The Dismal Swamp and Lake Drummond, Early recollections Part 2

CHAPTER X.

ENTERPRISE AND PROSPERITY.

This railroad was projected by the energetic and far-seeing W. H. Gay, Esq., of Suffolk, as a lumber road, who pushed it rapidly as far south as Sunsbury, in Gates county, N. C. He soon saw that it was a grand enterprise, and a.s.sociated with him several gentlemen of the city of Baltimore in its construction, who afterwards bought out Mr. Gay's interest, and have constructed a road that will soon become one of the leading lines, connecting as it does, by a line of steamboats, the waters of Albermarle Sound and the Atlantic ocean, and bringing eastern North Carolina in direct communication with the city of Baltimore. Under the able management of Mr. H. B. Hubbell, the efficient vice-president of the company, and R. H. Thompson, Esq., as general manager, with the a.s.sistance of Colonel Harry McCleary, the road has been brought to its present flouris.h.i.+ng condition, and the Gay Manufacturing Company, under President Camp, is one of its chief adjuncts. This road now connects with the Norfolk and Western and the Atlantic and Danville railways, and soon large quant.i.ties of freight will be transferred from it to the above-named roads.

Suffolk is more particularly noted for her schools, colleges and other inst.i.tutions of learning, all of which are in a very prosperous condition. The Suffolk Military Academy, under the direction of Joseph King, princ.i.p.al, with its professors.h.i.+p, is no doubt the best school for young men in Tidewater, Virginia. The character and standing of it, with its location for health, is a recommendation that must tend greatly to its success.

Another school of high grade is the Suffolk Collegiate Inst.i.tute, under the professors.h.i.+p of P. J. Kernodle. It is an inst.i.tution that has been established for several years, and has received a liberal support from its friends. The course at this inst.i.tution is thorough.

Young ladies are taught the higher branches and are instructed in music, drawing, &c.

The West End Female Seminary under the direct supervision of Col. W.

H. Darden, formerly of Isle of Wight county, Va., with Miss Novella Darden as princ.i.p.al, with the a.s.sistance of Miss Lizzie J. King, gives to the school a reputation that must add greatly to its success. Young ladies at this school are instructed in all the higher branches, music, painting and drawing. It is eligibly located on College Avenue.

The Suffolk Female Inst.i.tute, under the direction of the Misses Finney, is too well known to require a notice. It is the oldest established school in Suffolk, and enjoys a reputation that is enviable. It has probably received more favor than any other school which I have noticed.

The Nansemond Seminary, of which Mrs. Quimby is princ.i.p.al, is a school that recommends itself. It is limited in the number of its pupils.

This should not be so. Throw open your doors wide and let your motto be "the greatest good to the greatest number." It has gained quite a reputation.

CHAPTER XI.

THE OLD BRICK CHURCH AT BENN'S--SUFFOLK'S FIRST RAILROAD, ETC.

It is interesting to read of relics of the olden times and bring up a.s.sociations connected therewith. I will now notice an antiquated old building in Isle of Wight county, Va., on the main road leading from Suffolk to Smithfield, and about five miles from the latter place. It is called Old Benn's Church. At what time it was built I have never heard, but it must have been soon after the settlement of this country. The rude hand of time has reduced it to bare walls, and nothing is left of its interior to show that it was ever a place of wors.h.i.+p. That it was built when this country was a colony there can be no question. There is a burying ground at the place, on which can be seen tomb stones of very ancient date, and if I mistake not, the first rector of the church or some of his family was buried in it. A tablet, noting the fact, could be seen set in the building. Bishop Meade, in his history of the Episcopal Churches in Virginia, mentions Benn's Church as being one of, if not the oldest, church in the State. It has been s.n.a.t.c.hed from further decay by some benevolent ladies and will soon again become a place of wors.h.i.+p. Let the names of these ladies form the future history of that sacred old church, and let future generations know that it was at one time from decay reduced to bare walls, and that by the humane efforts of some ladies it has been reclaimed and once more presents the appearance of a house of wors.h.i.+p, standing as a monument to its former renown and greatness. There are several Episcopal churches in this county that should not be allowed to go to decay. They stand as landmarks in Virginia; built long before the recollection of any one now living. I know of several places in this county that I have been told were Glebe property, and at one time were, and had erected on them, Episcopal churches. In many places these churches have gone down, the land escheated and are now occupied by churches of other denominations. And it may have been so, as they are just such places as old Episcopal churches now stand, on elevated sites near running streams. I could state some very interesting facts connected with many places in this county which might appear very meritorious, nevertheless they are true, and form a part of the history of the county.

