CHAPTERI
THESLAVE’SSOCIALCIRCLE。
WITHthegrowingpopulationintheSouthernStates，theincreaseofmulattoeshasbeenverygreat。Societydoesnotfrownuponthemanwhositswithhishalf-whitechilduponhiskneewhilstthemotherstands，aslave，behindhischair。InnearlyallthecitiesandtownsoftheSlaveStates，therealnegro，orclearblack，doesnotamounttomorethanoneinfouroftheslavepopulation。Thisfactisofitselfthebestevidenceofthedegradedandimmoralconditionoftherelationofmasterandslave。ThroughouttheSouthernStates，thereisaclassofslaveswho，inmostofthetowns，arepermittedtohiretheirtimefromtheirowners，andwhoarealwaysexpectedtopayahighprice。Thisclassisthemulattowomen，distinguishedfortheirfascinatingbeauty。Thehandsomestoftheseusuallypaythegreatestamountfortheirtime。Manyofthesewomenarethefavoritesofmenofpropertyandstanding，whofurnishthemwiththemeansofcompensatingtheirowners，andnotafewaredressedinthemostextravagantmanner。
Whenwetakeintoconsiderationthefactthatnosafeguardisthrownaroundvirtue，andnoinducementheldouttoslave-womentobepureandchaste，wewillnotbesurprisedwhentoldthatimmoralityandvicepervadethecitiesandtownsoftheSouthtoanextentunknownintheNorthernStates。Indeed，manyoftheslave-womenhavenohigheraspirationthanthatofbecomingthefinely-dressedmistressofsomewhiteman。Atnegroballsandparties，thisclassofwomenusuallymakethemostsplendidappearance，andareeagerlysoughtafterinthedance，ortoentertaininthedrawing-roomoratthetable。
Afewyearsago，amongthemanyslave-womeninRichmond，Virginia，whohiredtheirtimeoftheirmasters，wasAgnes，amulattoownedbyJohnGraves，Esq。，andwhomightbeheardboastingthatshewasthedaughterofanAmericanSenator。Althoughnearlyfortyyearsofageatthetimeofwhichwewrite，Agneswasstillexceedinglyhandsome。Morethanhalfwhite，withlongblackhairanddeepblueeyes，noonefeltlikedisputingwithherwhensheurgedherclaimtoherrelationshipwiththeAnglo-Saxon。
Inheryoungerdays，Agneshadbeenahousekeeperforayoungslaveholder，andinsustainingthisrelationhadbecomethemotheroftwodaughters。Afterbeingcastasidebythisyoungman，theslave-womanbetookherselftothebusinessofalaundress，andwasconsideredtobethemosttastefulwomaninRichmondathervocation。
IsabellaandMarion，thetwodaughtersofAgnes，residedwiththeirmother，andgaveherwhataidtheycouldinherbusiness。Themother，however，wasverychoiceofherdaughters，andwouldallowthemtoperformnolaborthatwouldmilitateagainsttheirlady-likeappearance。Agnesearlyresolvedtobringupherdaughtersasladies，asshetermedit。
Asthegirlsgrewolder，themotherhadtopayastipulatedpriceforthempermonth。Hernotorietyasalaundressofthefirstclassenabledhertoputanextrachargeuponthelinenthatpassedthroughherhands;andalthoughsheimposedlittleornoworkuponherdaughters，shewasenabledtoliveincomparativeluxuryandhaveherdaughtersdressedtoattractattention，especiallyatthenegroballsandparties。
Althoughtheterm"negroball"isappliedtothesegatherings，yetalargeportionofthemenwhoattendthemarewhites。NegroballsandpartiesintheSouthernStates，especiallyinthecitiesandtowns，areusuallymadeupofquadroonwomen，afewnegromen，andanynumberofwhitegentlemen。Thesearegatheringsofthemostdemocraticcharacter。Bankers，merchants，lawyers，doctors，andtheirclerksandstudents，alltakepartinthesesocialassembliesupontermsofperfectequality。Thefatherandsonnotunfrequentlymeetanddancealikeatanegroball。
ItwasatoneofthesepartiesthatHenryLinwood，thesonofawealthyandretiredgentlemanofRichmond，wasfirstintroducedtoIsabella，theoldestdaughterofAgnes。TheyoungmanhadjustreturnedfromHarvardCollege，wherehehadspentthepreviousfiveyears。Isabellawasinhereighteenthyear，andwasadmittedbyallwhoknewhertobethehandsomestgirl，coloredorwhite，inthecity。Onthisoccasion，shewasattiredinasky-bluesilkdress，withdeepblacklaceflounces，andberthaofthesame。Onherwell-mouldedarmssheworemassivegoldbracelets，whileherrichblackhairwasarrangedatthebackinbroadbasketplaits，ornamentedwithpearls，andthefrontintheFrenchstyle（alaImperatrice），whichsuitedherclassicfacetoperfection。
Marionwasscarcelylessrichlydressedthanhersister。
HenryLinwoodpaidgreatattentiontoIsabellawhichwaslookeduponwithgratificationbyhermother，andbecameamatterofgeneralconversationwithallpresent。Ofcourse，theyoungmanescortedthebeautifulquadroonhomethatevening，andbecamethefavoritevisitoratthehouseofAgnes。ItwasonabeautifulmoonlightnightinthemonthofAugustwhenallwhoresideintropicalclimatesareeagerlygraspingforabreathoffreshair，thatHenryLinwoodwasinthegardenwhichsurroundedAgnes’
cottage，withtheyoungquadroonbyhisside。Hedrewfromhispocketanewspaperwetfromthepress，andreadthefollowingadvertisement：——
NOTICE。——Seventy-ninenegroeswillbeofferedforsaleonMonday，September10，at12o’clock，beingtheentirestockofthelateJohnGravesinanexcellentcondition，andallwarrantedagainstthecommonvices。Amongthemareseveralmechanics，able-bodiedfield-hands，plough-boys，andwomenwithchildren，someofthemveryprolific，affordingarareopportunityforanyonewhowishestoraiseastrongandhealthylotofservantsfortheirownuse。
Alsoseveralmulattogirlsofrarepersonalqualities，——twooftheseverysuperior。
AmongtheaboveslavesadvertisedforsalewereAgnesandhertwodaughters。EreyoungLinwoodleftthequadroonthatevening，hepromisedherthathewouldbecomeherpurchaser，andmakeherfreeandherownmistress。
Mr。Graveshadlongbeenconsiderednotonlyanexcellentanduprightcitizenofthefirststandingamongthewhites，buteventheslavesregardedhimasoneofthekindestofmasters。Havinginheritedhisslaveswiththerestofhisproperty，hebecamepossessedofthemwithoutanyconsultationorwishofhisown。Hewouldneitherbuynorsellslaves，andwasexceedinglycareful，inlettingthemout，thattheydidnotfindoppressiveandtyrannicalmasters。NoslavespeculatoreverdaredtocrossthethresholdofthisplanteroftheOldDominion。Hewasaconstantattendantuponreligiousworship，andwasnotedforhisgeneralbenevolence。TheAmericanBibleSociety，theAmericanTractSociety，andthecauseofForeignMissions，foundinhimaliberalfriend。HewasalwaysanxiousthathisslavesshouldappearwellontheSabbath，andhaveanopportunityofhearingthewordofGod。
