CHAPTERXVII
　　CLOTELLE。
　　THEcurtainrisessevenyearsafterthedeathofIsabella。Duringthatinterval，Henry，findingthatnothingcouldinducehismother-in-lawtorelinquishherholdonpoorlittleClotelle，andnotlikingtocontendwithoneonwhomafuturefortunedepended，graduallylostallinterestinthechild，andlefthertoherfate。
　　AlthoughMrs。MillertreatedClotellewithadegreeofharshnessscarcelyequalled，whenappliedtoonesotenderinyears，stillthechildgreweverydaymorebeautiful，andherhair，thoughkeptcloselycut，seemedtohaveimprovedinitssoft，silk-likeappearance。Nowtwelveyearsofage，andmorethanusuallywell-developed，herharsholdmistressbegantoviewherwithajealouseye。
　　HenryandGertrudehadjustreturnedfromWashington，wherethehusbandhadbeenonhisdutiesasamemberofCongress，andwherehehadremainedduringtheprecedingthreeyearswithoutreturninghome。Itwasonabeautifulevening，justattwilight，whileseatedathisparlorwindow，thatHenrysawayoungwomanpassbyandgointothekitchen。Notawareofeverhavingseenthepersonbefore，hemadeanerrandintothecook’sdepartmenttoseewhothegirlwas。He，however，metherinthehall，asshewasaboutgoingout。
　　"Whomdidyouwishtosee？"heinquired。
　　"MissGertrude，"wasthereply。
　　"Whatdidyouwanttoseeherfor？"heagainasked。
　　"MymistresstoldmetogiveherandMasterHenryhercompliments，andaskthemtocomeoverandspendtheevening。"
　　"Whoisyourmistress？"heeagerlyinquired。
　　"Mrs。Miller，sir，"respondedthegirl。
　　"Andwhat’syourname？"askedHenry，withatremblingvoice。
　　"Clotelle，sir，"wasthereply。
　　Theastonishedfatherstoodcompletelyamazed，lookingatthenowwomanlyformofherwho，inhishappierdays，hehadtakenonhiskneewithsomuchfondnessandalacrity。ItwasthenthathesawhisownandIsabella’sfeaturescombinedinthebeautifulfacethathewasthenbeholding。Itwasthenthathewascarriedbacktothedayswhenwithawoman’sdevotion，poorIsabellahungabouthisneckandtoldhimhowlonelywerethehoursinhisabsence。Hecouldstanditnolonger。Tearsrushedtohiseyes，andturninguponhisheel，hewentbacktohisownroom。ItwasthenthatIsabellawasrevenged;andshenodoubtlookedsmilinglydownfromherhomeinthespirit-landonthescenebelow。
　　OnGertrude’sreturnfromhershoppingtour，shefoundHenryinamelancholymood，andsoonlearneditscause。AsGertrudehadbornehimnochildren，itwasbutnatural，thatheshouldnowfeelhislovecenteringinClotelle，andhenowintimatedtohiswifehisdeterminationtoremovehisdaughterfromthehandsofhismother-in-law。
　　WhenthisnewsreachedMrs。Miller，throughherdaughter，shebecamefuriouswithrage，andcallingClotelleintoherroom，strippedhershouldersbareandfloggedherinthepresenceofGertrude。
　　Itwasnearlyaweekafterthepoorgirlhadbeensoseverelywhippedandfornocausewhatever，thatherfatherlearnedofthecircumstancethroughoneoftheservants。Withadegreeofboldnessunusualforhim，heimmediatelywenttohismother-in-lawanddemandedhischild。Butitwastoolate，——shewasgone。Towhatplaceshehadbeensentnoonecouldtell，andMrs。Millerrefusedtogiveanyinformationwhateverrelativetothegirl。
　　ItwasthenthatLinwoodfeltdeepesttheeviloftheinstitutionunderwhichhewasliving;forheknewthathisdaughterwouldbeexposedtoallthevicesprevalentinthatpartofthecountrywheremarriageisnotrecognizedinconnectionwiththatclass。
　　CHAPTERXVIII
　　ASLAVE-HUNTINGPARSON。
　　ITwasadelightfuleveningafteracloudlessday，withthesettingsunreflectinghisgoldenraysonthesurroundinghillswhichwerecoveredwithabeautifulgreensward，andtheluxuriantverdurethatformstheconstantgarbofthetropics，thatthesteamerColumbiaranintothedockatNatchez，andbeganunloadingthecargo，takinginpassengersandmakingreadytoproceedonhervoyagetoNewOrleans。Theplankconnectingtheboatwiththeshorehadscarcelybeensecuredinitsplace，whenagood-lookingmanaboutfiftyyearsofage，withawhiteneck-tie，andapairofgold-rimmedglasseson，wasseenhurryingonboardthevessel。
　　Justatthatmomentcouldbeseenastoutmanwithhisfacepittedwiththesmall-pox，makinghiswayuptotheabove-mentionedgentleman。
　　"Howdoyoudo，mydearsir？thisisMr。Wilson，Ibelieve，"saidtheshortman，atthesametimetakingfromhismouthalargechewoftobacco，andthrowingitdownontheship’sdeck。
　　"Youhavetheadvantageofme，sir，"repliedthetallman。
　　"Why，don’tyouknowme？MynameisJennings;Isoldyouasplendidnegrowomansomeyearsago。"
　　"Yes，yes，"answeredtheNatchezman。"Irememberyounow，forthewomandiedinafewmonths，andInevergottheworthofmymoneyoutofher。"
　　"Icouldnothelpthat，"returnedtheslave-trader;"shewasassoundasaroachwhenIsoldhertoyou。"
　　"Oh，yes，"repliedtheparson，"Iknowshewas;butnowIwantayounggirl，fitforhouseuse，——onethatwilldotowaitonalady。"
　　"Iamyourman，"saidJennings，"justfollowme，"continuedhe，"andIwillshowyouthefairestlittlecritteryoueversaw。"Andthetwopassedtothesternoftheboattowherethetraderhadbetweenfiftyandsixtyslaves，thegreaterportionbeingwomen。
　　"There，"saidJennings，asabeautifulyoungwomanshrunkbackwithmodesty。"There，sir，istheverygalthatwasmadeforyou。Ifshehadbeenmadetoyourorder，shecouldnothavesuitedyoubetter。"
　　"Indeed，sir，isnotthatyoungwomanwhite？"inquiredtheparson。
　　"Oh，no，sir;sheisnowhiterthanyousee！"
　　"Butissheaslave？"askedthepreacher。
　　"Yes，"saidthetrader，"IboughtherinRichmond，andshecomesfromanexcellentfamily。ShewasraisedbySquireMiller，andhermistresswasoneofthemostpiousladiesinthatcity，Imaysay;
　　shewasthesaltoftheearth，astheministerssay。"
　　"ButsheresemblesinsomerespectAgnes，thewomanIboughtfromyou，"saidMr。Wilson。AshesaidthenameofAgnes，theyoungwomanstartedasifshehadbeenstruck。Herpulseseemedtoquicken，butherfacealternatelyflushedandturnedpale，andtearstrembleduponhereyelids。Itwasanameshehadheardhermothermention，anditbroughttohermemorythosedays，——thosehappydays，whenshewassolovedandcaressed。ThisyoungwomanwasClotelle，thegranddaughterofAgnes。Thepreacher，onlearningthefact，purchasedher，andtookherhome，feelingthathisdaughterGeorgianawouldprizeherveryhighly。ClotellefoundinGeorgianamoreasisterthanamistress，who，unknowntoherfather，taughttheslave-girlhowtoread，anddidmuchtowardimprovingandrefiningClotelle’smanners，forherownsake。Likehermotherfondofflowers，the"VirginiaMaid，"asshewassometimescalled，spentmanyofherleisurehoursinthegarden。
　　Besidetheflowerswhichsprangupfromthefertilityofsoilunplantedandunattended，therewastheheliotrope，sweet-pea，andcup-rose，transplantedfromtheislandofCuba。InhernewhomeClotellefoundherselfsalutedonallsidesbythefragranceofthemagnolia。WhenshewentwithheryoungmistresstothePoplarFarm，asshesometimesdid，nature’swildluxuriancegreetedher，wherevershecasthereyes。
