TheUnprotected
　　Wehearoftenofthedistressofthenegroservants，onthelossofakindmaster；andwithgoodreason，fornocreatureonGod’searthisleftmoreutterlyunprotectedanddesolatethantheslaveinthesecircumstances。
　　Thechildwhohaslostafatherhasstilltheprotectionoffriends，andofthelaw；heissomething，andcandosomething，—hasacknowledgedrightsandposition；theslavehasnone。Thelawregardshim，ineveryrespect，asdevoidofrightsasabaleofmerchandise。Theonlypossibleackowledgmentofanyofthelongingsandwantsofahumanandimmortalcreature，whicharegiventohim，comestohimthroughthesovereignandirresponsiblewillofhismaster；andwhenthatmasterisstrickendown，nothingremains。
　　Thenumberofthosemenwhoknowhowtousewhollyirresponsiblepowerhumanelyandgenerouslyissmall。Everybodyknowsthis，andtheslaveknowsitbestofall；sothathefeelsthattherearetenchancesofhisfindinganabusiveandtyrannicalmaster，tooneofhisfindingaconsiderateandkindone。Thereforeisitthatthewailoverakindmasterisloudandlong，aswellitmaybe。
　　WhenSt。Clarebreathedhislast，terrorandconsternationtookholdofallhishousehold。Hehadbeenstrickendownsoinamoment，intheflowerandstrengthofhisyouth！Everyroomandgalleryofthehouseresoundedwithsobsandshrieksofdespair。
　　Marie，whosenervoussystemhadbeenenervatedbyaconstantcourseofself-indulgence，hadnothingtosupporttheterroroftheshock，and，atthetimeherhusbandbreathedhislast，waspassingfromonefaintingfittoanother；andhetowhomshehadbeenjoinedinthemysterioustieofmarriagepassedfromherforever，withoutthepossibilityofevenapartingword。
　　MissOphelia，withcharacteristicstrengthandself-control，hadremainedwithherkinsmantothelast，—alleye，allear，allattention；doingeverythingofthelittlethatcouldbedone，andjoiningwithherwholesoulinthetenderandimpassionedprayerswhichthepoorslavehadpouredforthforthesoulofhisdyingmaster。
　　Whentheywerearranginghimforhislastrest，theyfounduponhisbosomasmall，plainminiaturecase，openingwithaspring。Itwastheminiatureofanobleandbeautifulfemaleface；andonthereverse，underacrystal，alockofdarkhair。Theylaidthembackonthelifelessbreast，—dusttodust，—poormournfulrelicsofearlydreams，whichoncemadethatcoldheartbeatsowarmly！
　　Tom’swholesoulwasfilledwiththoughtsofeternity；andwhileheministeredaroundthelifelessclay，hedidnotoncethinkthatthesuddenstrokehadlefthiminhopelessslavery。Hefeltatpeaceabouthismaster；forinthathour，whenhehadpouredforthhisprayerintothebosomofhisFather，hehadfoundananswerofquietnessandassurancespringingupwithinhimself。Inthedepthsofhisownaffectionatenature，hefeltabletoperceivesomethingofthefulnessofDivinelove；foranoldoraclehaththuswritten，—“HethatdwellethinlovedwellethinGod，andGodinhim。”Tomhopedandtrusted，andwasatpeace。
　　Butthefuneralpassed，withallitspageantofblackcrape，andprayers，andsolemnfaces；andbackrolledthecool，muddywavesofevery-daylife；andupcametheeverlastinghardinquiryof“Whatistobedonenext？”
　　ItrosetothemindofMarie，as，dressedinloosemorning-robes，andsurroundedbyanxiousservants，shesatupinagreateasy-chair，andinspectedsamplesofcrapeandbombazine。ItrosetoMissOphelia，whobegantoturnherthoughtstowardshernorthernhome。Itrose，insilentterrors，tothemindsoftheservants，whowellknewtheunfeeling，tyrannicalcharacterofthemistressinwhosehandstheywereleft。Allknew，verywell，thattheindulgenceswhichhadbeenaccordedtothemwerenotfromtheirmistress，butfromtheirmaster；andthat，nowhewasgone，therewouldbenoscreenbetweenthemandeverytyrannousinflictionwhichatempersouredbyafflictionmightdevise。
　　Itwasaboutafortnightafterthefuneral，thatMissOphelia，busiedonedayinherapartment，heardagentletapatthedoor。Sheopenedit，andtherestoodRosa，theprettyyoungquadroon，whomwehavebeforeoftennoticed，herhairindisorder，andhereyesswelledwithcrying。
　　“O，MissFeeley，”shesaid，fallingonherknees，andcatchingtheskirtofherdress，“do，dogotoMissMarieforme！dopleadforme！She’sgoin’tosendmeouttobewhipped—lookthere！”AndshehandedtoMissOpheliaapaper。
　　Itwasanorder，writteninMarie’sdelicateItalianhand，tothemasterofawhipping-establishmenttogivethebearerfifteenlashes。
　　“Whathaveyoubeendoing？”saidMissOphelia。
　　“Youknow，MissFeely，I’vegotsuchabadtemper；it’sverybadofme。IwastryingonMissMarie’sdress，andsheslappedmyface；andIspokeoutbeforeIthought，andwassaucy；andshesaidthatshe’dbringmedown，andhavemeknow，onceforall，thatIwasn’tgoingtobesotoppingasIhadbeen；andshewrotethis，andsaysIshallcarryit。I’drathershe’dkillme，rightout。”
　　MissOpheliastoodconsidering，withthepaperinherhand。
