orm, the Devil's Hoof.

On the fourth side the ground gradually descends in broken, rock and
barren soil to the edge of the wild mountain stream known as the Devil's
Run.

When storms and floods were high the loud roaring of the wind through
the wild mountain gorges and the terrific raging of the torrent over its
rocky course gave to this savage locality its ill-omened names of
Devil's Hoof, Devil's Run and Hurricane Hall.

Major Ira Warfield, the lonely proprietor of the Hall, was a veteran
officer, who, in disgust at what he supposed to be ill-requited
services, had retired from public life to spend the evening of his
vigorous age on this his patrimonial estate. Here he lived in seclusion,
with his old-fashioned housekeeper, Mrs. Condiment, and his old family
servants and his favorite dogs and horses. Here his mornings were
usually spent in the chase, in which he excelled, and his afternoons and
evenings were occupied in small convivial suppers among his few chosen
companions of the chase or the bottle.

In person Major Warfield was tall and strongly built, reminding one of
some old iron-limbed Douglas of the olden time. His features were large
and harsh; his complexion dark red, as that of one bronzed by long
exposure and flushed with strong drink. His fierce, dark gray eyes were
surmounted by thick, heavy black brows that, when gathered into a frown,
reminded one of a thunder cloud, as the flashing orbs beneath them did
of lightning. His hard, harsh face was surrounded by a thick growth of
iron-gray hair and beard that met beneath his chin. His usual habit was
a black cloth coat, crimson vest, black leather breeches, long, black
yarn stockings, fastened at the knees, and morocco slippers with silver
buttons.

In character Major Warfield was arrogant, domineering and
violent--equally loved and feared by his faithful old family servants at
home--disliked and dreaded by his neighbors and acquaintances abroad,
who, partly from his house and partly from his character, fixed upon him
the appropriate nickname of Old Hurricane.

There was, however, other ground of dislike besides that of his arrogant
mind, violent temper and domineering habits. Old Hurricane was said to
be an old bachelor, yet rumor whispered that there was in some obscure
part of the world, hidden away from human sight, a deserted wife and
child, poor, forlorn and heart-broken. It was further whispered that the
elder brother of Ira Warfield had myst