　　Therustlingcitron，lime，andorange，shadymangowithitsfruitsofgold，andthepalmetto’sumbrageousbeauty，allwelcomedthechildofsorrow。Whenatthefarm，Huckelby，theoverseer，kepthiseyeonClotelleifwithinsightofher，forheknewshewasaslave，andnodoubthopedthatshemightsomedayfallintohishands。Butsheshrankfromhislooksasshewouldhavedonefromthecharmoftherattlesnake。Thenegro-driveralwaystriedtoinsinuatehimselfintothegoodopinionofGeorgianaandthecompanythatshebrought。KnowingthatMissWilsonathearthatedslavery，hewasevertryingtoshowthattheslavesunderhischargewerehappyandcontented。Oneday，whenGeorgianaandsomeofherConnecticutfriendswerethere，theoverseercalledalltheslavesuptothe"greathouse，"andsetsomeoftheyoungonestodancing。Afterawhilewhiskeywasbroughtinandadramgiventoeachslave，inreturnforwhichtheywereexpectedtogiveatoast，orsingashortpieceofhisowncomposition;whenitcametoJack’sturnhesaid，——
　　"Thebigbeeflieshigh，thelittlebeemakesthehoney：theblackfolksmakethecotton，andthewhitefolksgetsthemoney。"
　　Ofcourse，theoverseerwasnotatallelatedwiththesentimentcontainedinJack’stoast。Mr。Wilsonhadlatelypurchasedayoungmantoassistaboutthehouseandtoactascoachman。Thisslave，whosenamewasJerome，wasofpureAfricanorigin，wasperfectlyblack，veryfine-looking，tall，slim，anderectasanyonecouldpossiblybe。Hisfeatureswerenotbad，lipsthin，noseprominent，handsandfeetsmall。Hisbrilliantblackeyeslighteduphiswholecountenance。Hishairwhichwasnearlystraight，hungincurlsuponhisloftybrow。GeorgeCombeorFowlerwouldhaveselectedhisheadforamodel。Hewasbraveanddaring，stronginperson，fieryinspirit，yetkindandtrueinhisaffections，earnestinhisdoctrines。Clotellehadbeenattheparson’sbutafewweekswhenitwasobservedthatamutualfeelinghadgrownupbetweenherandJerome。Astimerolledon，theybecamemoreandmoreattachedtoeachother。Aftersatisfyingherselfthatthesetworeallyloved，Georgianaadvisedtheirmarriage。ButJeromecontemplatedhisescapeatsomefutureday，andthereforefearedthatifmarrieditmightmilitateagainstit。Hehoped，also，tobeabletogetClotelleawaytoo，anditwasthishopethatkepthimfromtryingtoescapebyhimself。DantedidnotmorelovehisBeatrice，SwifthisStella，WallerhisSaccharissa，GoldsmithhisJessamybride，orBumshisMary，thandidJeromehisClotelle。
　　Unknowntoherfather，MissWilsoncouldpermitthesetwoslavestoenjoymoreprivilegesthananyoftheotherservants。TheyoungmistresstaughtClotelle，andthelatterimpartedherinstructionstoherlover，untilbothcouldreadsoastobewellunderstood。
　　Jeromefelthissuperiority，andalwaysdeclaredthatnomastershouldeverfloghim。Awareofhishighspiritanddetermination，Clotellewasinconstantfearlestsomedifficultymightarisebetweenherloverandhismaster。
　　OnedayMr。Wilson，beingsomewhatoutoftemperandirritatedatwhathewaspleasedtocallJerome’sinsolence，orderedhimtofollowhimtothebarntobeflogged。Theyoungslaveobeyedhismaster，butthosewhosawhimatthemomentfeltthathewouldnotsubmittobewhipped。
　　"No，sir，"repliedJerome，ashismastertoldhimtotakeoffhiscoat："Iwillserveyou，MasterWilson，Iwilllaborforyoudayandnight，ifyoudemandit，butIwillnotbewhipped。"
　　Thiswastoomuchforawhitemantostandfromanegro，andthepreacherseizedhisslavebythethroat，intendingtochokehim。
　　Butforoncehefoundhismatch。Jeromeknockedhimdown，andthenescapedthroughtheback-yardtothestreet，andfromthencetothewoods。
　　Recoveringsomewhatfromtheeffectofhisfall，theparsonregainedhisfeetandstartedinpursuitofthefugitive。Finding，however，thattheslavewasbeyondhisreach，heatonceresolvedtoputthedogsonhistrack。Tabor，thenegro-catcher，wassentfor，andinlessthananhour，eightortenmen，includingtheparson，wereinthewoodswithhounds，tryingthetrails。Thesedogswillattackanegroattheirmaster’sbidding;andclingtohimasthebull-dogwillclingtoabeast。Manyarethespeculationsastowhetherthenegrowillbesecuredaliveordead，whenthesedogsoncegetonhistrack。Wheneverthereistobeanegrohunt，thereisnolackofparticipants。Manygotoenjoythefunwhichitissaidtheyderivefromthesescenes。
　　Thecompanyhadbeeninthewoodsbutashorttimeeretheygotonthetrackoftwofugitives，oneofwhomwasJerome。Theslavesimmediatelybenttheirstepstowardtheswamp，withthehopethatthedogs，whenputupontheirscentwouldbeunabletofollowthemthroughthewater。
　　TheslavesthentookastraightcoursefortheBatonRougeandBayouSararoad，aboutfourmilesdistant。Nearerandnearerthewhimperingpackpressedon;theirdelusionbeginstodispel。Allatoncethetruthflashesuponthemindsofthefugitiveslikeaglareoflight，——’tisTaborwithhisdogs！
　　Thescentbecomeswarmerandwarmer，andwhatwasatfirstanirregularcrynowdeepensintooneceaselessroar，astherelentlesspackpressesonafteritshumanprey。
　　Theyatlastreachtheriver，andinthenegroesplunge，followedbythecatch-dog。Jeromeiscaughtandisoncemoreinthehandsofhismaster，whiletheotherpoorfellowfindsawaterygrave。
　　Theyreturn，andthepreachersendshisslavetojail。
　　CHAPTERXIX
　　THETRUEHEROINE。
　　INvaindidGeorgianatrytoconsoleClotelle，whenthelatterheard，throughoneoftheotherslaves，thatMr。WilsonhadstartedwiththedogsinpursuitofJerome。Thepoorgirlwellknewthathewouldbecaught，andthatseverepunishment，ifnotdeath，wouldbetheresultofhiscapture。Itwasthereforewithaheartfilledwiththedeepestgriefthattheslave-girlheardthefootstepsofhermasteronhisreturnfromthechase。Thedoggedandsternmannerofthepreacherforbadeevenhisdaughterinquiringastothesuccessofhispursuit。Georgianasecretlyhopedthatthefugitivehadnotbeencaught;shewisheditforthesakeoftheslave，andmoreespeciallyforhermaid-servant，whomsheregardedmoreasacompanionthanamenial。ButthenewsofthecaptureofJeromesoonspreadthroughtheparson’shousehold，andfounditswaytotheearsoftheweepingandheart-strickenClotelle。
　　ThereverendgentlemanhadnotbeenhomemorethananhourerecomeofhisparishionerscalledtoknowiftheyshouldnottakethenegrofromtheprisonandexecuteLynchlawuponhim。
　　"Nonegroshouldbepermittedtoliveafterstrikingawhiteman;
　　letustakehimandhanghimatonce，"remarkedanelderly-lookingman，whosegrayhairsthinlycoveredthecrownofhishead。
　　"Ithinkthedeaconisright，"saidanotherofthecompany;"ifourslavesareallowedtosetthewilloftheirmastersatdefiance，therewillbenogettingalongwiththem，——aninsurrectionwillbethenextthingwehearof。"
　　"No，no，"saidthepreacher;"Iamwillingtoletthelawtakeitscourse，asitprovidesforthepunishmentofaslavewithdeathifhestrikeshismaster。Wehadbetterletthecourtdecidethequestion。Moreover，asaChristianandGod-fearingpeople，weoughttosubmittothedictatesofjustice。Shouldwetakethisman’slifebyforce，anAll-wiseProvidencewouldholdusresponsiblefortheact。"