CHAPTERII
THENEGROSALE。
Asmighthavebeenexpected，thedayofsalebroughtanusuallylargenumbertogethertocompeteforthepropertytobesold。
Farmers，whomakeabusinessofraisingslavesforthemarket，werethere，andslave-traders，whomakeabusinessofbuyinghumanbeingsintheslave-raisingStatesandtakingthemtothefarSouth，werealsoinattendance。Menandwomen，too，whowishedtopurchasefortheirownuse，hadfoundtheirwaytotheslavesale。
Inthemidstofthethrone。wasonewhofeltadeeperinterestintheresultofthesalethananyotherofthebystanders。ThiswasyoungLinwood。Truetohispromise，hewastherewithablankbank-checkinhispocket，awaitingwithimpatiencetoenterthelistasabidderforthebeautifulslave。
Itwasindeedaheart-rendingscenetowitnessthelamentationsoftheseslaves，allofwhomhadgrownuptogetherontheoldhomesteadofMr。Graves，andwhohadbeentreatedwithgreatkindnessbythatgentleman，duringhislife。Nowtheyweretobeseparated，andformnewrelationsandcompanions。Suchistheprecariousconditionoftheslave。Evenwhenwithagoodmaster，thereisnocertaintyofhishappinessinthefuture。
Thelessvaluableslaveswerefirstplacedupontheauction-block，oneafteranother，andsoldtothehighestbidder。Husbandsandwiveswereseparatedwithadegreeofindifferencethatisunknowninanyotherrelationinlife。Brothersandsistersweretomfromeachother，andmotherssawtheirchildrenforthelasttimeonearth。
Itwaslateintheday，andwhenthegreatestnumberofpersonswerethoughttobepresent，whenAgnesandherdaughterswerebroughtouttotheplaceofsale。Themotherwasfirstputupontheauction-block，andsoldtoanotednegrotradernamedJennings。Marionwasnextorderedtoascendthestand，whichshedidwithatremblingstep，andwassoldfor$1200。
AlleyeswerenowturnedonIsabella，asshewasledforwardbytheauctioneer。Theappearanceofthehandsomequadrooncausedadeepsensationamongthecrowd。Thereshestood，withaskinasfairasmostwhitewomen，herfeaturesasbeautifullyregularasanyofhersexofpureAnglo-Saxonblood，herlongblackhairdoneupintheneatestmanner，herformtallandgraceful，andherwholeappearanceindicatingonesuperiortohercondition。
TheauctioneercommencedbysayingthatMissIsabellawasfittodeckthedrawing-roomofthefinestmansioninVirginia。
"Howmuch，gentlemen，forthisrealAlbino！——fitfancy-girlforanyone！Sheenjoysgoodhealth，andhasasweettemper。Howmuchdoyousay？"
"Fivehundreddollars。"
"Onlyfivehundredforsuchagirlasthis？Gentlemen，sheisworthadealmorethanthatsum。Youcertainlydonotknowthevalueofthearticleyouarebiddingon。Here，gentlemen，Iholdinmyhandapapercertifyingthatshehasagoodmoralcharacter。"
"Sevenhundred。"
"Ah，gentlemen，thatissomethinglike。Thispaperalsostatesthatsheisveryintelligent。"
"Eighthundred。"
"Shewasfirstsprinkled，thenimmersed，andisnowwarrantedtobeadevotedChristian，andperfectlytrustworthy。"
"Ninehundreddollars。"
"Ninehundredandfifty。"
"Onethousand。"
"Elevenhundred。"
Herethebiddingcametoadeadstand。Theauctioneerstopped，lookedaround，andbeganinaroughmannertorelatesomeanecdoteconnectedwiththesaleofslaves，whichhesaidhadcomeunderhisownobservation。
Atthisjuncturethescenewasindeedamoststrikingone。Thelaughing，joking，swearing，smoking，spitting，andtalking，keptupacontinualhumandconfusionamongthecrowd，whiletheslave-girlstoodwithtearfuleyes，lookingalternatelyathermotherandsisterandtowardtheyoungmanwhomshehopedwouldbecomeherpurchaser。
"Thechastityofthisgirl，"nowcontinuedtheauctioneer，"ispure。Shehasneverbeenfromunderhermother’scare。Sheisvirtuous，andasgentleasadove。"
Thebidsheretookafreshstart，andwentonuntil$1800wasreached。Theauctioneeroncemoreresortedtohisjokes，andconcludedbyassuringthecompanythatIsabellawasnotonlypious，butthatshecouldmakeanexcellentprayer。
"Nineteenhundreddollars。"
"Twothousand。"
Thiswasthelastbid，andthequadroongirlwasstruckoff，andbecamethepropertyofHenryLinwood。
ThiswasaVirginiaslave-auction，atwhichthebones，sinews，blood，andnervesofayounggirlofeighteenweresoldfor$500;
hermoralcharacterfor$200;hersuperiorintellectfor$100;thebenefitssupposedtoaccruefromherhavingbeensprinkledandimmersed，togetherwithawarrantyofherdevotedChristianity，for$300;herabilitytomakeagoodprayerfor$200;andherchastityfor$700more。This，too，inacitythrongedwithchurches，whosetallspireslooklikesomanysignalspointingto。
heaven，butwhoseministerspreachthatslaveryaGod-ordainedinstitution！
Theslaveswerespeedilyseparated，andtakenalongbytheirrespectivemasters。Jennings，theslave-speculator，whohadpurchasedAgnesandherdaughterMarion，withseveraloftheotherslaves，tookthemtothecountyprison，whereheusuallykepthishumancattleafterpurchasingthem，previoustostartingfortheNewOrleansmarket。
LinwoodhadalreadyprovidedaplaceforIsabella，towhichshewastaken。Themosttryingmomentforherwaswhenshetookleaveofhermotherandsister。The"Good-by"oftheslaveisunlikethatofanyotherclassinthecommunity。Itisindeedafarewellforever。Withtearsstreamingdowntheircheeks，theyembracedandcommandedeachothertoGod，whoisnorespecterofpersons，andbeforewhommasterandslavemustonedayappear。
CHAPTERIII
THESLAVESPECULATOR。
DICKJenningstheslave-speculator，wasoneofthefewNorthernmen，whogototheSouthandthrowasidetheirhonestmodeofobtainingalivingandresorttotradinginhumanbeings。Amorerepulsivelookingpersoncouldscarcelybefoundinanycommunityofbadlookingmen。Tall，leanandlank，withhighcheek-bones，facemuchpittedwiththesmall-pox，grayeyeswithredeyebrows，andsandywhiskers，heindeedstoodalonewithoutmateorfellowinlooks。Jenningspridedhimselfuponwhathecalledhisgoodnessofheartandwasalwaysspeakingofhishumanity。AsmanyoftheslaveswhomheintendedtakingtotheNewOrleansmarkethadbeenraisedinRichmond，andhadrelationsthere，hedeterminedtoleavethecityearlyinthemorning，soasnottowitnessanyofthescenessocommonthedepartureofaslave-gangtothefarSouth。Inthis，hewasmostsuccessful;fornotevenIsabella，whohadcalledattheprisonseveraltimestoseehermotherandsister，wasawareofthetimethattheyweretoleave。