I will now mention Mount Pleasant, the home of the Meades, of Virginia. This was at one time a very beautiful estate, on the west bank of what is now known as Smith's Creek, and is the southern branch of the Nansemond river. Long before the revolution this place was settled, and at the time very large vessels could navigate the creek as far as Mount Pleasant, it then being a wide and deep river, and I have been told that a direct foreign trade was carried on with that place. A grave yard can be seen at Mount Pleasant which is very singular, and has some curiously inscribed tomb stones in it of persons who died there many years ago. By the ruthless hand of time many of the tombs were mutilated, and it may be that little is left of them. I had the inscriptions of some of them, but gave them to a gentleman from Westmoreland county, Virginia. He wanted them on account of their singularity, and he being an antiquarian he said they would be quite an acquisition to his cabinet of curiosities. It is highly probable that Mount Pleasant was settled long before the Dismal Swamp was known or heard of, and I doubt if any one thought that there could be found such a place as really was existing, and having hid in its dark foliage such a beautiful place as Lake Drummond.

The first great enterprise that was commenced in Suffolk after the surrender, was the building of the railroad of the Suffolk Lumber Company, which runs from Suffolk to Asher, in Gates county, North Carolina, where is the home of the Hon. C. A. Whaley. As soon as the road was completed as far as Whaleyville, in Nansemond county, Va., a town soon sprung up, and a mercantile business was commenced, which for time paralyzed business in Suffolk. It stopped the channel through which flowed the life-blood of the town from where it started. This road is owned by Governor Eliew Jackson, Co. & Brothers, of Maryland, and has from its commencement done a heavy business. It has been ably managed by W. M. Whaley, Esq., and Mr. D. B. Cannon. Whether it has been of any great good to Suffolk is a question that we are not prepared to answer, though the land holders through which it has pa.s.sed have been benefitted. It brought their pine timber into market, which otherwise would have remained a primeval forest and a dead expense to its owners. The sale of it to Jackson & Co. has cleared many of debt, and to that extent the road has been a benefit. The company has bought large landed possessions in Alabama and Georgia, and will soon move their field of operations to those points. The quant.i.ty of wood and timber that has been transported over the road is incredible. To say the least of Jackson & Brothers they started a spirit of enterprise, which, to some extent, has been a benefit. New ideas have been infused into the minds of our people, and instead of keeping their capital locked up they have invested it in various directions for the improvement and benefit of trade, thereby causing to spring up factories and machine shops, to say nothing of the many other advantages that are derived through patriotic motives.

CHAPTER XII.

BEAR HUNTING IN THE DISMAL SWAMP--COLONEL G.o.dFREY'S VISIT TO SOUTHAMPTON.

It is customary in the fall season to have what is called bear hunts in the Dismal Swamp, and parties are frequently made up to go on such hunts. Before going it is necessary that some preparation should be made. Bear hunting is very dangerous, and is sometimes attended with difficulty. Before starting you should provide yourself with a cowboy suit, a good rifle, a pair of revolvers, a bowie knife (16 inch blade) and sub-marine armor. When thus equipped you can enter the Swamp. You proceed cautiously along listening to hear the bears lapping, when you go in the direction of the sound. Bears move very cautiously, and you should be sure to keep a good lookout in your rear, as it sometimes happens that when you are going forward a drove of them are following you, and when least expected they make the attack, and if the parties should be the least separated, it often happens that all perish. I was told of a party that were out on a bear hunt in the Dismal Swamp, who supposed that they could face anything. The party consisted of eight good men. They had not proceeded very far in the Swamp when they heard in the distance the lapping of bears. Of course it is very exciting, and if one has any courage he is apt to show it at the time. A halt was made and the question asked, what should be done? They were not thinking of the danger that surrounded them. They did not think that bears were on their path. But it was too late. Whilst discussing what to do they were sprung upon from the rear, and six were badly lacerated, one rode off on the back of a bear and the last one retreated to the Lake for safety. Should you at any time go to the Dismal Swamp to hunt bears be exceedingly careful to have your rear well guarded.

