville must have been found to bring it to you. But where think you is the corner-stone found?"

"Near the oak tree by the spring?"

"Yes," said Howard, "that is the very spot-there can be no doubt at all-Everstone stands solid and secure. To think that Yankee feet should have threatened to profane this hall, or that a Yankee axe had been whetted to fell these glorious old trees,

among English oaks! Ah, how delightful it is to reflect that the ruthless Barbarians are disappointed, foiled. Yet you do not exult Miss Everlyn-"

"I was thinking of the danger," answered Sidney, "not of the escape-are you sure that there is not even now room for apprehension?"

company of Mrs. Astiville, a kind-hearted, well-bred woman, was worthily appreciated. That the old lady was proud and had higher notions of family dignity, than these modern leveling times respect, could form no obstacle to an intimacy with her newly acquired friend. The Everlyns might not have been as much favored by fortune as the Astivilles, yet there certainly was no family in the State which could boast purer or more ancient blood. To this effect Mrs. Astiville frequently expressed herself, in the presence of her children. When such sanction cleared the way, it is not wonderful that the young folks became charmed with one possessing in herself so many lovely and attractive qualities. How-fit shade for a mansion which has rejoiced ard, the only grown son still at home, was least of all exempt from her influence: it must be added, that the young gentleman was by no means incapable of pleasing a lady in turn. Tall, rather graceful than robust, possessing hair of the color of the Indian's, and a complexion which, though dark, suited well with a countenance slightly tinged perhaps with melancholy, yet expressive of pride, generosity, and intellect such was Howard Astiville in appearance. His character, so far as then developed, was sufficiently similar to justify the science of Lavater. Reserved and retiring he was, because he scorned to take a lower position than he deserved, and was too sensitive and modest to press into a higher. Great things he would willingly have attempted, had he known the way, but he shrank from the only true preparation for great achievements he would not begin by attempting the little. Pride is not self-reliance, and Howard chose rather to continue in his ambiguous and undefined station than to incur the risk of failure in cases where failure must be attended with shame. A nature of this kind is prepared to yield readily to love, for in the pursuit to which this passion impels, one may be distrustful of self, and yet lose no dignity, nay, may even contemplate final defeat with a quasi composure, since it involves no degradation.

Some days subsequent to Somers' last exploration of the Hardwater, Howard came over to Everstone at a sweeping gallop.

"News-news, Miss Everlyn!" he cried as soon as he saw the young lady, "the stone is found-do you care to learn on which Branch?”

Not the least in the world. My father said at the very first, that the sole reason he had for entertaining the smallest doubt of our success, was on account of the lawyer the others were lucky enough to get: he said that if any body could make their case strong-Richard Somers was the man. But so plain is the matter now, that even Somers himself, I judge, will be puzzled to beat up a cloud capable of obscuring it.”

Sidney blushed at this undisguised tribute to the ability of her lover, but merely said, "I never could doubt that the right must triumph-"

"Nor I neither," returned Howard. And what presumption it was in the fellows to dispute the assurance of an Astiville. Who ought to know about the boundary so well as my father? And whose honor should pass unquestioned if not his? It might have been known then at once that when he declared that his line extended to such a place, it could not have been said without adequate ground. He must speak from information, and who shall dare affirm that a hundred thousand acres could tempt him to swerve one hair's breadth from what he knew to be the truth."

"My father at least," said Sidney, "did not question his word. When Mr. Astiville assured him that he believed his title as far

as the Lower Branch to be good, he never for one moment conceived it possible that the word could be dictated by aught save honor and good faith-"

"And you see now," said Howard, with proud animation, "how well-grounded was that confidence. Thank Heaven, we have not yet sunk to the level of these mercenary Yankees we are conscious of no necessity to deal with each other as with rogues. A southern gentleman may rely upon his friend with a faith which a Northerner can never feel in all the precautions of suspicion and all the vigilance of avarice. What a detestable training is that which teaches a human being to have no other object in life but to over-reach his neighbors. They taunt us Southerners with want of thrift long may we be preserved from such thrift as theirs!"

"If they misapprehend our character," replied Sidney, "should it not be a lesson to us to avoid judging uncharitably of them in return? There may be honesty and virtue in Galilee as well as in Jerusalem." "Doubtless," answered Howard-"we should not hate the strangers, but you must acknowledge that it is impossible to help laughing at them. Think of creatures not only destitute of taste, but absolutely incapable of comprehending what it is—think of their ridiculous manners, their stiff, awkward, hitching gait; even to hear them talk is a comedy."

"Yet as to that," interrupted Sidney, "we should not forget, that we ourselves have been subjects for ridicule on account of the peculiarity of our speech."

"I admit it, Miss Everlyn, but surely the language of' whar' is somewhat better than the language of 'ben.' As it was in France, the rough northern invaders may beat us down by weight of fist, yet southern intellect and southern literature will after all be found to last the longest. The Langue d'oc will in the end triumph over the langue d'oni."

"You mean to say," said Sidney, "that the Langue d'oxes will vanquish the Langue d'oxens."

Howard laughed at the new version and replied, "Well, for my part, I am willing to take ground even on this distinction. Our plural certainly has the merit of being conformed to analogy. Noah Webster himself being judge, I think we should carry the day. Consistency is a jewel-if

we give way to the Yankees in this, they will reform the whole dictionary. It was but the other morning I heard one of them say-not to me, for be assured I do not court their company, but to some body or other whom he had caught-the housen down here don't hold a candle to them to the north for bein' snug and tight.' Thus among our masters, housen' has already supplanted houses; it will next supplant house, and then we will be favoured with the improved plural housens. Such is an example of the progress and amelioration of language. Well it is for our country that the genius of the north, under the stimulus of common schools, is ever advancing, for we, poor uninstructed creatures, are simple enough to talk as our fathers talked."

"Surely," answered Sidney, "you are not so bold as to contemn the system of common schools-the great invention of the age? Or, if you do really cherish such an antediluvian opinion, be careful at least not to avow it abroad. We already bear the reproach of being antiquated and old-fashioned, and patriotism-if you entertain no personal awe of the world's frownshould forbid your throwing upon our State an additional scandal."

"Oh, no,' ," said Howard, "I am not guilty of such audacity. Common schools may be excellent things; but if these men be specimens of their fruits, the institution, like most other new pieces of machinery, will admit of considerable improvement. Redland county cannot boast of many educational advantages-to use the fashionable phrase-but I never yet have seen one of its natives, excepting negroes,—and I might almost venture to comprehend them in the category, who would commit as many violations of grammatical propriety in a whole day's talk as you may find certain persons to astound you with in fifteen minutes."

"But, sir," said Sidney, "you have yourself acknowledged your incompetency to be a fair witness. You say you shun these new settlers. Depend upon it, then, that the best of them, like the best of any other class, are the most retiring and quiet. It is the nature of ignorance to push itself forward; it hails notice with an unalloyed gratification, for it is insensible to the ridicule by which that notice may be accompanied. I dare say now that it would require no very protracted search to find

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