Theslave-traderstartedatearlydawn，andwasbeyondtheconfinesofthecitylongbeforethecitizenswereoutoftheirbeds。Asaslaveregardsalifeonthesugar，cotton，orriceplantationasevenworsethandeath，theyareeveronthewatchforanopportunitytoescape。Thetrader，awareofthis，secureshisvictimsinchainsbeforehesetsoutonhisjourney。Onthisoccasion，Jenningshadthemenchainedinpairs，whilethewomenwereallowedtogounfastened，butwerecloselywatched。
Afteramarchofeightdays，thecompanyarrivedonthebanksoftheOhioRiver，wheretheytookasteamerfortheplaceoftheirdestination。JenningshadalreadyadvertisedintheNewOrleanspapers，thathewouldbetherewithaprimelotofable-bodiedslaves，menandwomen，fitforfield-service，withafewextraonescalculatedforhouseservants，——allbetweentheagesoffifteenandtwenty-fiveyears;butlikemostmenwhomakeabusinessofspeculatinginhumanbeings，heoftenboughtmanywhowerefaradvancedinyears，andwouldtrytopassthemoffforfiveorsixyearsyoungerthantheywere。Fewpersonscanarriveatanythingapproachingtherealageofthenegro，bymereobservation，unlesstheyarewellacquaintedwiththerace。
Therefore，theslave-traderfrequentlycarriedoutthedeceptionwithperfectimpunity。
AfterthesteamerhadleftthewharfandwasfairlyoutonthebosomofthebroadMississippi，thespeculatorcalledhisservantPompeytohim;andinstructedhimastogettingthenegroesreadyformarket。Amongthefortyslavesthatthetraderhadonthisoccasion，weresomewhoseappearanceindicatedthattheyhadseensomeyearsandhadgonethroughconsiderableservice。Theirgrayhairandwhiskersatoncepronouncedthemtobeabovetheagessetdowninthetrader’sadvertisement。PompeyhadlongbeenwithJennings，andunderstoodhisbusinesswell，andifhedidnottakedelightinthedischargeofhisduty，hediditatleastwithadegreeofalacrity，sothathemightreceivetheapprobationofhismaster。
Pomp，ashewasusuallycalledbythetrader，wasofrealnegroblood，andwouldoftensay，whenalludingtohimself，"Disniggeramnocounterfeit，heisdeginuineartikle。Dischileisnoneofyourhaf-and-haf，dereisnobogusabouthim。"
Pompeywasoflowstature，roundface，and，likemostofhisrace，hadasetofteeth，which，forwhitenessandbeauty，couldnotbesurpassed;hiseyeswerelarge，lipsthick，andhairshortandwoolly。PompeyhadbeenwithJenningssolong，andhadseensomuchofbuyingandsellingofhisfellow-creatures，thatheappearedperfectlyindifferenttotheheart-rendingsceneswhichdailyoccurredinhispresence。Suchistheforceofhabit：——
"Viceisamonsterofsuchfrightfulmien，Thattobehated，needsbuttobeseen;
Butseentoooft，familiarwithItsface，Wefirstendure，thenpity，thenembrace。"
Itwasontheseconddayofthesteamer’svoyage，thatPompeyselectedfiveoftheoldestslaves，tookthemintoaroombythemselves，andcommencedpreparingthemforthemarket。
"Now，"saidhe，addressinghimselftothecompany，"IisdechapdatistogetyoureadyfordeOrleansmarket，sodatyouwillbringmarseragoodprice。Howoldisyou？"addressinghimselftoamannotlessthanforty。
"IfIlivetoseenextsweet-potato-diggingtime，Ishallbeeitherfortyorforty-five，Idon’tknowwhich。"
"Datmaybe，"repliedPompey;"butnowyouisonlythirtyyearsold，——dat’swhatmarsersaysyouistobe。"
"IknowIismoredendat，"respondedtheman。
"Ican’thelpnuffin’aboutdat，"returnedPompey;"butwhenyougetintodemarketandanyoneaxyouhowoldyouis，andyoutellumyouisfortyorforty-five，marserwilltieyouupandcutyoualltopieces。Butifyoutellurndatyouisonlythirty，denhewon’t。Nowrememberdatyouisthirtyyearsoldandnomore。"
"Wellden，IguessIwillonlybethirtywhendeyaxme。"
"What’syourname？"saidPompey，addressinghimselftoanother。
"Jeems。"
"Oh！UncleJim，isit？"
"Yes。"
"Denyoumusthaveallthemgraywhiskersshavedoff，andalldemgrayhairspluckedoutofyourhead。"ThiswasallsaidbyPompeyinamannerwhichshowedthatheknowwhathewasabout。
"Howoldisyou？"askedPompeyofatall，strong-lookingman。
"What’syourname？"
"Iamtwenty-nineyearsold，andmynameisTobias，buttheycallsmeToby。"
"Well，Toby，orMr。Tobias，ifdatwillsuityoubetter，youarenowtwenty-threeyearsold;dat’sall，——doyouunderstanddat？"
"Yes，"repliedToby。
Pompeynowgavethemalltounderstandhowoldtheyweretobewhenaskedbypersonswhowerelikelytopurchase，andthenwentandreportedtohismasterthattheoldboyswereallright。
"Besure，"saidJennings，"thattheniggersdon’tforgetwhatyouhavetaughtthem，forourluckthistimeinthemarketdependsupontheirappearance。Ifanyofthemhavesomanygrayhairsthatyoucannotpluckthemout，taketheblackingandbrush，andgoatthem。"
CHAPTERIV
THEBOAT-RACE。
ATeighto’clock，ontheeveningofthethirddayofthepassage，thelightsofanothersteamerweresooninthedistance，andapparentlycomingupveryfast。ThiswasthesignalforageneralcommotiononboardthePatriot，andeverythingindicatedthatasteamboat-racewasathand。NothingcanexceedtheexcitementattendantupontheracingofsteamersontheMississippi。
BythetimetheboatshadreachedMemphistheyweresidebyside，andeachexertingitselftogetinadvanceoftheother。Thenightwasclear，themoonshiningbrightly，andtheboatssoneartoeachotherthatthepassengerswerewithinspeakingdistance。OnboardthePatriotthefiremenwereusingoil，lard，butter，andevenbacon，withwoodyforthepurposeofraisingthesteamtoitshighestpitch。Theblazemingledwiththeblacksmokethatissuedfromthepipesoftheotherboat，whichshowedthatshealsowasburningsomethingmorecombustiblethanwood。
Thefiremenofbothboats，whowereslaves，weresingingsongssuchascanonlybeheardonboardaSouthernsteamer。Theboatsnowcameabreastofeachother，andnearerandnearer，untiltheywerelockedsothatmencouldpassfromonetotheother。Thewildestexcitementprevailedamongthemenemployedonthesteamers，inwhichthepassengersfreelyparticipated。