Researches among old papers often bring to light subjects that long have been forgotten, and which, if cultivated, tends in many ways to the benefit of the rising generation. We often hear of events that have long since transpired, which at the time we pa.s.s unnoticed, but somehow or other an impression is made, and sooner or later something transpires that brings to our recollection a circ.u.mstance which refreshes our memory of some important event of which we have a slight remembrance. Looking over the fourteenth volume of Col. G.o.dfrey's work ent.i.tled "Important Discoveries," to see if we could find anything therein written by which we could identify "Uncle Alek's Mule," and if possible to define him, that there could be no reasonable doubt but that it was the same mule rode by Nat Turner, and that he was driven by the young mother in her flight with her infant to the Dismal Swamp, and if what G. P. R. James said in his Old Dominion be true, we must believe that Uncle Alek and Nat Turner rode the same mule. No other account was ever given that ever came to our knowledge, but it will make no difference as everybody knew that Uncle Alek had a mule. But as we have stated before, looking over the fourteenth volume of Col. G.o.dfrey's work on Important Discoveries, many years ago we read in it an account of his first visit to the county of Southampton, Virginia, and the many important discoveries therein made. His visit to that county was on very important business, and being a man of great observation, he was careful and cautious. He was tracing some t.i.tles, and it was necessary that he should make many inquiries. The country was wild and spa.r.s.ely settled at that time; it was extremely difficult for one to get accommodation for man and horse. He was fearful at times that he would not be able to reach a shelter for the night. He had crossed at the South Quay Ferry at an early hour, and had been in the saddle all day and was very much fatigued and exhausted, besides he had ate nothing. Night was fast approaching and he in a strange country. He reined up his horse, which caused him to increase his gait. He had not ridden many miles further when he thought he heard a c.o.c.k crow. He listened and soon he heard the sound repeated. He was then satisfied that he was near some human habitation. What must have been his feelings, when he knew that he would soon reach a place where he probably would be able to stay for the night to rest and refresh himself. He rode on and in a short time came in sight of a very neat and comfortable looking house not many rods from the road. He arrived in front of it and found that everything about the house had the appearance of neatness and comfort, and that he would probably be accommodated for the night. So he dismounted from his horse and opened the gate and proceeded to the house. The proprietor must have been very fond of fox hunting from the number of hounds that made an attack on him as he rode up the avenue, and which was so sudden that it brought out the entire household. It was getting dark, but sufficiently light to see one approaching on horse back. The dogs were called off, and he heard a voice exclaim ride up. A very handsome picket fence surrounded the house, and upon arriving at the gate he was met by a fine looking old English gentleman, who invited him to dismount and have his horse stabled.

Thanking him for his kindness, he at once dismounted, and taking the extended hand of the old gentleman, said: "Sir, I am a benighted traveller, and a stranger in this section, and have sought your kindness for shelter for the night." "You are heartily welcome," said the old gentleman. "Strangers, if gentlemen, are always welcome visitors to my house. So without any further ceremony walk in and rest yourself, for I imagine that you have been in your saddle for several hours and must feel quite fatigued." "I have been riding since early morning and was surprised to find the country so thinly settled. This is the first place that I have seen at which I could venture to stop."

"Very true," he replied, "but you will, as you advance, find the country more thickly settled." We walked into the house and were met in the hall by a very fine looking and matronly old lady. Giving his name as G.o.dfrey, the old gentleman grasped his had and said: "Col.

G.o.dfrey, this is indeed a pleasure. Let me introduce you to my wife, Mrs. Ridley." "Ridley did you say?" "The same." "This is indeed most fortunate." "Say no more, Col. G.o.dfrey; walk into the sitting room.

You will find a cheerful fire, and as the air is a little chilly, a seat by the fire will cause you to feel more comfortable. Make yourself perfectly at home. You will excuse me for a short time while I give some directions to my head man, when I will rejoin you." "You are very excusable, Col. Ridley," replied Col. G.o.dfrey, "I do not wish you to let my appearance interfere in the least with your business arrangements." The Colonel was not long away, and on re-entering the room remarked to Col. G.o.dfrey: "This unexpected meeting is very mysterious to me, and the more so because my wife remarked but a very short time ago that some stranger was coming; that she knew it from the incessant crowing of the chickens and the fierce howl of the hounds. I shall always hereafter believe in such signs. But Colonel, our supper is quite ready. You will be shown to a room where you may arrange your toilet." Having performed this duty he was met in the hall by Col. Ridley, who said: "Colonel, it has been the custom at my house since my earliest manhood, just before eating to take a toddy, made of the juice of the Cider Berry, prepared in this county, and is the only medicine used in my family. The farmers of this county have a peculiar way of preparing it, and everybody that has used it speak of the good qualities which it possesses. Some say that its use, when you feel badly, will cause you to feel good, and to use it when you feel good will make you feel bad. It always makes me feel good, and I am remarkably fond of it. The oftener you take this medicine the better you will like it. There is sugar and honey; a little of either added will make it much more palatable, as honey is soothing and acts well for the lungs. I will try the honey." This being disposed of they proceed to supper, Colonel Ridley leading the way to the supper-room, and on entering found the family all standing, waiting. They were soon seated, and on the table before them was placed a good old-fas.h.i.+oned Virginia supper. Addressing himself to Mrs. Ridley, Col. G.o.dfrey said: "Madame, I fear that you have, on this occasion, put yourself to some unnecessary trouble on my account." "Not in the least," graciously responded that lady. Then turning to Col. Ridley, Colonel G.o.dfrey said, "You were quite right, Colonel, when you said that the 'juice'

