I could gain but glimpses of the mansion through the intervening trees, but it was large, imposing, a square, old-fashioned house, painted white, with green shutters.

It appeared deserted, and no spirals of smoke ascended from the kitchen chimney.

Apparently not even the servants were yet stirring.

However, there was smoke showing farther to the right, but I had to move before I could see the cause clearly--the smouldering remains of what must have been a large barn.

I advanced in that direction, skirting the orchard, and a row of negro cabins.