ThePatriotnowstoppedtotakeinpassengers，butstillnosteamwaspermittedtoescape。Onthestartingoftheboatagain，coldwaterwasforcedintotheboilersbythefeed-pumps，and，asmighthavebeenexpected。oneoftheboilersexplodedwithterrificforce，carryingawaytheboiler-deckandtearingtopiecesmuchofthemachinery。Onedensefogofsteamfilledeverypartofthevessel，whileshrieks，groans，andcrieswereheardoneveryside。
Menwererunninghitherandthitherlookingfortheirwives，andwomenworeflyingaboutinthewildestconfusionseekingfortheirhusbands。Dismayappearedoneverycountenance。
Thesaloonsandcabinssoonlookedmorelikehospitalsthananythingelse;butbythistimethePatriothaddriftedtotheshore，andtheothersteamerhadcomealongsidetorenderassistancetothedisabledboat。Thekilledandwounded（nineteeninnumber）wereputonshore，andthePatriot，takenintowbytheWashington，wasoncemoreonherjourney。
Itwashalf-pasttwelve，andthepassengers，insteadofretiringtotheirberths，oncemoreassembledatthegambling-tables。Thepracticeofgamblingonthewesternwatershaslongbeenasourceofannoyancetothemoremoralpersonswhotravelonourgreatrivers。ThousandsofdollarsoftenchangeownersduringapassagefromSt。LouisorLouisvilletoNewOrleans，onaMississippisteamer。Manymenarecompletelyruinedonsuchoccasions，andduelsareoftentheconsequence。
"Gocallmyboy，steward，"saidMr。Jones，ashetookhiscardsonebyonefromthetable。
Inafewminutesafine-looking，bright-eyedmulattoboy，apparentlyaboutsixteenyearsofage，wasstandingbyhismaster’ssideatthetable。
"Iambroke，allbutmyboy，"saidJones，asheranhisfingersthroughhiscards;"butheisworthathousanddollars，andIwillbetthehalfofhim。"
"Iwillcallyou，"saidThompson，ashelaidfivehundreddollarsatthefeetoftheboy，whowasstanding，onthetable，andatthesametimethrowingdownhiscardsbeforehisadversary。
"Youhavebeatenme，"saidJones;andaroaroflaughterfollowedfromtheothergentlemanaspoorJoesteppeddownfromthetable。
"Well，IsupposeIoweyouhalfthenigger，"saidThompson，ashetookholdofJoeandbeganexamininghislimbs。
"Yes，"repliedJones，"heishalfyours。Letmehavefivehundreddollars，andIwillgiveyouabillofsaleoftheboy。"
"Gobacktoyourbed，"saidThompsontohischattel，"andrememberthatyounowbelongtome。"
Thepoorslavewipedthetearsfromhiseyes，as，inobedience，heturnedtoleavethetable。
"Myfathergavemethatboy，"saidJones，ashetookthemoney，"andIhope，Mr。Thompson，thatyouwillallowmetoredeemhim。"
"Mostcertainly，Sir，"repliedThompson。"Wheneveryouhandoverthecoolthousandthenegroisyours。"
Nextmorning，asthepassengerswereassemblinginthecabinandondeckandwhiletheslaveswererunningaboutwaitingonorlookingfortheirmasters，poorJoewasseenenteringhisnewmaster’sstateroom，bootsinhand。
"Whodoyoubelongto？"inquiredagentlemanofanoldnegro，whopassedalongleadingafineNewfoundlanddogwhichhehadbeenfeeding。
"WhenIwenttosleeplas’night，"repliedtheslave，"I’longedtoMassaCarr;buthebingamblin’allnightan’Idon’tknowwhoI
’longstodismornin’。"
Suchistheuncertaintyofaslave’slife。Hegoestobedatnightthepamperedservantofhisyoungmaster，withwhomhehasplayedinchildhood，andwhowouldnotseehisslaveabusedunderanyconsideration，andgetsupinthemorningthepropertyofamanwhomhehasneverbeforeseen。
Tobeholdfiveorsixtablesinthesaloonofasteamer，withhalfadozenmenplayingcardsateach，withmoney，pistols，andbowie-knivesspreadinsplendidconfusionbeforethem，isanordinarythingontheMississippiRiver。
CHAPTERV
THEYOUNGMOTHER。
Onthefourthmorning，thePatriotlandedatGrandGulf，abeautifultownontheleftbankoftheMississippi。AmongthenumerouspassengerswhocameonboardatRodneywasanotherslave-trader，withninehumanchattelswhichhewasconveyingtotheSouthernmarket。Thepassengers，bothladiesandgentlemen，werestartledatseeingamongthenewlotofslavesawomansowhiteasnottobedistinguishablefromtheotherwhitewomenonboard。ShehadinherarmsachildsowhitethatnoonewouldsupposeadropofAfricanbloodflowedthroughitsblueveins。
Noonecouldbeholdthatmotherwithherhelplessbabe，withoutfeelingthatGodwouldpunishtheoppressor。Thereshesat，withanexpressiveandintellectualforehead，andacountenancefullofdignityandheroism，herdarkgoldenlocksrolledbackfromheralmostsnow-whiteforeheadandfloatingoverherswellingbosom。
Thetearsthatstoodinhermildblueeyesshowedthatshewasbroodingoversorrowsandwrongsthatfilledherbleedingheart。
Theheartsofthepassers-bygrewsofter，whilegazinguponthatyoungmotherasshepressedsweetkissesonthesad，smilinglipsoftheinfantthatlayinherlap。Thesmall，dimpledhandsoftheinnocentcreaturewereslylyhidinthewarmbosomonwhichthelittleonenestled。ThebloodofsomeproudSoutherner，nodoubt，flowedthroughtheveinsofthatchild。
WhentheboatarrivedatNatches，arathergood-looking，genteel-appearingmancameonboardtopurchaseaservant。ThisindividualintroducedhimselftoJenningsastheRev。JamesWilson。Theslave-traderconductedthepreachertothedeck-cabin，wherehekepthisslaves，andthemanofGod，afterhavingsomequestionsanswered，selectedAgnesastheonebestsuitedtohisservice。
ItseemedasifpoorMarion’sheartwouldbreakwhenshefoundthatshewastobeseparatedfromhermother。Thepreacher，however，appearedtobebutlittlemovedbytheirsorrow，andtookhisnewly-purchasedvictimonshore。Agnesbeggedhimtobuyherdaughter，butherefused，onthegroundthathehadnouseforher。
Duringtheremainderofthepassage，Marionweptbitterly。
Afteraranofafewhours，theboatstoppedatBatonRouge，whereanadditionalnumberofpassengersweretakenonboard，amongwhomwereanumberofpersonswhohadbeenattendingtheracesatthatplace。Gamblinganddrinkingwerenowtheorderoftheday。
Thenextmorning，atteno’clock，theboatarrivedatNewOrleanswherethepassengerswenttotheirhotelsandhomes，andthenegroestotheslave-pens。
Lizzie，thewhiteslave-mother，ofwhomwehavealreadyspoken，createdasmuchofasensationbythefairnessofhercomplexionandthealabasterwhitenessofherchild，whenbeingconveyedonshoreatNewOrleans，asshehaddonewhenbroughtonboardatGrandGulf。EveryonethatsawherfeltthatslaveryintheSouthernStateswasnotconfinedtothenegro。Manyhadbeentaughttothinkthatslaverywasabenefitratherthananinjury，andthosewhowerenotopposedtotheinstitutionbefore，nowfeltthatifwhitesweretobecomeitsvictims，itwastimeatleastthatsomesecurityshouldbethrownaroundtheAnglo-Saxontogavehimfromthisservileanddegradedposition。