would make one feel good; it has had that effect on me already, and I feel that I can do ample justice to this fine supper." "I am glad you think so," returned Colonel Ridley; "nothing pleases me more than to see my visitors eat heartily; help yourself, it does appear to me that one who has been riding all day would not require any artificial means of inducing an appet.i.te." "Colonel," said Mrs. Ridley, "I suppose this is your first visit to the county?" "No, madame," replied Col.

G.o.dfrey, "I pa.s.sed through a portion of it several years ago to locate some lands on the Nottoway river, and as there appears to be some dispute about the t.i.tles, I am on my way to look after it." "Yes," she said, "I heard you were coming and am truly glad you made it convenient to come this way, and besides you are on the direct road; do you apprehend any trouble?" "Not the least; my papers are authenticated, and I have only to present them." "I hope," she said, "that you will find it as you have stated." Supper being over they all repaired to the sitting-room. Colonel Ridley had a daughter whose husband, a colonel of infantry, had been killed in the war of the Revolution and large tracts of land had been made by the Government to his heirs. "What was the name of the soldier?" inquired Colonel G.o.dfrey. "Col. G. Bradley," answered Colonel Ridley. "Yes, sir; that was his name." "That is a part of the business which caused my visit in this direction, and Mrs. Bradley need have no fears as to the validity of her t.i.tle. I have the papers with me that will place her in full possession of the estate. Besides, she is ent.i.tled to a large amount from the Government as half-pay for her husband's services during the Revolution, which she will receive on application through the proper channel." It was now getting late, and Col. G.o.dfrey was told that his room was ready if he wished to retire. Feeling a little sleepy, after eating a hearty supper, and as he had to make an early start in the morning, he thought it best to go to his room, so bidding the family good night he followed a boy, who carried a lighted candle to the room to which he had been a.s.signed for the night, in which a cheerful fire was burning. The boy entered the room, closing the door behind him, and said: "Ma.s.s boss, mammy told me to ax you of you war eny kin to de man dat made the baby medicin?" "Who is your mammy?"

inquired the now thoroughly interested Colonel. "She's de 'oman dat nusses all de babies on de plantashun." "Tell your mammy that I will see her in the morning." "Yas, sir," he said, and left the room. The Colonel soon retired, as he felt somewhat jaded. He awoke at an early hour, and having some moments leisure got up and dressed himself.

About this time he heard a tapping at his door, and at the same time the voice of the boy exclaiming: "Ise got a pitcher of fresh water for you." "Bring it in," said the Colonel. The boy entered, showing two rows of white ivory. "Boss, will you hab a fire made?" "No," said the Colonel, "I will soon be ready to go down; is the Colonel up?" "Yas, sir, an' is waiting for you." "Then I will go down," said the Colonel, which he did and was met at the foot of the stairs by Col. Ridley, who bade him a cheerful good morning, and expressed the hope that he felt much better after his night's rest. "Thank you, sir; I am glad to say that I feel very much refreshed." "If you feel disposed," said Col.

Ridley, "we will take a walk out, the air is bracing and a little walk will give you an appet.i.te for your breakfast, which will soon be ready." They started, and as the old nurse of the plantation wished to see Colonel G.o.dfrey, he proposed to his host that they should go to her quarters. They had but a short distance to go, as her house was very conveniently situated. When they arrived they found the old lady with a baby in her lap, evidently for some purpose. "Good morning, aunty," said Col. G.o.dfrey. The old woman looked very much excited; she wore a pair of spectacles, the lenses of which looked like two saucers. "Mornin', sir," she replied. "What are you going to do with your baby?" inquired the Colonel. "I'm gwine to feed it, sir; its mammy is ded, an' I hab to feed it myself." "What do you give it to eat?" "I char 'tater, spit it out on my finger an' wipe 'cross de chile's mouf, arter dat I make a sugar rag, put some sweet flag in it, put de rag in de chile's mouf and lay it down; it goes to sleep, an'

wen it wakes up ef it cries I gin it some more 'tater." "But," queried the Colonel, "suppose it is sick?" "I kin always tell dat; ef it draws up its legs and kicks, I kno dat sumthin' is de matter, an' I den gib sum ciderberry juice wid nutmeg grated ober it, an' in no time de baby cries fer more ob de juice. Sum folks gib dar babies 'G.o.dfrey's Cordial,' but I dus not blebe in doctors' fisic; nine times out ob ten dey will kill de baby. I thort dat you war sum kin to Mr. G.o.dfrey dat made de medicin', and wood ax you 'bout it." "No, aunty, I am no kin to him."