　　Thecompanythenquietlywithdrew，showingthatthepreacherhadsomeinfluencewithhispeople。
　　"This"saidMr。Wilson，whenleftalonewithhisdaughter，——"this，mydearGeorgiana，istheresultofyourkindnesstothenegroes。
　　Youhavespoiledeveryoneaboutthehouse。Ican’twhiponeofthem，withoutbeingindangerofhavingmylifetaken。"
　　"Iamsure，papa，"repliedtheyounglady，——"IamsureIneverdidanythingintentionallytoinduceanyoftheservantstodisobeyyourorders。"
　　"No，mydear，"saidMr。Wilson，"butyouaretookindtothem。Now，thereisClotelle，——thatgirliscompletelyspoiled。Shewalksaboutthehousewithasdignifiedanairasifshewasmistressofthepremises。Byandbyyouwillbesorryforthisfoolishnessofyours。"
　　"But，"answeredGeorgiana，"Clotellehasasuperiormind，andGodintendedhertoholdahigherpositioninlifethanthatofaservant。"
　　"Yes，mydear，anditwasyourlettingherknowthatshewasintendedforabetterstationinsocietythatisspoilingher。
　　Alwayskeepanegroinignoranceofwhatyouconceivetobehisabilities，"returnedtheparson。
　　ItwaslateontheSaturdayafternoon，followingthecaptureofJeromethat，whileMr。Wilsonwasseatedinhisstudypreparinghissermonforthenextday，GeorgianaenteredtheroomandaskedinanexcitedtoneifitweretruethatJeromewastobehangedonthefollowingThursday。
　　Theministerinformedherthatsuchwasthedecisionofthecourt。
　　"Then，"saidshe，"Clotellewilldieofgrief。"
　　"Whatbusinesshasshetodieofgrief？"returnedthefather，hiseyesatthemomentflashingfire。
　　"Shehasneithereatennorsleptsincehewascaptured，"repliedGeorgians;"andIamcertainthatshewillnotlivethroughthis。"
　　"Icannotbedisturbednow，"saidtheparson;"Imustgetmysermonreadyforto-morrow。Iexpecttohavesomestrangerstopreachto，andmust，therefore，prepareasermonthatwilldomecredit。"
　　WhilethemanofGodspoke，heseemedtosaytohimself，——
　　"Withdevotion’svisage，andpiousactions，Wedosugaroverthedevilhimself。"
　　GeorgianadidallinherpowertosoothethefeelingsofClotelle，andtoinducehertoputhertrustinGod。Unknowntoherfather，sheallowedthepoorgirltogoeveryeveningtothejailtoseeJerome，andduringthesevisits，despiteherowngrief，Clotellewouldtrytocomfortherloverwiththehopethatjusticewouldbemetedouttohiminthespirit-land。
　　Thusthetimepassedon，andthedaywasfastapproachingwhentheslavewastodie。Havingheardthatsomesecretmeetinghadbeenheldbythenegroes，previoustotheattemptofMr。Wilsontofloghisslave，itoccurredtoamagistratethatJeromemightknowsomethingoftheintendedrevolt。Heaccordinglyvisitedtheprisontoseeifhecouldlearnanythingfromhim，butalltonopurpose。Havinggivenupallhopesofescape，Jeromehadresolvedtodielikeabraveman。Whenquestionedastowhetherheknewanythingofaconspiracyamongtheslavesagainsttheirmasters，hereplied，——
　　"DoyousupposethatIwouldtellyouifIdid？"
　　"Butifyouknowanything，"remarkedthemagistrate，"andwilltellus，youmaypossiblyhaveyourlifespared。"
　　"Life，"answeredthedoomedman，"isworthnoughttoaslave。Whatrighthasaslavetohimself，hiswife，orhischildren？Wearekeptinheathenishdarkness，bylawsespeciallyenactedtomakeourinstructionacriminaloffence;andourbones，sinews，blood，andnervesareexposedinthemarketforsale。
　　"MylibertyisofasmuchconsequencetomeasMr。Wilson’sistohim。Iamassensitivetofeelingashe。IfImistakenot，thedaywillcomewhenthenegrowilllearnthathecangethisfreedombyfightingforit;andshouldthattimearrive，thewhiteswillbesorrythattheyhavehatedussoshamefully。Iamfreetosaythat，couldIlivemylifeoveragain，IwouldusealltheenergieswhichGodhasgivenmetogetupaninsurrection。"
　　EveryonepresentseemedstartledandamazedattheintelligencewithwhichthisdescendantofAfricaspoke。
　　"He’saverydangerousman，"remarkedone。
　　"Yes，"saidanother，"hegotsomebook-learningsomewhere，andthathasspoiledhim。"
　　AneffortwasthenmadetolearnfromJeromewherehehadlearnedtoread，buttheblackrefusedtogiveanyinformationonthesubject。
　　ThesunwasjustgoingdownbehindthetreesasClotelleenteredtheprisontoseeJeromeforthelasttime。HewastodieonthenextdayHerfacewasbentuponherhands，andthegushingtearswereforcingtheirwaythroughherfingers。Withbeatingheartandtremblinghands，evincingthedeepestemotion，shethrewherarmsaroundherlover’sneckandembracedhim。But，promptedbyherheart’sunchanginglove，shehadinherownmindaplanbywhichshehopedtoeffecttheescapeofhimtowhomshehadpledgedherheartandhand。Whiletheoverchargedcloudswhichhadhungoverthecityduringthedaybroke，andtherainfellintorrents，amidthemostterrificthunderandlightning，ClotellerevealedtoJeromeherplanforhisescape。
　　"Dressyourselfinmyclothes，"saidshe，"andyoucaneasilypassthejailer。"
　　ThisJeromeatfirstdeclineddoing。Hedidnotwishtoplaceaconfidinggirlinapositionwhere，inallprobability，shewouldhavetosuffer;butbeingassuredbytheyounggirlthatherlifewouldnotbeindanger，heresolvedtomaketheattempt。Clotellebeingverytall，itwasnotprobablethatthejailerwoulddiscoveranydifferenceinthem。
　　Atthismoment，shetookfromherpocketabunchofkeysandunfastenedthepadlock，andfreedhimfromthefloor。
　　"Come，girl，itistimeforyoutogo，"saidthejailer，asJeromewasholdingthealmostfaintinggirlbythehand。
　　BeingalreadyattiredinClotelle’sclothes，thedisguisedmanembracedtheweepinggirl，puthishandkerchieftohisface，andpassedoutofthejail，withoutthekeeper’sknowingthathisprisonerwasescapinginadisguiseandundercoverofthenight。
　　CHAPTERXX
　　THEHEROOFMANYADVENTURES。
　　JEROMEhadscarcelypassedtheprison-gates，erehereproachedhimselfforhavingtakensuchastep。ThereseemedtohimnohopeofescapeoutoftheState，andwhatwasafewhoursordaysatmost，oflifetohim，when，byobtainingit，anotherhadbeensacrificed。Hewasontheeveofreturning，whenhethoughtofthelastwordsutteredbyClotelle。"Bebraveanddetermined，andyouwillstillbefree。"Thewordssoundedlikeacharminhisearsandhewentboldlyforward。
　　Clotellehadprovidedasuitofmen’sclothesandhadplacedthemwhereherlovercouldgetthem，ifheshouldsucceedingettingout。
　　ReturningtoMr。Wilson’sbarn，thefugitivechangedhisapparel，andagainretracedhisstepsintothestreet。ToreachtheFreeStatesbytravellingbynightandlyingbyduringtheday，fromaStatesofarsouthasMississippi，noonewouldthinkforamomentofattemptingtoescape。Toremaininthecitywouldbeasuicidalstep。Thedeepsoundoftheescapeofsteamfromaboat，whichwasatthatmomentascendingtheriver，brokeupontheearsoftheslave。"Ifthatboatisgoinguptheriver，"saidhe，"whynotI
　　concealmyselfonboard，andtrytoescape？"Hewentatoncetothesteamboatlanding，wheretheboatwasjustcomingin。"BoundforLouisville，"saidthecaptain，toonewhowasmakinginquiries。Asthepassengerswererushingonboard，Jeromefollowedthem，andproceedingtowheresomeofthehandswerestowingawaybalesofgoods，hetookholdandaidedthem。