CHAPTERVI
THESLAVE-MARKET。
NOTfarfromCanalStreet，inthecityofNewOrleans，standsalargetwo-story，flatbuilding，surroundedbyastonewallsometwelvefeethigh，thetopofwhichiscoveredwithbitsofglass，andsoconstructedastopreventeventhepossibilityofanyone’spassingoveritwithoutsustaininggreatinjury。Manyoftheroomsinthisbuildingresemblethecellsofaprison，andinasmallapartmentnearthe"office"aretobeseenanynumberofironcollars，hobbles，handcuffs，thumbscrews，cowhides，chains，gags，andyokes。
Aback-yard，enclosedbyahighwall，lookssomethingliketheplaygroundattachedtooneofourlargeNewEnglandschools，inwhicharerowsofbenchesandswings。Attachedtothebackpremisesisagood-sizedkitchen，where，atthetimeofwhichwewrite，twooldnegresseswereatwork，stewing，boiling，andbaking，andoccasionallywipingtheperspirationfromtheirfurrowedandswarthybrows。
Theslave-trader，Jennings，onhisarrivalatNewOrleans，tookuphisquartersherewithhisgangofhumancattle，andthemorningafter，at10o’clock，theywereexhibitedforsale。FirstofallcamethebeautifulMarion，whosepalecountenanceanddejectedlooktoldhowmanysadhoursshehadpassedsincepartingwithhermotheratNatchez。There，too，wasapoorwomanwhohadbeenseparatedfromherhusband;andanotherwoman，whoselooksandmannerswereexpressiveofdeepanguish，satbyherside。Therewas"UncleJeems，"withhiswhiskersoff，hisfaceshavenclean，andthegrayhairspluckedoutreadytobesoldfortenyearsyoungerthanhewas。Tobywasalsothere，withhisfaceshavenandgreased，readyforinspection。
Theexaminationcommenced，andwascarriedoninsuchamannerastoshockthefeelingsofanyonenotentirelydevoidofthemilkofhumankindness。
"Whatareyouwipingyoureyesfor？"inquiredafat，red-facedman，withawhitehatsetononesideofhisheadandacigarinhismouth，ofawomanwhosatononeofthebenches。
"BecauseIleftmymanbehind。"
"Oh，ifIbuyyou，Iwillfurnishyouwithabettermanthanyouleft。I’vegotlotsofyoungbucksonmyfarm。"
"Idon’twantandneverwillhaveanotherman，"repliedthewoman。
"What’syourname？"askedamaninastrawhatofatallnegrowhostoodwithhisarmsfoldedacrosshisbreast，leaningagainstthewall。
"MynameisAaron，sar。"
"Howoldareyou？"
"Twenty-five。"
"Wherewereyouraised？"
"InoleVirginny，sar。"
"Howmanymenhaveownedyou？"
"Four。"
"Doyouenjoygoodhealth？"
"Yes，sar。"
"Howlongdidyoulivewithyourfirstowner？"
"Twentyyears。"
"Didyoueverrunaway？"
"No，sar。"
"Didyoueverstrikeyourmaster？"
"No，sar。"
"Wereyoueverwhippedmuch？"
"No，sar;Is’poseIdidn’tdeserveit，sar。"
"Howlongdidyoulivewithyoursecondmaster？"
"Tenyears，sar。"
"Haveyouagoodappetite？"
"Yes，sar。"
"Canyoueatyourallowance？"
"Yes，sar，——whenIcangetit。"
"WherewereyouemployedinVirginia？"
"Iworkeddetobackerfiel’。"
"Inthetobaccofield，eh？"
"Yes，sar。"
"Howolddidyousayyouwas？"
"Twenty-five，sar，nex’sweet-’tater-diggin’time。"
"Iamacotton-planter，andifIbuyyou，youwillhavetoworkinthecotton-field。Mymenpickonehundredandfiftypoundsaday，andthewomenonehundredandfortypounds;andthosewhofailtoperformtheirtaskreceivefivestripesforeachpoundthatiswanting。Now，doyouthinkyoucouldkeepupwiththerestofthehands？"
"I’don’tknowsarbutI’specsI’dhaveto。"
"Howlongdidyoulivewithyourthirdmaster？"
"Threeyears，sar。"
"Why，thatmakesyouthirty-three。Ithoughtyoutoldmeyouwereonlytwenty-five？"
Aaronnowlookedfirstattheplanter，thenatthetrader，andseemedperfectlybewildered。HehadforgottenthelessongivenhimbyPompeyrelativetohisage;andtheplanter’scircuitousquestions——doubtlesstofindouttheslave’srealage——hadthrownthenegrooffhisguard。
"Imustseeyourback，soastoknowhowmuchyouhavebeenwhipped，beforeIthinkofbuying。"
Pompey，whohadbeenstandingbyduringtheexamination，thoughtthathisserviceswerenowrequired，and，steppingforthwithadegreeofofficiousness，saidtoAaron，——
"Don’tyouheardegemmantellyouhewantsto’zaminyou。Cum，unharnessyo’seff，oleboy，anddon’tbestandin’dar。"
Aaronwassoonexamined，andpronounced"sound;"yettheconflictingstatementabouthisagewasnotsatisfactory。
FortunatelyforMarion，shewassparedthepainofundergoingsuchanexamination。Mr。Cardney，atellerinoneofthebanks，hadjustbeenmarried，andwantedamaid-servantforhiswife，and，passingthroughthemarketintheearlypartoftheday，waspleasedwiththeyoungslave’sappearance，andhisdwellingthequadroonfoundamuchbetterhomethanoftenfallstothelotofaslavesoldintheNewOrleansmarket。
CHAPTERVII
THESLAVE-HOLDINGPARSON。
THERev。JamesWilsonwasanativeoftheStateofConnecticutwherehewaseducatedfortheministryintheMethodistpersuasion。HisfatherwasastrictfollowerofJohnWesley，andsparednopainsinhisson’seducation，withthehopethathewouldonedaybeasrenownedastheleaderofhissect。JameshadscarcelyfinishedhiseducationatNewHaven，whenhewasinvitedbyanuncle，thenonavisittohisfather，tospendafewmonthsatNatchezinMississippi。YoungWilsonacceptedhisuncle’sinvitation，andaccompaniedhimtotheSouth。FewYoungmen，andespeciallyclergymen，goingfreshfromcollegetotheSouth，butarelookeduponasgeniusesinasmallway，andwhoarenotinvitedtoallthepartiesintheneighborhood。Mr。Wilsonwasnotanexceptiontothisrule。Thesocietyintowhichhewasthrown，onhisarrivalatNatchez，wastoobrilliantforhimnottobecaptivatedbyit，and，asmighthavebeenexpected，hesucceededincaptivatingaplantationwithseventyslavesifnottheheartoftheladytowhomitbelonged。
Addedtothis，hebecameapopularpreacher，andhadalargecongregationwithasnugsalary。Likeotherplanters，Mr。WilsonconfidedthecareofhisfarmtoNedHuckelby，anoverseerofhighreputationinhisway。
ThePoplarFarm，asitwas。called，wassituatedinabeautifulvalley，ninemilesfromNatchez，andneartheMississippiRiver。
Theonceunshornfaceofnaturehadgivenway，andthefarmnowblossomedwithasplendidharvest。Theneatcottagestoodinagrove，whereLombardypoplarslifttheirtopsalmosttoproptheskies，wherethewillow，locustandhorse-chestnuttreesspreadforththeirbranches，andflowersneverceasedtoblossom。