Being informed that breakfast was ready, Colonel Ridley proposed that they should return to the house, and that a little of the ciderberry juice would add much to the enjoyment of the meal, and as everything was convenient proposed that they should indulge. Col. G.o.dfrey took some of the juice with honey, as before, and was then ready for breakfast. Col. Ridley led the way, and on entering found a hot smoking breakfast. Mrs. Ridley remarked, "Colonel, you are an early riser I see; I fear you did not rest well last night." "I a.s.sure you, madame," the Colonel gallantly replied, "I could not have been more comfortable. My business being urgent, it was necessary that I should rise early." "You do not think of leaving this early?" "Yes, madame; you know that delays are dangerous. I have spent a very pleasant time, and hope, not long hence, to make a more extended visit. I was very much amused this morning at seeing the nurse of the plantation feeding a baby. It was quite a novel sight to me. The old woman does not appear to have much confidence in doctors." "No, sir," replied the lady, "we have been living here a long time and no doctor has ever been called, professionally, to see any one at the place. The old woman, with her tater, sweet flag, sugar rags, ciderberry juice and Black Jack, keeps every one in a healthy condition." "She must be very valuable to you," said the Colonel. "Yes, sir", said Mrs. Ridley; "we could not do without her, and her loss could not be replaced." "It is getting late and I am admonished I must leave," said the Colonel, "for I have some distance yet to ride." He said it would be a great pleasure for him to remain longer under the hospitable roof of his kind host and hostess, but that it would not be possible for him to do so. He said further that he had some papers which he would hand over to Col. Ridley which would be of great service to his daughter, Mrs.

Bradley, as they would secure her right to certain disputed property, and that he must bid them adieu. Then addressing himself to Col.

Ridley, said: "These papers are valuable; take them and entrust them only into the hands of Mrs. Bradley, and that if he would now order his horse he would proceed on his way." Col. Ridley a.s.sured him that he would like to have him stay longer, but that of course he best knew his business; that it had been his custom to welcome all visiting and speed all departing guests. That should he happen to come that way again he would be delighted to have him stop, as he would always find a hearty welcome. Col. G.o.dfrey thanked his new friend and said that should it be his fortune again to visit that neighborhood he promised not to pa.s.s him by. His horse was waiting, so giving the Colonel a hearty shake of the hand and bidding good-bye to all, he mounted and rode away.

After Col. G.o.dfrey had left, a general conversation was commenced about his visit. It was evident that his business was with Mrs.

Bradley, but he did not know at the time that she was the daughter of Col. Ridley, or he would have made known to her the object of his visit. She was absent at the time. As his papers were all properly avouched for he could leave them in the hands of her father, Col.

Ridley. The old medicine woman of the plantation was much interested in the visit of the Colonel to her quarters, and was anxious to know if he was related to Mr. G.o.dfrey that made the cordial. She was told that he was not. The old woman broke in and said: "Missus, I thort dat de gemman who axed me what I was doin' wid de baby in my lap, was a doctor, an' some kin to de man what made de G.o.dfrey's cordial, but he tole me dat he was not. He like de way dat I doctered de chile, an'

sed dat he would rite about it. He sed dat he had tried sum of de juice hisself an' dat it was good for babies. I tole him dat I did not blebe in doctors' physic; dey did not no what to do for babies. I tole him dat nex to de cider berry juice an' sugar rag, dat de Black Jack was de bes medcin dat I could use. He sed dat de Black Jack seldom failed. Missus, when dat gemman 'peared at my do, I thort dat he was a specalader, an' dat you was gwine to sell me." "No, Aunt Barbara,"

said Mrs. Ridley, "if all the money of all the negro buyers were added together, it would not make an amount sufficient to buy you. Nothing but death can separate us. You are a part of my very existence. I have left in my bosom a spark of grat.i.tude yet, which kindles into a flame when I remember what you have done for the family. I have not forgotten that it was you that gave the timely warning of the approach of Nat Turner and his column. By so doing you probably saved the lives of the household. On another occasion you saved the life of my darling babe by a miracle wrought in your own way. Aunt Barbara, I would not give you and your nostrums, such as 'Cider Berry Juice,' 'Sweet Flag,'