　　"Jumpdownintothehold，there，andhelpthemen，"saidthematetothefugitive，supposingthat，likemanypersons，hewasworkinghiswayuptheriver。Onceinthehullamongtheboxes，theslaveconcealedhimself。Wearyhours，andatlastdays，passedwithouteitherwaterorfoodwiththehiddenslave。Morethanoncedidheresolvetolethiscasebeknown;buttheknowledgethathewouldbesentbacktoNatchezkepthimfromdoingso。Atlast，withlipsparchedandfeveredtoacrisp，thepoormancrawledoutintothefreight-room，andbeganwanderingabout。Thehatcheswereon，andtheroomdark。Therehappenedtobeonboardaweddingparty，and，abox，containingsomeofthebridalcake，withseveralbottlesofportwine，wasnearJerome。Hefoundthebox，openedit，andhelpedhimself。Ineightdays，theboattiedupatthewharfattheplaceofherdestination。Itwaslateatnight;theboat’screw，withthesingleexceptionofthemanonwatch，wereonshore。
　　Thehatcheswereoff，andthefugitivequietlymadehiswayondeckandjumpedonshore。Themansawthefugitive，buttoolatetoseizehim。
　　StillinaSlaveState，Jeromewasatalosstoknowhowheshouldproceed。Hehadwithhimafewdollars，enoughtopayhiswaytoCanada，ifhecouldfindaconveyance。Thefugitiveprocuredsuchfoodashewantedfromoneofthemanyeating-houses，andthen，followingthedirectionoftheNorthStar，hepassedoutofthecity，andtooktheroadleadingtoCovington。KeepingneartheOhioRiver，JeromesoonfoundanopportunitytocrossoverintotheStateofIndiana。ButlibertywasamerenameinthelatterState，andthefugitivelearned，fromsomecoloredpersonsthathemet，thatitwasnotsafetotravelbydaylight。Whilemakinghiswayonenight，withnothingtocheerhimbuttheprospectoffreedominthefuture，hewaspounceduponbythreemenwhowerelyinginwaitforanotherfugitive，anadvertisementofwhomtheyhadreceivedthroughthemail。InvaindidJerometellthemthathewasnotaslave。True，theyhadnotcaughtthemantheyexpected;but，iftheycouldmakethisslavetellfromwhatplacehehadescaped，theyknewthatagoodpricewouldbepaidthemforthenegro’sarrest。
　　Torturedbytheslave-catchers，tomakehimrevealthenameofhismasterandtheplacefromwhencehehadescaped，JeromegavethemafictitiousnameinVirginia，andsaidthathismasterwouldgivealargereward，andmanifestedawillingnesstoreturntohis"oldboss。"Bythismisrepresentation，thefugitive，hopedtohaveanotherchanceofgettingaway。Alluredwiththeprospectofalargesumoftheneedful，theslave-catchersstartedbackwiththeirvictim。Stoppingonthesecondnightataninn，onthebanksoftheOhioRiver，thekidnappers，inlieuofasuitableplaceinwhichtoconfinetheirprizeduringthenight，chainedhimtothebed-postoftheirsleeping-chamber。Thewhitemenwerelateinretiringtorest，afteraneveningspentindrinking。Atdeadofnight，whenallwasstill，theslavearosefromthefloor，uponwhichhehadbeenlying，lookedaroundandsawthatMorpheushadpossessionofhiscaptors。Foronce，thoughthe，thebrandybottlehasdoneanoblework。Withpalpitatingheartandtremblinglimbs，heviewedhisposition。Thedoorwasfast，butthewarmweatherhadcompelledthemtoleavethewindowopen。Ifhecouldbutgethischainsoff，hemightescapethroughthewindowtothepiazza。
　　Thesleepers’clotheshunguponchairsbythebedside。Theslavethoughtofthepadlock-key，examinedthepockets，andfoundit。Thechainsweresoonoff，andthenegrostealthilymakinghiswaytothewindow。Hestopped，andsaidtohimself，"Thesemenarevillains;theyareenemiestoallwho，likeme，aretryingtobefree。ThenwhynotIteachthemalesson？"Hethendressedhimselfinthebestsuit，hunghisownworn-outandtatteredgarmentsonthesamechair，andsilentlypassedthroughthewindowtothepiazza，andlethimselfdownbyoneofthepillars，andstartedoncemorefortheNorth。
　　Daylightcameuponthefugitivebeforehehadselectedahiding-placefortheday，andhewaswalkingatarapidrate，inhopesofsoonreachingsomewoodlandorforest。Thesunhadjustbeguntoshowitself，whenthefugitivewasastoundedatseeingbehindhim，inthedistance，twomenuponhorseback。Takingaroadtotheright，theslavesawbeforehimafarmhouse，andsonearwashetoitthatheobservedtwomeninfrontofitlookingathim。Itwastoolatetoturnback。Thekidnapperswerebehindhim——strangemenbeforehim。Thoseintherearheknewtobeenemies，whilehehadnoideaofwhatprincipleswerethefarmers。
　　Thelatteralsosawthewhitemencoming，andcalledtothefugitivetocomethatway。Thebroad-brimmedhatsthatthefarmersworetoldtheslavethattheywereQuakers。
　　Jeromehadseensomeofthesepeoplepassingupanddowntheriver，whenemployedonasteamerbetweenNatchezandNewOrleans，andhadheardthattheydislikedslavery。He，therefore，hastenedtowardthedrab-coatedmen，who，onhisapproach，openedthebarn-door，andtoldhimto"runin。"
　　WhenJeromeenteredthebarn，thetwofarmersclosedthedoor，remainingoutsidethemselves，toconfronttheslave-catchers，whonowcameupanddemandedadmission，feelingthattheyhadtheirpreysecure。
　　"Theecan’tentermypremises，"saidoneoftheFriends，inratheramusicalvoice。
　　Thenegro-catchersurgedtheirclaimtotheslave，andintimatedthat，unlesstheywereallowedtosecurehim，theywouldforcetheirwayin。Bythistime，severalotherQuakershadgatheredaroundthebarn-door。Unfortunatelyforthekidnappers，andmostfortunatelyforthefugitive，theFriendshadjustbeenholdingaquarterlymeetingintheneighborhood，andanumberofthemhadnotyetreturnedtotheirhomes。
　　Aftersometalk，themenindrabpromisedtoadmitthehunters，providedtheyprocuredanofficerandasearch-warrantfromajusticeofthepeace。Oneoftheslave-catcherswaslefttoseethatthefugitivedidnotgetaway，whiletheotherswentinpursuitofanofficer。Inthemeantime，theownerofthebarnsentforahammerandnails，andbegannailingupthebarn-door。
　　Afteranhourinsearchofthemanofthelaw，theyreturnedwithanofficerandawarrant。TheQuakerdemandedtoseethepaper，and，afterlookingatitforsometime，calledtohissontogointothehouseforhisglasses。ItwasalongtimebeforeAuntRuthfoundtheleathercase，andwhenshedid，theglasseswantedwipingbeforetheycouldbeused。Aftercomfortablyadjustingthemonhisnose，hereadthewarrantoverleisurely。
　　"Come，Mr。Dugdale，wecan’twaitallday，"’saidtheofficer。
　　"Well，willtheereaditforme？"returnedtheQuaker。
　　Theofficercomplied，andthemanindrabsaid，——
　　"Yes，theemaygoin，now。Iaminclinedtothrownoobstaclesinthewayoftheexecutionofthelawoftheland。"
　　Onapproachingthedoor，themenfoundsomefortyorfiftynailsinit，inthewayoftheirprogress。
　　"Lendmeyourhammerandachisel，ifyouplease，Mr。Dugdale，"
　　saidtheofficer。
　　"Pleasereadthatpaperoveragain，willthee？"askedtheQuaker。
　　Theofficeroncemorereadthewarrant。
