had become of him: some thought it probable that
he had hidden in the woods and died there of his wounds; others that he
had gone North to stay until the reign of terror should be over.

No one, perhaps, suspected the truth, yet the wrath of the Ku Klux was
excited against the Travillas, and the Dinsmores of the Oaks, by the
kindness they showed to Leland's wife and children; and threatening
notices were sent ordering them to desist from giving aid and comfort to
"the carpet-bagger's family."

They however paid no heed to the insolent demand, but exerted themselves
to discover who were the men wounded in the raid; for that more than one
had been hurt, was evidenced by the bloody tracks in and around the
house at Fairview.

In this they were not successful; doubtless because the men were from a
distance, it being the custom for the organization so to arrange matters
that thus they might the more readily escape recognition.

The Ion children were at play in the front veranda one morning shortly
after breakfast, when a strange gentleman came riding leisurely up the
avenue.

Harold was the first to notice his approach. "Mammy, mammy! see who's
tumin! dat one de Kluxes?" he asked, running in affright to Aunt Chloe,
who sat in their midst with the babe on her lap.

"Spect not, honey; don't be 'fraid," she said soothingly, putting her
arm about the little trembler.

The little girls were dressing their dolls, Eddie and Bruno racing back
and forth, in and out, having a grand romp: but at Harold's question,
Eddie suddenly stood still, with an imperative, "Down, Bruno! down sir!
be quiet now!" and turned to look at the stranger.

The gentleman, now close at hand, reined in his horse, lifted his hat,
and with a winning smile, said "Good morning, my little lads and lasses.
Is your mother in?"

"No, sir, she and papa have gone out riding," replied Eddie, returning
the bow and smile.

Elsie laid aside her doll and stepping forward, said with a graceful
little courtesy, "Good morning, sir, will you dismount and come in? Papa
and mamma will probably be here in a few minutes."

"Ah, ha! um h'm; ah ha! Yes, my little lady, I will do so, thank you,"
returned the gentleman, giving his horse into the care of a servant,
summoned by Eddie.

"Will you walk into the drawing-room sir?" Elsie asked.

"No, thank you," he replied seating himself among them, and sending a
glance of keen interest from one to another.

One look into