'Taters' 'Sugar Rags' and 'Black Jack' for all the doctors in Christendom." "Missus, I'm glad dat you tink so much ob me. I has always done de bes dat I could. You know dat de chillun on de plantashun was bad, but wid my Black Jack I always made dem have deyself." "That is very true, Aunt Barbara, and they all love you for it. You know, Aunt Barbara, that the Good Book tells us, 'spare the rod and you spoil your child.'" "Missus, dats what I 'luded to all de time. I nebber struc' one ob dem little n.i.g.g.e.rs a lic' amiss in my life, unless I struc' at him and didn't toch him." The old woman here saw a little n.i.g.g.e.r coming at full tilt, and knew that something was wrong. When he came up, she asked: "What on earth is de matter?" The boy was quite out of breath and couldn't speak at the time. The old woman gave him a rake with her Black Jack and said: "What is de matter wid you?" "I c.u.m to tell you dat Judy's baby is mos ded, an' want you to c.u.m 'mediately." "When I c.u.m to de house," said the old woman, "I seed dat de chile was bad off. I took it up an' seed dat it had de dry gripes. I give it some Cider Berry Juice an' tole its mudder to fotch me a tater. I give de chile sum tater an' handed it to its mudder, an' tole her to put a sugar rag in its mouf with sum Sweet Flag an' lay it down, an' den I lef to jine de old folks at de house."

"Well, Aunt Barbara, I suppose there was nothing very serious the matter with the child," said Mrs. Ridley. "Yas dar was, missus, an' I got dar jus in time. De chile was taken wid de dry gripes. I gin it sum Cider Berry Juice an' tole its mudder to fotch me a tater. I gin it sum of de tater an' put a sugar rag in its mouf. Dat chile has done gone sleep." "Barbara," said Col. R., "I suppose that if you were told that a child was dead and you were sent for in time you could, with your Cider Berry Juice, Tater, Sugar Rags, Sweet Flag and your Black Jack, bring the little sleeper to life. You talk of dry gripes; who ever heard of such a thing? What are they, and how is a person taken?"

"Ma.s.sa," said the old woman, "I tole you 'bout dem when dey got hold ob you. You ses nuffin to n.o.body, but you goes to de side-bode an' git sum Cider Berry Juice. Dat ma'e you feel good, an' arter a while you take sum mo' ob de juice. De baby dus not know dat, so it draws up its legs an' kicks like wrath. Den I know dat it has de dry gripes." "Aunt Barbara," said Col. R., "I did not take it in that light before. Your philosophy is good, and I shall say nothing about the practice of your profession again. I admit that I take the juice quite often, but it is not for the dry gripes." "Yas, sir, dat medcin is good for all diseases, an' I take sum mysef when dar is nuffin de matter wid me."

Mrs. Ridley, who was sitting listening to the conversation, happened to look toward the road gate, and saw some one coming in. All eyes were now turned toward the approaching stranger, and all were anxious to know who it could be. One said that it must be a preacher, another that it was a book agent. Aunt Barbara put on her specs, took a survey and said: "I spec dat it is a doctor c.u.mmin' here to sell sum of G.o.dfrey's Cordial for de baby." "You are all wrong," said Col. Ridley, "it is our good friend, Col. G.o.dfrey." He was right. The Colonel had advanced near enough for all to see. Col. R. advanced to the yard gate as Col. G.o.dfrey rode up. A boy was in waiting to take his horse.

"Colonel, we are all glad to see you back again. Dismount and let your animal be stabled." Having dismounted, Col. R. took him by the hand and walked in the house. Mrs. R. was standing on the portico, and as Col. G. walked up she said "Sir, I a.s.sure you that we are all very glad to see you. We had been talking about you at the time that you appeared at the road gate. Walk in. We will talk about that later.

Take off your overcoat and wrappings." "Thank you, madam," he replied.

"Colonel," said Col, Ridley, "to use a commonplace expression, which is, 'talk about the devil and his imp will appear,' we had just been wondering who the rider could be. One said that he was a preacher; another that he was a book agent. Old Aunt Barbara, the plantation nurse, said that he was a doctor coming to sell some of G.o.dfrey's Cordial for the children. And I see I first discovered that it was you. I am rather disposed to think that you feel bad. I have some of the same Cider Berry Juice, and as everything is ready you will, without any further ceremony, walk up and take a little for the stomach's sake." "Thank you," said Col. G. "Since travelling over the county of Southampton I have had frequent occasions to try the juice.