Thiswastheparson’scountryresidence，wherethefamilyspentonlytwomonthsduringtheyear。Histownresidencewasafinevilla，seatedonthebrowofahillattheedgeofthecity。
ItwasinthekitchenofthishousethatAgnesfoundhernewhome。
Mr。Wilsonwaseveryinchademocrat，andearlyresolvedthat"hispeople，"ashecalledhisslavesshouldbewell-fedandnotover-worked，andthereforelaiddownthelawandgospeltotheoverseeraswellastotheslaves。"Itismywish，"saidhetoMr。
Carlingham，anoldschool-fellowwhowasspendingafewdayswithhim，——"ItismywishthatanewsystembeadoptedontheplantationsinthisState。IbelievethatthesonsofHamshouldhavethegospel，andIintendthatmineshallhaveit。Thegospeliscalculatedtomakemankindbetterandnoneshouldbewithoutit。"
"Whatsayyou，"saidCarlingham，"abouttherightofmantohisliberty？"
"Now，Carlingham，youhavebeguntoharpagainaboutmen’srights。
IreallywishthatyoucouldseethismatterasIdo。"’
"IregretthatIcannotseeeyetoeyewithyou，"saidCarlingham。
"IamadiscipleofRousseau，andhaveforyearsmadetherightsof。manmystudy，andImustconfesstoyouthatIseenodifferencebetweenwhiteandblack，asitregardsliberty。"
"Now，mydearCarlingham，wouldyoureallyhavethenegroesenjoythesamerightsasourselves？"
"Iwouldmostcertainly。LookatourgreatDeclarationofIndependence！lookevenattheConstitutionofourownConnecticutandseewhatissaidintheseaboutliberty。"
"Iregardallthistalkaboutrightsasmerehumbug。TheBibleisolderthantheDeclarationofIndependence，andthereItakemystand。"
Alongdiscussionfollowed，inwhichbothgentlemenputforththeirpeculiarideaswithmuchwarmthoffeeling。
Duringthisconversation，therewasanotherpersonintheroom，seatedbythewindow，who，althoughatwork，embroideringafinecollar，paidminuteattentiontowhatwassaid。ThiswasGeorgiana，theonlydaughteroftheparson，whohadbutjustreturnedfromConnecticut，whereshehadfinishedhereducation。
ShehadhadtheopportunityofcontrastingthespiritofChristianityandlibertyinNewEnglandwiththatofslaveryinhernativeState，andhadlearnedtofeeldeeplyfortheinjurednegro。Georgianawasinhernineteenthyear，andhadbeenmuchbenefitedbyherresidenceoffiveyearsattheNorth。Herformwastallandgraceful，herfeaturesregularandwell-defined，andhercomplexionwasilluminatedbythefreshnessofyouth，beauty，andhealth。
Thedaughterdifferedfromboththefatherandvisitoruponthesubjectwhichtheyhadbeendiscussing;andassoonasanopportunityoffered，shegaveitasheropinionthattheBiblewasboththebulwarkofChristianityandofliberty。Withasmileshesaid，——
"Ofcourse，papawilloverlookmydifferencewithhim，foralthoughIamanativeoftheSouth，IambyeducationandsympathyaNortherner。"Mr。Wilsonlaughed，appearingratherpleasedthanotherwiseatthemannerinwhichhisdaughterhadexpressedherself。FromthisGeorgianatookcourageandcontinued，——
’"Thoushaltlovethyneighborasthyself。’ThissinglepassageofScriptureshouldcauseustohaverespectfortherightsoftheslave。TrueChristianloveisofanenlargedanddisinterestednature。ItlovesallwholovetheLordJesusChristinsincerity，withoutregardtocolororcondition。"
"Georgiana，mydear，youareanabolitionist，——yourtalkisfanaticism！"saidMr。Wilson，inratherasharptone;butthesubduedlookofthegirlandthepresenceofCarlinghamcausedhimtosoftenhislanguage。
Mr。Wilsonhavinglosthiswifebyconsumption，andGeorgianabeinghisonlychild，helovedhertoodearlytosaymore，evenifhefeltdisposed。AsilencefollowedthisexhortationfromtheyoungChristian，butherremarkshaddoneanoblework。Thefather’sheartwastouched，andthesceptic，forthefirsttime，wasviewingChristianityinitstruelight。
CHAPTERVIII
ANIGHTINTHEPARSON’SKITCHEN。
BESIDESAgnes，whomMr。Wilsonhadpurchasedfromtheslave-trader，Jennings，hekeptanumberofhouse-servants。ThechiefoneofthesewasSam，whomustberegardedassecondonlytotheparsonhimself。Ifadinner-partywasincontemplation，oranycompanywastobeinvited，afterallthearrangementshadbeentalkedoverbytheministerandhisdaughter。Samwassuretobeconsultedon，thesubjectby"MissGeorgy，"asMissWilsonwascalledbyalltheservants。Iffurniture，crockery，oranythingwastobepurchased，Samfeltthathehadbeenslightedifhisopinionwasnotasked。
Astothemarketing，hediditall。Hesatattheheadoftheservants’tableinthekitchen，andwasmasteroftheceremonies。
Asinglelookfromhimwasenoughtosilenceanyconversationornoiseamongtheservantsinthekitchenorinanyotherpartofthepremises。
ThereisintheSouthernStatesagreatamountofprejudiceinregardtocolor，evenamongthenegroesthemselves。Thenearerthenegroormulattoapproachestothewhite，themoreheseemstofeelhissuperiorityoverthoseofadarkerhue。Thisisnodoubttheresultoftheprejudicethatexistsonthepartofthewhitesagainstboththemulattoesandtheblacks。
SamwasoriginallyfromKentucky，andthroughtheinstrumentalityofoneofhisyoungmasters，whomhehadtotaketoschool，hehadlearnedtoreadsoastobewellunderstood，and，owingtothatfact，wasconsideredaprodigy，notonlyamonghisownmaster’sslaves，butalsoamongthoseofthetownwhoknewhim。Samhadagreatwishtofollowinthefootstepsofhismasterandbeapoet，andwasthereforeoftenheardsingingdoggerelsofhisowncomposition。
ButtherewasonedrawbacktoSam，andthatwashiscolor。Hewasoneoftheblackestofhisrace。Thisheevidentlyregardedasagreatmisfortune;butheendeavoredtomakeupforitindress。
Mr。Wilsonkepthishouseservantswelldressed，andasforSam，hewasseldomseenexceptinaruffledshirt。Indeed，thewasherwomanfearedhimmorethananyoneelseinthehouse。
Agneshadbeeninauguratedchiefofthekitchendepartment，andhadageneralsupervisionofthehouseholdaffairs。Alfred，thecoachman，Peter，andHettymadeuptheremainderofthehouse-servants。Besidesthese，Mr。Wilsonownedeightslaveswhoweremasons。Theseworkedinthecity。Beingmechanics，theywereletouttogreateradvantagethantokeepthemonthefarm。
EverySundayevening，Mr。Wilson’sservants，includingthebricklayers，assembledinthekitchen，wheretheeventsoftheweekwerefullydiscussedandcommentedupon。ItwasonaSundayevening，inthemonthofJune，thattherewasapartyatMr。