　　"IseenothingtherewhichsaysImustfurnishtheewithtoolstoopenmydoor。Iftheewantsahammer，theemustgoelsewhereforit;Itelltheeplainly，theecan’thavemine。"
　　Theimplementsforopeningthedoorareatlengthobtainedandafteranotherhalf-hour，theslave-catchersareinthebarn。ThreehoursisalongtimeforaslavetobeinthehandsofQuakers。
　　Thehayisturnedover，andthebarnisvisitedineverypart;butstilltherunawayisnotfound。UncleJosephhasaglowuponhiscountenance;Ephraimshakeshisheadknowingly;littleElijahisaperfectknow-nothing，and，ifyoulooktowardthehouse，youwillseeAuntRuth’ssmilingface，readytoannouncethatbreakfastisready。
　　"Theniggerisnotinthisbarn，"saidtheofficer。
　　"Iknowheisnot，"quietlyansweredtheQuaker。
　　"Whatwereyounailingupyourdoorfor，then，asifyouwereafraidwewouldenter？"inquiredoneofthekidnappers。
　　"IcandowhatIpleasewithmyowndoor，can’tI，"saidtheQuaker。
　　Thesecretwasout;thefugitivehadgoneinatthefrontdoorandoutattheback;andthereadingofthewarrant，nailingupofthedoor，andotherpreliminariesoftheQuaker，wastogivethefugitivetimeandopportunitytoescape。
　　Itwasnowlateinthemorning，andtheslave-catcherswerealongwayfromhome，andthehorseswerejadedbytherapidmannerinwhichtheyhadtravelled。TheFriends，inhighglee，returnedtothehouseforbreakfast;themanofthelaw，aftertakinghisfee，wenthome，andthekidnappersturnedback，muttering，"Betterlucknexttime。"
　　CHAPTERXXI
　　SELF-SACRIFICE。
　　Nowinherseventeenthyear，Clotelle’spersonalappearancepresentedagreatcontrasttothetimewhenshelivedwitholdMrs。Miller。Hertallandwell-developedfigure;herlong，silkyblackhair，fallingincurlsdownherswan-likeneck;herbright，blackeyeslightingupherolive-tintedface，andasetofteeththataTuscaroramightenvy，shewasapictureoftropical-ripenedbeauty。Attimes，therewasaheavenlysmileuponhercountenance，whichwouldhavewarmedtheheartofananchorite。Suchwasthepersonalappearanceofthegirlwhowasnowinprisonbyherownacttosavethelifeofanother。Wouldshebehangedinhisstead，orwouldshereceiveadifferentkindofpunishment？ThesequestionsClotelledidnotaskherself。Open，frank，free，andgeneroustoafault，shealwaysthoughtofothers，neverofherownwelfare。
　　ThelongstayofClotellecausedsomeuneasinesstoMissWilson;
　　yetshedarednottellherfather，forhehadforbiddentheslave-girl’sgoingtotheprisontoseeherlover。Whiletheclockonthechurchnearbywasstrikingeleven，GeorgianacalledSam，andsenthimtotheprisoninsearchofClotelle。
　　"Thegirlwentawayfromhereateighto’clock，"wasthejailer’sanswertotheservant’sinquiries。
　　ThereturnofSamwithouthavingfoundthegirlsaddenedtheheartoftheyoungmistress。"Sure，then，"saidshe，"thepoorheart-brokenthinghasmadewaywithherself。"
　　Still，shewaitedtillmorningbeforebreakingthenewsofClotelle’sabsencetoherfather。
　　Thejailerdiscovered，thenextmorning，tohisutterastonishment，thathisprisonerwaswhiteinsteadofblack，andhisfirstimpressionwasthatthechangeofcomplexionhadtakenplaceduringthenight，throughfearofdeath。Butthisconjecturewassoondissipated;forthedark，glowingeyes，thesablecurlsupontheloftybrow，andthemild，sweetvoicethatansweredhisquestions，informedhimthattheprisonerbeforehimwasanotherbeing。
　　Onlearning，inthemorning，thatClotellewasinjaildressedinmaleattire，MissWilsonimmediatelysentclothestohertomakeachangeinherattire。Newsoftheheroicanddaringactoftheslave-girlspreadthroughthecitywithelectricspeed。
　　"Iwillselleveryniggerontheplace，"saidtheparson，atthebreak-fast-table，——"Iwillsellthemall，andgetanewlot，andwhipthemeveryday。"
　　PoorGeorgianaweptforthesafetyofClotelle，whileshefeltgladthatJeromehadescaped。Invaindidtheytrytoextortfromthegirlthewhereaboutsofthemanwhoseescapeshehadeffected。Shewasnotawarethathehadfledonasteamer，andwhenquestioned，shereplied，——
　　"Idon’tknow;andifIdidIwouldnottellyou。Icarenotwhatyoudowithme，ifJeromebutescapes。"
　　Thesmilewithwhichsheutteredthesewordsfinelyillustratedthepoet’smeaning，whenhesays，——
　　"Afearfulgiftuponthyheartislaid，Woman——thepowertosufferandtolove。"
　　Hersweetsimplicityseemedtodarethemtolaytheirroughhandsamidhertremblingcurls。
　　Threedaysdidtheheroicyoungwomanremaininprison，tobegazedatbyanunfeelingcrowd，drawnthereoutofcuriosity。Theintelligencecametoheratlastthatthecourthaddecidedtospareherlife，onconditionthatsheshouldbewhipped，sold，andsentoutoftheStatewithintwenty-fourhours。
　　Thisorderofthecourtshewouldhavecaredbutlittlefor，hadshenotbeensincerelyattachedtoheryoungmistress。
　　"Dotryandsellhertosomeonewhowilluseherwell，"saidGeorgianatoherfather，ashewasabouttakinghishattoleavethehouse。
　　"Ishallnottroublemyselftodoanysuchthing，"repliedthehard-heartedparson。"Ileavethefindingofamasterforherwiththeslave-dealer。"
　　Bathedintears，Miss。Wilsonpacedherroomintheabsenceofherfather。FormanymonthsGeorgianahadbeeninadecline，andanylittletroublewouldlayheronasickbedfordays。Shewas，therefore，poorlyabletobearthelossofthiscompanion，whomshesodearlyloved。
　　Mr。WilsonhadinformedhisdaughterthatClotellewastobeflogged;andwhenFelicecameinandinformedhermistressthatthepoorgirlhadjustreceivedfiftylashesonherbareperson，theyoungladyfaintedandfellonthefloor。Theservantsplacedtheirmistressonthesofa，andwentinpursuitoftheirmaster。
　　Littledidthepreacherthink，onreturningtohisdaughter，thatheshouldsoonbebereftofher;yetsuchwastobehislot。A
　　blood-vesselhadbeenruptured，andthethreephysicianswhowerecalledintoldthefatherthathemustpreparetolosehischild。
　　Thatmoralcourageandcalmness，whichwashergreatcharacteristic，didnotforsakeGeorgianainherhourofdeath。Shehadeverbeenkindtotheslavesunderhercharge，andtheylovedandrespectedher。Atherrequest，theservantswereallbroughtintoherroom，andtookalastfarewelloftheirmistress。Seldom，ifever，wastherewitnessedamoretouchingscenethanthis。Therelaytheyoungwoman，paleandfeeble，withdeathstampeduponhercountenance，surroundedbythesonsanddaughtersofAfrica，someofwhomhadbeenseparatedfromeveryearthlytie，andthemostofwhosepersonshadbeentornandgashedbythenegro-whip。Somewereupontheirkneesatthebedside，othersstandingaround，andallweeping。
　　Deathisaleveler;andneitherage，sex，wealth，norcondition，canavertwhenheispermittedtostrike。Themostbeautifulflowersmustsoonfadeanddroopanddie。So，also，withman;hisdaysareasuncertainasthepassingbreeze。Thishourheglowsintheblushofhealthandvigor，butthenext，hemaybecountedwiththenumbernomoreknownonearth。Oh，whatasilencepervadedthehousewhenthisyoungflowerwasgone！Inthemidstofthebuoyancyofyouth，thischerishedonehaddroopedanddied。Deepwerethesoundsofgriefandmourningheardinthatstatelydwellingwhenthestrickenfriends，whoseofficeithadbeentonurseandsoothethewearysufferer，beheldherpaleandmotionlessinthesleepofdeath。