It is prepared and kept by most of the farmers, and the use of it acts like a charm." "If you would like to arrange your toilet, the boy will show you to your room. In the meantime I will see to having your horse properly cared for." The boy was the same that waited on Col. G.

before, and was the son of the nurse of the plantation. "Well, Buck, how is your mammy now? How much Black Jack and Taters has she given you since I left?" "He, he, he," giggled the boy. "I tell you what it is, boss, mammy wars me out mos every day, but she gibs me plenty taters an' I doan mine it." "Is Mrs. Bradly here?" "No sir. She did not stay here long arter marster gib her de papers dat you lef, an' I spec when she c.u.m back she will hab lots o' money." "She will, no doubt, as she will only have to present the papers. I should like very much to see her. Is she handsome?" "I doan no what dat is, sar." "I mean is she pretty?" "Yas, sar, dat she is. It is gin out dat she is de puttiest 'oman in dis settlement, and I git so tired taking horses ob gemmen dat c.u.m to see her." "Then I expect she is bethrothed." "I doan no 'bout dat, but she ses dat de rite gemman hab not c.u.m yit." "I must go down now, the Colonel may be waiting for me. Here is a dollar for you. Be sure to come to my room to-night." "Yas, sar, I will be dar sure." He had finished his toilet and proceeded down stairs. He was met by Col. R., who said: "Colonel, you will find a happy household. Your return has put a new phase on everything. The old nurse is perfectly happy since she found out that you are no negro buyer, and that you did not come to sell G.o.dfrey's Cordial." "The old woman must be averse to doctors. She no doubt is right, as nine times out of ten, but very few of them know what they are doing." "Thinking that you had not dined, Mrs. R. has prepared something for you. Try a little more of the Cider Berry Juice and honey. You will feel better prepared to enjoy what the madam has set before you." "I a.s.sure you, Col. R., that since travelling in this county I have become particularly fond of the juice. I have called at several places where I was told they did not use the medicine, but always like to see it sitting convenient." "The juice that you are now mixing was prepared when our first child was born. It is very exhilarating in its effects, and you are fortunate in having the pleasure of testing it at this time. It is an honor that is extended to but few." "Col. R., allow me to drink to the very good health of your first born. Was it a male or female?" "It was a female, and I am glad to inform you that it was Mrs. Bradley. She is away at present, but I hope that you may make it convenient to stay until her return, which may be in a few days." A very neat and polite negro man made his appearance from the dining-room, and bowing very politely, said: "Marster, you can invite the Colonel in; everything is ready." "Colonel, walk this way. It is rather late for breakfast, but you will no doubt be able to make a repast of what is before you." "Make no excuses, Col. R., about what is before me, for it would satisfy the appet.i.te of a king. That is the besetting sin of the Old Virginia matrons. They will load the table with everything that is good and palatable and say that they are sorry that they have nothing you can eat." "Col. G.o.dfrey," said Mrs. Ridley, "I see that you are disposed to indulge in a little flattery. It is true that we extend our hospitality to visiting strangers and friends, but not to that extent which you ascribe to us." "It has been my experience, madam, at every place at which I have had business in this neighborhood, and I infer that it was a general thing." "Then, Colonel," said Mrs. R., "you have had a very pleasant time since you left our house?" "I cannot say that it has been altogether pleasant, madam. When on the road I cannot say that it was pleasant, but anything else I a.s.sure you. My trip has been an exceedingly dangerous one. I found treachery lurking about, and I at once put myself on my guard." Having finished eating, the Colonel was invited into the sitting-room, where Col. R. was found reading a paper just received from Was.h.i.+ngton, in which was announced the arrival of his daughter, Mrs. Bradley, of Virginia, and her son. Mrs. B., it will be recollected, was the widow of a distinguished revolutionary officer, and was in Was.h.i.+ngton on business with the Office of the Interior.

"Take the paper, Colonel," said Col. Ridley, "you may find something which might be of interest to you." When scanning over its pages his eyes rested on the following:

"Arrived in this city to-day, by way of stage from Richmond, Virginia, the beautiful and accomplished Mrs. Col. Bradley, of Va. She is the widow of the brave and gallant Col.

Bradley, who so distinguished himself during the revolution, being twice brevetted on the field for bravery. She is the daughter of Col. Ridley, of Southampton county, Va., so well known for his hospitality. Every attention will be paid to this distinguished lady. She will remain in the city for several days, as she has important business with the Secretary of the Interior. That functionary has already called on her, and she will have no trouble in that direction."