Wilson’shouse，and，accordingtocustomintheSouthernStates，theladieshadtheirmaidservantswiththem。Teahadbeenservedin"thehouse，"andtheservants，includingthestrangers，hadtakentheirseatsatthetableinthekitchen。Sam，beinga"singlegentleman，"wasunusuallyattentivetotheladiesonthisoccasion。Heseldomletadaypasswithoutspendinganhourortwoincombingandbrushinghis"har。"Hehadanideathatfreshbutterwasbetterforhishairthananyotherkindofgrease，andthereforeonchurningdayshalfapoundofbutterhadalwaystobetakenoutbeforeitwassalted。Whenhewishedtoappeartogreatadvantage，hewouldgreasehisfacetomakeit"shiny。"Therefore，ontheeveningoftheparty，whenalltheservantswereatthetable，Samcutabigfigure。Therehesat，withhiswoolwellcombedandbuttered，facenicelygreased，andhisrufflesextendingfiveorsixinchesfromhisbosom。Theparsoninhisdrawing-roomdidnotmakeamoreimposingappearancethandidhisservantonthisoccasion。
"IisbinhadmyfortunetolelastSundaynight，"saidSam，whilehelpingoneofthegirls。
"Indeed！"criedhalfadozenvoices。
"Yes，"continuedhe;"AuntWinnytolemeI’stohabdeprettiestyallahgalindetown，anddatI’stobefree！"
AlleyeswereimmediatelyturnedtowardSallyJohnson，whowasseatednearSam。
"I’specsIseesomebodyblushatdatremark，"saidAlfred。
"Passdempancakesan’’lassesupdisway，Mr。Alf，andnoneobyoursinuwashunshere，"rejoinedSam。
"Datremindsme，"said-Agnes，"datDorcasSimpsonisgwinetogitmarried。"
"Whoto，Iwanttoknow？"inquiredPeter。
"TooneofMr。Darby’sfield-hands，"answeredAgnes。
"Ishouldtinkdatgalwouldn’tfrowherseffawayindatarway，"
saidSally;"She’sgoodlookin’’noughtogitahouse-servant，andnothabtoputupwidafield-nigger。"
"Yes，"saidSam，"dat’sawerryunsensibleremarkobyourn，MissSally。Iadmiresyourjudgmentwerrymuch，I’suresyou。Dar’splentyobsusceptiblean’well-dressedhouse-serbantsdatagalobherlookscangitwidouttakin’upwiddemcommondarkies。"
Theevening’sentertainmentconcludedbySamrelatingalittleofhisownexperiencewhilewithhisfirstmaster，inoldKentucky。
Thismasterwasadoctor，and。hadalargepracticeamonghisneighbors，doctoringbothmastersandslaves。WhenSamwasaboutfifteenyearsold，hismastersethimtogrindingupointmentandmakingpills。Astheyoungstudentgrewolderandbecamemorepractisedinhisprofession，hisserviceswereofmoreimportancetothedoctor。Thephysicianhavingagoodbusiness，andalargenumberofhispatientsbeingslaves，——themostofwhomhadtocallonthedoctorwhenill，——heputSamtobleeding，pullingteeth，andadministeringmedicinetotheslaves。Samsoonacquiredthenameamongtheslavesofthe"BlackDoctor。"Withthisappellationhewasdelighted;andnoregularphysiciancouldhaveputonmoreairsthandidtheblackdoctorwhenhisserviceswererequired。Inbleeding，hemusthavemorebandages，andwouldrubandsmackthearmmorethanthedoctorwouldhavethoughtof。
Samwasonceseentakingoutatoothforoneofhispatients，andnothingappearedmoreamusing。Hegotthepoorfellowdownonhisback，andthengettingastrideofhischest，heappliedtheturnkeysandpulledawayfordearlife。Unfortunately，hehadgotholdofthewrongtooth，andthepoormanscreamedasloudashecould;butitwastonopurpose，forSamhadhimfast，andafteraprettyseveretussleoutcamethesoundgrinder。Theyoungdoctornowsawhismistake，butconsoledhimselfwiththethoughtthatasthewrongtoothwasoutoftheway，therewasmoreroomtogetattherightone。
Bleedingandadoseofcalomelwerealwaysconsideredindispensablebythe"oldboss，"andasamatterofcourse，Samfollowedinhisfootsteps。
Ononeoccasiontheolddoctorwasillhimself，soastobeunabletoattendtohispatients。Aslave，withpassinhand，calledtoreceivemedicaladvice，andthemastertoldSamtoexaminehimandseewhathewanted。Thisdelightedhimbeyondmeasure，foralthoughhehadbeenactinghispartinthewayofgivingoutmedicineasthemasterorderedit，hehadneverbeencalleduponbythelattertoexamineapatient，andthisseemedtoconvincehimafterallthathewasnoshamdoctor。Asmighthavebeenexpected，hecutararefigureinhisfirstexamination。Placinghimselfdirectlyoppositehispatient，andfoldinghisarmsacrosshisbreast，lookingveryknowingly，hebegan，——
"What’sdematterwidyou？"
"Iissick。"
"Whereisyousick？"
"Here，"repliedtheman，puttinghishanduponhisstomach。
"Putoutyourtongue，"continuedthedoctor。
Themanranouthistongueatfulllength。
"Letmefeelyourpulse;"atthesametimetakinghispatient’shandinhis，andplacinghisfingersuponhispulse，hesaid，——
"Ah！yourcaseisabadone;efIdon’tdosomethingforyou，anddatprettyquick，you’llbeagonecoonsanddat’ssartin。"
Atthisthemanappearedfrightened，andinquiredwhatwasthematterwithhim，inanswertowhichSamsaid，"Idonetolddatyourcaseisabadone，anddat’senuff。"
OnSam’sreturningtohismaster’sbedside，thelattersaid，"Well，Sam，whatdoyouthinkisthematterwithhim？"
"Hisstomachisoutoborder，sar，"hereplied。
"Whatdoyouthinkhadbetterbedoneforhim？"
"ItinkI’dbetterbleedhimandgibhimadoseobcalomel，"
returnedSam。
So，tothelatter’sgratification，themasterlethimhavehisownway。
Ononeoccasion，whenmakingpillsandointment，Sammadeagreatmistake。Hegotthepreparationsforbothmixedtogether，sothathecouldnotlegitimatelymakeeither。Butfearingthatifhethrewthestuffaway，hismasterwouldfloghim，andbeingafraidtoinformhissuperiorofthemistake，heresolvedtomakethewholebatchofpillandointmentstuffintopills。Hewellknewthatthepowderoverthepillswouldhidetheinside，andthefactthatmostpersonsshuttheireyeswhentakingsuchmedicineledtheyoungdoctortofeelthatallwouldberightintheend。
ThereforeSammadehispills，boxedthemup，putonthelabels，andplacedtheminaconspicuouspositionononeoftheshelves。
Samfeltadegreeofanxietyabouthispills，however。Itwasastrangemixture，andhewasnotcertainwhetheritwouldkillorcure;buthewaswillingthatitshouldbetried。Atlasttheyoungdoctorhadhisvanitygratified。Col。Tallen，oneofDr。
Saxondale’spatients，droveuponemorning，andSamasusualranouttothegatetoholdthecolonel’shorse。
"Callyourmaster，"saidthecolonel;"Iwillnotgetout。"