　　WhocanimaginethefeelingwithwhichpoorClotellereceivedtheintelligenceofherkindfriend’sdeath？Thedeepgashesofthecruelwhiphadprostratedthelovelyformofthequadroon，andshelayuponherbedofstrawinthedarkcell。Thespeculatorhadboughther，buthadpostponedherremovaltillsheshouldrecover。
　　Herbenefactresswasdead，and——
　　"Hopewitheringfled，andmercysighedfarewell。"
　　"IsJeromesafe？"shewouldaskherselfcontinually。Ifherlovercouldhavebutknownofthesufferingsofthatsweetflower，——
　　thatpolyanthusoverwhichhehadsooftenbeeninhisdreams，——。
　　hewouldthenhavelearnedthatshewasworthyofhislove。
　　Itwasmorethanafortnightbeforetheslave-tradercouldtakehisprizetomorecomfortablequarters。LikeAlcibiades，whodefacedtheimagesofthegodsandexpectedtobepardonedonthegroundofeccentricity，somenwhoabuseGod’simagehopetoescapethevengeanceofhiswrathunderthepleathatthelawsanctionstheiratrociousdeeds。
　　CHAPTERXXII
　　LOVEATFIRSTSIGHTANDWHATFOLLOWED。
　　ItwasabeautifulSundayinSeptember，withacloudlesssky，andtheraysofthesunparchingthealreadythirstyearth，thatClotellestoodatanupperwindowinSlater’sslave-peninNewOrleans，gaspingforabreathoffreshair。Thebellsofthirtychurcheswerecallingthepeopletothedifferentplacesofworship。CrowdswereseenwendingtheirwaytothehousesofGod;
　　onefollowedbyanegroboycarryinghismaster’sBible;anotherfollowedbyhermaid-servantholdingthemistress’fan;athirdsupportinganumbrellaoverhismaster’sheadtoshieldhimfromtheburningsun。Baptistsimmersed，Presbyterianssprinkled，Methodistsshouted，andEpiscopaliansreadtheirprayers，whileministersofthevarioussectspreachedthatChristdiedforall。
　　Thechimingofthebellsseemedtomockthesighsanddeepgroansofthefortyhumanbeingsthenincarceratedintheslave-pen。
　　TheseimprisonedchildrenofGodweremanyofthemMethodists，someBaptists，andothersclaimingtobelieveinthefaithofthePresbyteriansandEpiscopalians。
　　0h，withwhatanxietydidthesecreaturesawaitthecloseofthatSabbath，andthedawnofanotherday，thatshoulddeliverthemfromthosedismalandclosecells。Slowlythedaypassedaway，andoncemoretheeveningbreezefounditswaythroughthebarredwindowsoftheprisonthatcontainedtheseinjuredsonsanddaughtersofAmerica。TheclockonthecalaboosehadjuststrucknineonMondaymorning，whenhundredsofpersonswereseenthreadingthegatesanddoorsofthenegro-pen。Itwasthesamegangthathadthedaypreviousbeensteppingtothetuneandkeepingtimewiththemusicalchurchbells。TheirBibleswerenotwiththem，theirprayer-bookswereleftathome，andeventheirlongandsolemnfaceshadbeenlaidasidefortheweek。Theyhadcometotheman-markettomaketheirpurchases。Methodistswereinsearchoftheirbrethren。Baptistswerelookingforthosethathadbeenimmersed，whilePresbyterianswerewillingtobuyfellowChristians，whethersprinkledornot。ThecrowdwassoongazingatandfeastingtheireyesuponthelovelyfeaturesofClotelle。
　　"Sheishandsomer，"mutteredonetohimself，"thantheladythatsatinthepewnexttomeyesterday。"
　　"Iwouldthatmydaughterwashalfsopretty，"thinksasecond。
　　Groupsareseentalkingineverypartofthevastbuilding，andthetopicon’Change，isthe"beautifulquadroon。"Byandby，atallyoungmanwithaforeignface，thecurlingmustacheprotrudingfromunderafinely-chiselednose，andhavingtheairofagentleman，passesby。Hisdarkhazeleyeisfastenedonthemaid，andhestopsforamoment;thestrangerwalksaway，butsoonreturns——helooks，heseestheyoungwomanwipeawaythesilenttearthatstealsdownheralabastercheek;hefeelsashamedthatheshouldgazesounmanlyontheblushingfaceofthewoman。Asheturnsuponhisheelhetakesouthiswhitehankerchiefandwipeshiseyes。Itmaybethathehaslostasister，amother，orsomedearonetowhomhewasbetrothed。Againhecomes，andthequadroonhidesherface。Shehasheardthatforeignersmakebadmasters，andsheshunshispiercinggaze。Againhegoesawayandthenreturns。Hetakesalastlookandthenwalkshurriedlyoff。
　　Thedaywearsaway，butlongbeforethetimeofclosingthesalethetallyoungmanoncemoreenterstheslave-pen。Helooksineverydirectionforthebeautifulslave，butsheisnotthere——
　　shehasbeensold！Hegoestothetraderandinquires，butheistoolate，andhethereforereturnstohishotel。
　　HavingenteredamilitaryschoolinPariswhenquiteyoung，andsoonafterbeensentwiththeFrencharmytoIndia，AntoineDevenanthadneverdabbledinmattersoflove。Heviewedallwomenfromthesamestand-point——respectedthemfortheirvirtues，andoftenspokeofthegoodnessofheartofthesex，butneverdreamedoftakingtohimselfawife。TheunequalledbeautyofClotellehaddazzledhiseyes，andeverylookthatshegavewasadaggerthatwenttohisheart。Hefeltashortnessofbreath，hisheartpalpitated，hisheadgrewdizzy，andhislimbstrembled;butheknewnotitscause。Thiswasthefirststageof"loveatfirstsight。"
　　Hewhobowstotheshrineofbeautywhenbeckonedbythismysteriousagentseldomregretsit。Devenantreproachedhimselffornothavingmadeinquiriesconcerningthegirlbeforeheleftthemarketinthemorning。Hisstayinthecitywastobeshort，andtheyellowfeverwasraging，whichcausedhimtofeellikemakingastillearlierdeparture。Thediseaseappearedinaformunusuallysevereandrepulsive。Itseizeditsvictimsfromamongstthemosthealthyofthecitizens。Thedisorderbeganinthebrainbyoppressivepainaccompaniedorfollowedbyfever。Fieryveinsstreakedtheeye，thefacewasinflamedanddyedofadarkdullredcolor;theearsfromtimetotimerangpainfully。Nowmucoussecretionssurchargedthetongueandtookawaythepowerofspeech;
　　nowthesickonespoke，butinspeakinghadforesightofdeath。
　　Whentheviolenceofthediseaseapproachedtheheart，thegumswereblackened。Thesleepbroken，troubledbyconvulsions，orbyfrightfulvisions，wasworsethanthewakinghours;andwhenthereasonsankunderadeliriumwhichhaditsseatinthebrain，reposeutterlyforsookthepatient’scouch。Theprogressofthefeverwithinwasmarkedbyyellowishspots，whichspreadoverthesurfaceofthebody。Ifthen，ahappycrisiscamenot，allhopewasgone。Soonthebreathinfectedtheairwithafetidodor，thelipswereglazed，despairpainteditselfintheeyes，andsobs，withlongintervalsofsilence，formedtheonlylanguage。Fromeachsideofthemouth，spreadfoamtingedwithblackandburntblood。Bluestreaksmingledwiththeyellowallovertheframe。Allremedieswereuseless。Thiswastheyellowfever。Thedisorderspreadalarmandconfusionthroughoutthecity。Onanaveragemorethanfourhundreddieddaily。Inthemidstofdisorderandconfusion，deathheapedvictimsonvictims。Friendfollowedfriendinquicksuccession。Thesickwereavoidedfromthefearofcontagion，andforthesamereasonthedeadwereleftunburied。