Col. R., having finished his out-door operations, returned to the house, and on entering the sitting-room found Col. G.o.dfrey still looking over the paper. "Colonel," he remarked, "I imagine that you have been much interested in reading the papers." "Yes, sir. I notice that your daughter, Mrs. Col. Bradley, had arrived in the city of Was.h.i.+ngton, and had received much attention." "Yes, sir, and it was very gratifying to me to know that such was the case. I only hope that she will meet with no very serious difficulty in the prosecution of her business." "I a.s.sure you, sir, that she can have not the least difficulty; besides, she will have no trouble. The Secretary of the Interior has been informed of her visit, and she will be aided by him in every way." "I hope that it may be as you have stated." "Rest a.s.sured, Colonel, what I tell you is so." Mrs. Ridley, having finished her domestic arrangements, entered the room, when the conversation at once ceased. Addressing herself to Col. R., she said: "It is rather cold in the room, had you not better order some wood placed on the fire." "Excuse me, my dear, I was so much interested in the conversation of our distinguished guest that I paid but little attention to the fire. I will order the wood immediately." The wood was brought in, and soon the room was made very comfortable. Mrs. R.

said: "Col. G.o.dfrey, at the table just now you said that your journey after you left us, was in many instances, not very pleasant. You have rather raised my curiosity. I would like to have you give an account of your mishaps as you journeyed along. It will be very interesting, no doubt." "It is a great pleasure to me to impart to others anything that I may know that would prove of interest to them, and I do most willingly grant the request made by you."

CHAPTER XIII.

THE ADVENTURES OF SMITH, JONES AND BROWN--JONES, HEARING THAT A SNAKE IS IN THE BOAT, JUMPS INTO THE Ca.n.a.l.

In getting up a party to visit Lake Drummond, you will always find more or less of the party who are afraid of snakes. On this occasion the party consisted of only three--Smith, Jones and Brown--all citizens of Suffolk. They prepared themselves with the necessary outfit and started for the ca.n.a.l. Their boat being ready they embarked and soon were on the way. Smith being the most expert took the wheel, Brown placed himself at the bow, so that he could ward off approaching danger, and Jones, who was the timid one of the party, was put amids.h.i.+p the boat, with his back to Brown. I knew the parties well; they are all living, and I will narrate the snake story as I was told by Brown, who will vouch for its authenticity. They had not pa.s.sed the great terror to all who go to the Lake (Paradise Old Fields), where can be seen everything that is hideous; a place that is dreaded, and if it could, would be shunned by every one who visits the Lake. Things of most unquestionable shapes have been seen by persons when pa.s.sing it. No one has ever given any account of the history of the Field, which you are compelled to pa.s.s going to Lake Drummond, and which has deterred many from venturing to it. Owing to the many snake stories that has been told by persons who said they were born to see spirits, there can be no doubt that there is a legend connected with that Field. Some have argued that the Field was at one time filled with grottos, and that the fairies of Lake Drummond would leave their realm and by a subterranean pa.s.sage into it to bask in the beauties which surrounded it. Profane history informs us that it was at this place that Pluto and Proserpine left for the infernal regions. That will make no difference about the snake story that I will relate. A snake is a wonderful reptile, and it is not necessary for one to be seen that one should be frightened. The very mention, in some instances, is sufficient to scare those who are the least timid. So it was in this instance. Jones, as I have said before, was one of a party that were going to the Lake. He was afraid of snakes. Smith and Brown knew it and they determined to have a little sport at his expense. Jones was highly delighted with the grandeur of the scenery by the side of the ca.n.a.l, as they rode along, and was expatiating upon the wonders of nature. Smith was charmed with the romantic effusions of Jones, and paid no attention to Brown, who was sitting at the bow of the boat, here looked toward him, and seeing that he was intently searching for something, asked what was the matter. Brown answered that a snake was in the boat and that he was trying to find it. Here Jones commenced to twist and squirm. "Hallo!" said Brown: "here's another!" No sooner had he said another when Jones sprang into the ca.n.a.l. He made several lunges and, Peter like, looked as if he was walking on the water.

Smith added more steam to the boat and Jones was overhauled and taken into the boat, very much frightened. They had not gone very far when Brown said: "I believe that snake is in the boat yet," and at the same time threw at Jones a piece of rattan, which is good to scare one with--it's a veritable snake. He was again taken into the boat, quite exhausted and cold from his ablutions. Brown prepared some ciderberry juice for him, with some pepper and other things that they had along which, after taking, Jones became more quiet. Brown says that when he thinks about that snake story it fills him so with laughter that he has to buckle a strap around him to support his physical organization.

Jones has not ventured to the Lake since that time, and Brown is afraid to tell him that the snake in the boat was only a piece of rattan. If you want to see snakes come to Suffolk and get Brown to go with you to the Lake of the Dismal Swamp, and he will amuse you to your heart's content.

To be continued, introducing several thrilling stories connected with the Dismal Swamp and Lake Drummond, together with bear hunting and the fearful consequences attending, and later accounts of the whereabouts of Uncle Alek's mule.