On the
contrary, the feud had become chronic--the gulf separating us had grown
deeper. When I met either of the brothers, we exchanged no
greetings--passed without looking at each other--and the 'family feud'
between the Davenants and the Conways was not even alluded to; it had
become an old story, and lost its interest.
"Such was the condition of things--such the attitude which I occupied
toward the two brothers--when the event, which I am about to relate,
took place. The event in question was tragic and terrible. It came
without warning, to shock the entire surrounding country. One night, on
his return from the county seat, whither he was said to have gone upon
some matter of business, George Conway was murdered, and his body
concealed in some bushes by the roadside.
"The body was not discovered until the morning succeeding the murder.
His riderless horse was then seen standing at the door of the stable at
Five Forks, and in great terror. Judge Conway set out rapidly to look
for his brother, who was supposed to have met with some accident. Two
or three neighbors, whom he chanced to meet, joined in the search; the
body was discovered; and, on examination, revealed a deep gash in the
region of the heart, apparently inflicted by a dagger or a knife.
"The blow had evidently been mortal--no other hurt was visible.
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