　　Nearlytwothousanddeadbodieslayuncoveredintheburial-
　　ground，withonlyhereandtherealittlelimethrownoverthem，topreventtheairbecominginfected。Thenegro，whosehomeisinahotclimate，wasnotproofagainstthedisease。Manyplantationshadtosuspendtheirworkforwantofslavestotaketheplacesofthosewhohadbeentakenoffbythefever。
　　CHAPTERXXIII
　　MEETINGOFTHECOUSINS。
　　THEclockinthehallhadscarcelyfinishedstrikingthreewhenMr。
　　Taylorenteredhisowndwelling，afineresidenceinCampStreet，NewOrleans，followedbytheslave-girlwhomhehadjustpurchasedatthenegro-pen。Clotellelookedaroundwildlyasshepassedthroughthehallintothepresenceofhernewmistress。Mrs。
　　Taylorwasmuchpleasedwithherservant’sappearance，andcongratulatedherhusbandonhisjudiciouschoice。
　　"But，"saidMrs。Taylor，afterClotellehadgoneintothekitchen，"howmuchshelookslikeMissJaneMorton。"
　　"Indeed，"repliedthehusband，"Ithought，themomentIsawherthatshelookedliketheMortons。"
　　"IamsureIneversawtwofacesmorealikeinmylife，thanthatgirl’sandJaneMorton’s，"continuedMrs。Taylor。
　　Dr。Morton，thepurchaserofMaron，theyoungestdaughterofAgnes，andsistertoIsabella，hadresidedinCampStreet，neartheTaylors，formorethaneightyears，andthefamilieswereonveryintimateterms，andvisitedeachotherfrequently。EveryonespokeofClotelle’scloseresemblancetotheMortons，andespeciallytotheeldestdaughter。Indeed，twosisterscouldhardlyhavebeenmorealike。Thelarge，darkeyes，black，silk-likehair，tall，gracefulfigure，andmouldoftheface，werethesame。
　　ThemorningfollowingClotelle’sarrivalinhernewhome，Mrs。
　　Taylorwasconversinginalowtonewithherhusband，andbothwiththeireyesfollowingClotelleasshepassedthroughtheroom。
　　"Sheisfarabovethestationofaslave，"remarkedthelady。"I
　　sawher，lastnight，whenremovingsomebooks，openoneandstandoveritamomentasifshewasreading;andsheisaswhiteasI
　　am。Ialmostsorryyouboughther。"
　　Atthisjuncturethefrontdoor-bellrang，andClotellehurriedthroughtheroomtoanswerit。
　　"MissMorton，"saidtheservantasshereturnedtothemistress’
　　room。
　　"Askhertowalkin，"respondedthemistress。
　　"Now，mydear，"saidMrs。Taylortoherhusband，"justlookandseeifyoudonotnoticeamarkedresemblancebetweenthecountenancesofJaneandClotelle。"
　　MissMortonenteredtheroomjustasMrs。Taylorceasedspeaking。
　　"HaveyouheardthattheJamisonsaredownwiththefever？"
　　inquiredtheyounglady，afteraskingaboutthehealthoftheTaylors。
　　"No，Ihadnot;Iwasinhopesitwouldnotgetintoourstreet;"
　　repliedMrs。Taylor。
　　AllthiswhileMr。andMrs。TaylorwerekeenlyscrutinizingtheirvisitorandClotelleandeventhetwoyoungwomenseemedtobeconsciousthattheywereinsomewaytheobjectsofmorethanusualattention。
　　MissMortonhadscarcelydepartedbeforeMrs。TaylorbeganquestioningClotelleconcerningherearlychildhood，andbecamemorethaneversatisfiedthattheslave-girlwasinsomewayconnectedwiththeMortons。
　　Everyhourbroughtfreshnewsoftheravagesofthefever，andtheTaylorscommencedpreparingtoleavetown。AsMr。Taylorcouldnotgoatonce，itwasdeterminedthathiswifeshouldleavewithouthim，accompaniedbyhernewmaidservant。JustasMrs。TaylorandClotelleweresteppingintothecarriage，theywereinformedthatDr。Mortonwasdownwiththeepidemic。
　　Itwasabeautifulday，withafinebreezeforthetimeofyear，thatMrs。Taylorandherservantfoundthemselvesinthecabinofthesplendidnewsteamer"Walk-in-the-Water，"boundfromNewOrleanstoMobile。Everyberthintheboatwadoccupiedbypersonsfleeingfromthefearfulcontagionthatwascarryingoffitshundredsdaily。
　　Lateintheday，asClotellewasstandingatoneofthewindowsoftheladies’saloon，shewasastonishedtoseenearher，andwitheyesfixedintentlyuponher，thetallyoungstrangerwhomshehadobservedintheslave-marketafewdaysbefore。Sheturnedhastilyaway，buttheheatedcabinandthewantoffreshairsoondroveheragaintothewindow。Theyounggentlemanagainappeared，andcomingtotheendofthesaloon，spoketotheslave-girlinbrokenEnglish。Thisconfirmedherinherpreviousopinionthathewasaforeigner，andsherejoicedthatshehadnotfallenintohishands。
　　"Iwanttotalkwithyou，"saidthestranger。
　　"Whatdoyouwantwithme？"sheinquired。
　　"Iamyourfriend，"heanswered。"Isawyouintheslave-marketlastweek，andregrettedthatIdidnotspeaktoyouthen。I
　　returnedintheevening，butyouwasgone。"
　　Clotellelookedindignantlyatthestranger，andwasaboutleavingthewindowagainwhenthequiveringofhislipsandthetremblingofhisvoicestruckherattentionandcausedhertoremain。
　　"Iintendedtobuyyouandmakeyoufreeandhappy，butIwastoolate，"continuedhe。
　　"Whydoyouwishtomakemefree？"inquiredthegirl。
　　"BecauseIoncehadanonlyandlovelysister，whodiedthreeyearsagoinFrance，andyouaresomuchlikeherthathadInotknownofherdeathIshouldcertainlyhavetakenyouforher。"
　　"HowevermuchImayresembleyoursister，youareawarethatIamnotshe;why，then，takesomuchinterestinonewhomyouhaveneverseenbeforeandmayneverseeagain？"
　　"Thelove，"saidhe，"whichIhadformysisteristransferredtoyou。"
　　Clotellehadallalongsuspectedthatthemanwasaknave，andthisprofessionofloveatonceconfirmedherinthatbelief。Shethereforeimmediatelyturnedawayandlefthim。
　　Hourselapsed。Twilightwasjust"lettingdownhercurtainandpinningitwithastar，"astheslave-girlseatedherselfonasofabythewindow，andbeganmeditatinguponhereventfulhistory，meanwhilewatchingthewhitewavesastheyseemedtosportwitheachotherinthewakeofthenoblevessel，withtherisingmoonreflectingitssilverraysuponthesplendidscene，whentheforeigneroncemoreappearednearthewindow。Althoughagitatedforfearhermistresswouldseehertalkingtoastranger，andbeangry，Clotellestillthoughtshesawsomethinginthecountenanceoftheyoungmanthattoldherhewassincere，andshedidnotwishtohurthisfeelings。
　　"Whypersistinyourwishtotalkwithme？"shesaid，asheagainadvancedandspoketoher。
　　"Iwishtopurchaseyouandmakeyouhappy，"returnedhe。
　　"ButIamnotforsalenow，"shereplied。"Mypresentmistresswillnotsellme，andifyouwishedtodosoeversomuchyoucouldnot。"
　　"Then，"saidhe，"ifIcannotbuyyou，whenthesteamerreachesMobile，flywithme，andyoushallbefree。"
　　"Icannotdoit，"saidClotelle;andshewasjustleavingthestrangerwhenhetookfromhispocketapieceofpaperandthrustitintoherhand。
　　Afterreturningtoherroom，sheunfoldedthepaper，andfound，toherutterastonishmentthatitcontainedaonehundreddollarnoteontheBankoftheUnitedStates。Thefirstimpulseofthegirlwastoreturnthepaperanditscontentsimmediatelytothegiver，butexaminingthepapermoreclosely，shesawinfaintpencil-marks，"Rememberthisisfromonewholovesyou。"Anotherthoughtwastogiveittohermistress，andshereturnedtothesaloonforthatpurpose;butonfindingMrs。Taylorengagedinconversationwithsomeladies，shedidnotdeemitpropertointerrupther。