Thedoctorwassoonbesidethecarriage，andinquiredaboutthehealthofhispatient。Afteralittleconsultation，thedoctorreturnedtohisoffice，tookdownaboxofSam’snewpills，andreturnedtothecarriage。
"Taketwooftheseeverymorningandnight，"saidthedoctor，"andifyoudon’tfeelrelieved，doublethedose。"
"Goodgracious，"exclaimedSaminanundertone，whenheheardhismastertellthecolonelhowtotakethepills。
ItwasseveraldaysbeforeSamcouldlearntheresultofhisnewmedicine。Oneafternoon，aboutafortnightafterthecolonel’svisitSamsawhismaster’spatientridinguptothegateonhorseback。Thedoctorhappenedtobeintheyard，andmetthecolonelandsaid，——
"Howareyounow？"
"Iamentirelyrecovered，"repliedthepatient。"Thosepillsofyoursputmeonmyfeetthenextday。"
"Iknewtheywould，"rejoinedthedoctor。
Samwasnearenoughtoheartheconversation，andwasdelightedbeyonddescription。Thenegroimmediatelyranintothekitchen，amongsthiscompanions，andcommenceddancing。
"Whatdematterwidyou？"inquiredthecook。
"Iisdegreatestdoctorindiscountry，"repliedSam。"Efyouevergetsick，callonme。Nomatterwhatailsyou，Iisdemandatcancureyouinnotime。Ifyoudohabdebackache，derheumaties，deheadache，decollermorbus，fits，eranytingelse，Samisdegentlemandatcanputyouonyourfeetwidhispills。"
Foralongtimeafter，Samdidlittleelsethanboastofhisskillasadoctor。
Wehavesaidthattheblackdoctorwasfullofwitandgoodsense。Indeed，inthatrespect，hehadscarcelyanequalintheneighborhood。Althoughhismasterresidedsomelittledistanceoutofthecity，Samwasalwaysthefirstmaninallthenegroballsandpartiesintown。Whenhismastercouldgivehimapass，hewent，andwhenhedidnotgivehimone，hewouldstealawayafterhismasterhadretired，andruntheriskofbeingtakenupbythenight-watch。Ofcourse，themasterneverknewanythingoftheabsenceoftheservantatnightwithoutpermission。Asthenegroesatthesepartiestriedtoexceleachotherinthewayofdress，Samwasoftenatalosstomakethatappearancethathisheartdesired，buthisreadywiteverhelpedhiminthis。Whenhismasterhadretiredtobedatnight，itwasthedutyofSamtoputoutthelights，andtakeoutwithhimhismaster’sclothesandboots，andleavethemintheofficeuntilmorning，andthenblacktheboots，brushtheclothes，andreturnthemtohismaster’sroom。
Havingresolvedtoattendadress-ballonenight，withouthismaster’spermission，andbeingperplexedforsuitablegarments，Samdeterminedtotakehismaster’s。So，dressinghimselfinthedoctor’sclotheseventohisbootsandhat，offthenegrostartedforthecity。Beingwellacquaintedwiththeusualwalkofthepatrolshefoundnodifficultyinkeepingoutoftheirway。Asmighthavebeenexpected，Samwasthegreatgunwiththeladiesthatnight。
Thenextmorning，Samwasbackhomelongbeforehismaster’stimeforrising，andtheclotheswereputintheiraccustomedplace。
ForalongtimeSamhadnodifficultyinattiringhimselfforparties;buttheoldproverbthat"Itisalonglanethathasnoturning，"wasverifiedinthenegro’scase。Onestormynight，whentherainwasdescendingintorrents，thedoctorheardarapathisdoor。Itwascustomarywithhim，whencalledupatnighttovisitapatient，toringforSam。Butthistime，theservantwasnowheretobefound。Thedoctorstruckalightandlookedforclothes;theytoo，weregone。——Itwastwelveo’clock，andthedoctor’sclothes，hat，boots，andevenhiswatch，werenowheretobefound。Herewasaprettydilemmaforadoctortobein。Itwassometimebeforethephysiciancouldfithimselfoutsoastomikethevisit。Atlast，however，hestartedwithoneofthefarm-horses，forSamhadtakenthedoctor’sbestsaddle-horse。Thedoctorfeltsurethatthe，negrohadrobbedhim，andwasonhiswaytoCanada;butinthishewasmistaken。Samhadgonetothecitytoattendaball，andhaddeckedhimselfoutinhismaster’sbestsuit。Thephysicianreturnedbeforemorning，andagainretiredtobedbutwithlittlehopeofsleep，forhisthoughtswerewithhisservantandhorse。Atsixo’clock，inwalkedSamwithhismaster’sclothes，andthebootsneatlyblacked。Thewatchwasplacedontheshelf，andthehatinitsplace。Samhadnotmetanyoftheservants，andwasthereforeentirelyignorantofwhathadoccurredduringhisabsence。
"Whathaveyoubeenabout，sir，andwherewasyoulastnightwhenI
wascalled？"saidthedoctor。
"Idon’tknow，sir。I’sposeIwasasleep，"repliedSam。
Butthedoctorwasnottobesoeasilysatisfied，afterhavingbeenputtosomuchtroubleinhuntingupanothersuitwithouttheaidofSam。Afterbreakfast，Samwastakenintothebarn，tiedup，andseverelyfloggedwiththecat，whichbroughtfromhimthetruthconcerninghisabsencethepreviousnight。Thisforeverputanendtohisfineappearanceatthenegroparties。Hadnotthedoctorbeenoneofthemostindulgentofmasters，hewouldnothaveescapedwithmerelyaseverewhipping。
Asamatterofcourse，SamhadtorelatetohiscompanionsthateveninginMr。Wilson’skitchenallhisadventuresasaphysicianwhilewithhisoldmaster。
CHAPTERIX
THEMANOFHONOR。
AUGUSTINECARDINAY，thepurchaserofMarion，wasfromtheGreenMountainsofVermont，andhisfeelingswereopposedtotheholdingofslaves;buthisyoungwifepersuadedhiminintotheideathatitwasnoworsetoownaslavethantohireoneandpaythemoneytoanother。HenceitwasthathehadbeeninducedtopurchaseMarion。
AdolphusMorton，ayoungphysicianfromthesameState，andwhohadjustcommencedthepracticeofhisprofessioninNewOrleans，wasboardingwithCardinaywhenMarionwasbroughthome。TheyoungphysicianhadbeeninNewOrleansbutaveryfewweeks，andhadseenbutlittleofslavery。Inhisownmountain-home，hehadbeentaughtthattheslavesoftheSouthernStateswerenegroes，andifnotfromthecoastofAfrica，thedescendantsofthosewhohadbeenimported。Hewasunpreparedtobeholdwithcomposureabeautifulwhitegirlofsixteeninthedegradedpositionofachattelslave。
ThebloodchilledinhisyoungheartasheheardCardinaytellhow，bybanteringwiththetrader，hehadboughthertwohundreddollarslessthanhefirstasked。Hisverylooksshowedthatshehadthedeepestsympathiesofhisheart。
MarionhadbeenbroughtupbyhermothertolookafterthedomesticconcernsofhercottageinVirginia，andwellknewhowtoperformthedutiesimposeduponher。Mrs。Cardinaywasmuchpleasedwithhernewservant，andoftenmentionedhergoodqualitiesinthepresenceofMr。Morton。