　　Again，therefore，Clotelleseatedherselfbythewindow，andagainthestrangerpresentedhimself。Sheimmediatelytookthepaperfromherpocket，andhandedittohim;buthedeclinedtakingit，saying，——
　　"No，keepit;itmaybeofsomeservicetoyouwhenIamfaraway。"
　　"WouldthatIcouldunderstandyou，"saidtheslave。
　　"BelievethatIamsincere，andthenyouwillunderstandme，"
　　returnedtheyoungman。"Wouldyouratherbeaslavethanbefree？"inquiredhe，withtearsthatglistenedintheraysofthemoon。
　　"No，"saidshe，"Iwantmyfreedom，butImustliveavirtuouslife。"
　　"Then，ifyouwouldbefreeandhappy，gowithme。WeshallbeinMobileintwohours，andwhenthepassengersaregoingonshore，youtakemyarm。Haveyourfacecoveredwithaveil，andyouwillnotbeobserved。WewilltakepassageimmediatelyforFrance;youcanpassasmysister，andIpledgeyoumyhonorthatIwillmarryyouassoonaswearriveinFrance。"
　　Thissolemnpromise，coupledwithwhathadpreviouslybeensaid，gaveClotelleconfidenceintheman，andsheinstantlydeterminedtogowithhim。"Butthen，"thoughtshe，"whatifIshouldbedetected？Iwouldbeforeverruined，forIwouldbesold，andinallprobabilityhavetoendmydaysonacotton，rice，orsugarplantation。"However，thethoughtoffreedominthefutureoutweighedthisdanger，andherresolvewastaken。
　　Dressingherselfinsomeofherbestclothes，andplacingherveiledbonnetwhereshecouldgetitwithouttheknowledgeofhermistress，Clotelleawaitedwithaheartfilledwiththedeepestemotionsandanxietythemomentwhenshewastotakeastepwhichseemedsorash，andwhichwouldeithermakeorruinherforever。
　　TheshipswhichleaveMobileforEuropelieaboutthirtymilesdownthebay，andpassengersaretakendownfromthecityinsmallvessels。The"Walk-in-the-Water"hadjustmadeherlinesfast，andthepassengerswerehurryingonshore，whenatallgentlemanwithaladyathissidedescendedthestage-plank，andsteppedonthewharf。ThiswasAntoineDevenantandClotelle。
　　CHAPTERXXIV
　　THELAWANDITSVICTIM。
　　THEdeathofDr。Morton，onthethirddayofhisillness，camelikeashockuponhiswifeanddaughters。Thecorpsehadscarcelybeencommittedtoitsmotherearthbeforenewandunforeseendifficultiesappearedtothem。BythelawsoftheSlaveStates，thechildrenfollowtheconditionoftheirmother。Ifthemotherisfree，thechildrenarefree;ifaslave，thechildrenareslaves。BeingunacquaintedwiththeSoutherncode，andnoonepresumingthatMarionhadanynegrobloodinherveins，Dr。Mortonhadnotgiventhesubjectasinglethought。Thewomanwhomhelovedandregardedashiswifewas，afterall，nothingmorethanaslavebythelawsoftheState。Whatwouldhavebeenhisfeelingshadheknownthatathisdeathhiswifeandchildrenwouldbeconsideredashisproperty？Yetsuchwasthecase。Likemostmenofmeansatthattime，Dr。Mortonwasdeeplyengagedinspeculation，andthoughgenerallyconsideredwealthy，wasverymuchinvolvedinhisbusinessaffairs。
　　AfterthediseasewithwhichDr。Mortonhadsosuddenlydiedhadtosomeextentsubsided，Mr。JamesMorton，abrotherofthedeceased，wenttoNewOrleanstosettleuptheestate。Onhisarrivalthere，hewaspleasedwithandfeltproudofhisnieces，andinvitedthemtoreturnwithhimtoVermont，littledreamingthathisbrotherhadmarriedaslave，andthathiswidowanddaughterswouldbeclaimedassuch。Thegirlsthemselveshadneverheardthattheirmotherhadbeenaslave，andthereforeknewnothingofthedangerhangingovertheirheads。
　　AninventoryofthepropertyofthedeceasedwasmadeoutbyMr。
　　Morton，andplacedinthehandsofthecreditors。Thesepreliminariesbeingarranged，theladies，withtheirrelative，concludedtoleavethecityandresideforafewdaysonthebanksofLakePonchartrain，wheretheycouldenjoyafreshairthatthecitydidnotafford。Astheywereabouttakingthecars，however，anofficerarrestedthewholeparty——theladiesasslaves，andthegentlemanuponthechargeofattemptingtoconcealthepropertyofhisdeceasedbrother。Mr。Mortonwasoverwhelmedwithhorrorattheideaofhisniecesbeingclaimedasslaves，andaskedfortime，thathemightsavethemfromsuchafate。HeevenofferedtomortgagehislittlefarminVermontfortheamountwhichyoungslave-womenoftheirageswouldfetch。Butthecreditorspleadedthattheywerean"extraarticle，"andwouldsellformorethancommonslaves，andmustthereforebesoldatauction。
　　Theunclewasthereforecompelledtogivethemuptotheofficersofthelaw，andtheywereseparatedfromhim。Jane，theoldestofthegirls，aswehavebeforementioned，wasveryhandsome，bearingacloseresemblancetohercousinClotelle。Alreka，thoughnotashandsomeashersister，wasneverthelessabeautifulgirl，andbothhadalltheaccomplishmentsthatwealthandstationcouldprocure。
　　Thoughonlyinherfifteenthyear，AlrekahadbecomestronglyattachedtoVolneyLapie，ayoungFrenchman，astudentinherfather’soffice。Thisattachmentwasreciprocated，althoughthepovertyoftheyoungmanandtheextremeyouthofthegirlhadcausedtheirfeelingstobekeptfromtheyounglady’sparents。
　　Thedayofsalecame，andMr。Mortonattended，withthehopethateitherthemagnanimityofthecreditorsorhisownlittlefarminVermontmightsavehisniecesfromthefatethatawaitedthem。Hishope，however，wasinvain。Thefeelingsofallpresentseemedtobelostinthegeneralwishtobecomethepossessoroftheyoungladies，whostoodtrembling，blushing，andweepingasthenumerousthronggazedatthem，orastheintendedpurchaserexaminedthegracefulproportionsoftheirfairandbeautifulframes。NeitherthepresenceoftheunclenoryoungLapiecouldatalllessenthegrosslanguageoftheofficers，orstaytherudehandsofthosewhowishedtoexaminethepropertythusofferedforsale。Afterafiercecontestbetweenthebidders，thegirlsweresold，onefortwothousandthreehundred，andtheotherfortwothousandthreehundredandfiftydollars。Hadthesegirlsbeenboughtforservantsonly，theywouldinallprobabilityhavebroughtnotmorethanninehundredorathousanddollarseach。Hereweretwobeautifulyounggirls，accustomedtothefondestindulgence，surroundedbyalltherefinementsoflife，andwiththetimidityandgentlenesswhichsuchalifewouldnaturallyproduce，barteredawaylikecattleinthemarketsofSmithfieldorNewYork。
　　Themother，whowasalsotohavebeensold，happilyfollowedherhusbandtothegrave，andwassparedthepangsofabrokenheart。
　　Thepurchaseroftheyoungladiesleftthemarketintriumph，andtheuncle，withaheavyheart，startedforhisNewEnglandhome，withnoearthlyprospectofeverbeholdinghisniecesagain。
　　Theseizureoftheyoungladiesasslaveswastheresultoftheadministrator’shavingfoundamongDr。Morton’spapersthebill-of-saleofMarionwhichhehadtakenwhenhepurchasedher。
　　Hehaddoubtlessintendedtoliberateherwhenhemarriedher，buthadneglectedfromtimetotimetohavetheproperpapersmadeout。Sadwastheresultofthisnegligence。