　　“Yousee，MissFeely，”saidRosa，“Idon’tmindthewhippingsomuch，ifMissMarieoryouwastodoit；but，tobesenttoaman！andsuchahorridman，—theshameofit，MissFeely！”
　　MissOpheliawellknewthatitwastheuniversalcustomtosendwomenandyounggirlstowhipping-houses，tothehandsofthelowestofmen，—menvileenoughtomakethistheirprofession，—theretobesubjectedtobrutalexposureandshamefulcorrection。Shehadknownitbefore；buthithertoshehadneverrealizedit，tillshesawtheslenderformofRosaalmostconvulsedwithdistress。Allthehonestbloodofwomanhood，thestrongNewEnglandbloodofliberty，flushedtohercheeks，andthrobbedbitterlyinherindignantheart；but，withhabitualprudenceandself-control，shemasteredherself，and，crushingthepaperfirmlyinherhand，shemerelysaidtoRosa，
　　“Sitdown，child，whileIgotoyourmistress。”
　　“Shameful！monstrous！outrageous！”shesaidtoherself，asshewascrossingtheparlor。
　　ShefoundMariesittingupinhereasy-chair，withMammystandingbyher，combingherhair；Janesatonthegroundbeforeher，busyinchafingherfeet。
　　“Howdoyoufindyourself，today？”saidMissOphelia。
　　Adeepsigh，andaclosingoftheeyes，wastheonlyreply，foramoment；andthenMarieanswered，“O，Idon’tknow，Cousin；IsupposeI’maswellasIevershallbe！”andMariewipedhereyeswithacambrichandkerchief，borderedwithaninchdeepofblack。
　　“Icame，”saidMissOphelia，withashort，drycough，suchascommonlyintroducesadifficultsubject，—“IcametospeakwithyouaboutpoorRosa。”
　　Marie’seyeswereopenwideenoughnow，andaflushrosetohersallowcheeks，assheanswered，sharply，
　　“Well，whatabouther？”
　　“Sheisverysorryforherfault。”
　　“Sheis，isshe？She’llbesorrier，beforeI’vedonewithher！I’veenduredthatchild’simpudencelongenough；andnowI’llbringherdown，—I’llmakeherlieinthedust！”
　　“Butcouldnotyoupunishhersomeotherway，—somewaythatwouldbelessshameful？”
　　“Imeantoshameher；that’sjustwhatIwant。Shehasallherlifepresumedonherdelicacy，andhergoodlooks，andherlady-likeairs，tillsheforgetswhosheis；—andI’llgiveheronelessonthatwillbringherdown，Ifancy！”
　　“But，Cousin，considerthat，ifyoudestroydelicacyandasenseofshameinayounggirl，youdepraveherveryfast。”
　　“Delicacy！”saidMarie，withascornfullaugh，—“afinewordforsuchasshe！I’llteachher，withallherairs，thatshe’snobetterthantheraggedestblackwenchthatwalksthestreets！She’lltakenomoreairswithme！”
　　“YouwillanswertoGodforsuchcruelty！”saidMissOphelia，withenergy。
　　“Cruelty，—I’dliketoknowwhatthecrueltyis！Iwroteordersforonlyfifteenlashes，andtoldhimtoputthemonlightly。I’msurethere’snocrueltythere！”
　　“Nocruelty！”saidMissOphelia。“I’msureanygirlmightratherbekilledoutright！”
　　“Itmightseemsotoanybodywithyourfeeling；butallthesecreaturesgetusedtoit；it’stheonlywaytheycanbekeptinorder。Onceletthemfeelthattheyaretotakeanyairsaboutdelicacy，andallthat，andthey’llrunalloveryou，justasmyservantsalwayshave。I’vebegunnowtobringthemunder；andI’llhavethemalltoknowthatI’llsendoneouttobewhipped，assoonasanother，iftheydon’tmindthemselves！”saidMarie，lookingaroundherdecidedly。
　　Janehungherheadandcoweredatthis，forshefeltasifitwasparticularlydirectedtoher。MissOpheliasatforamoment，asifshehadswallowedsomeexplosivemixture，andwerereadytoburst。Then，recollectingtheutteruselessnessofcontentionwithsuchanature，sheshutherlipsresolutely，gatheredherselfup，andwalkedoutoftheroom。
　　ItwashardtogobackandtellRosathatshecoulddonothingforher；and，shortlyafter，oneoftheman-servantscametosaythathermistresshadorderedhimtotakeRosawithhimtothewhipping-house，whithershewashurried，inspiteofhertearsandentreaties。
　　Afewdaysafter，Tomwasstandingmusingbythebalconies，whenhewasjoinedbyAdolph，who，sincethedeathofhismaster，hadbeenentirelycrest-fallenanddisconsolate。AdolphknewthathehadalwaysbeenanobjectofdisliketoMarie；butwhilehismasterlivedhehadpaidbutlittleattentiontoit。Nowthathewasgone，hehadmovedaboutindailydreadandtrembling，notknowingwhatmightbefallhimnext。Mariehadheldseveralconsultationswithherlawyer；aftercommunicatingwithSt。Clare’sbrother，itwasdeterminedtoselltheplace，andalltheservants，exceptherownpersonalproperty，andthesesheintendedtotakewithher，andgobacktoherfather’splantation。
　　“Doyeknow，Tom，thatwe’veallgottobesold？”saidAdolph，andgobacktoherfather’splantation。
　　“Howdidyouhearthat？”saidTom。
　　“IhidmyselfbehindthecurtainswhenMissiswastalkingwiththelawyer。Inafewdaysweshallbesentofftoauction，Tom。”
　　“TheLord’swillbedone！”saidTom，foldinghisarmsandsighingheavily。
　　“We’llnevergetanothersuchamaster，saidAdolph，apprehensively；“butI’dratherbesoldthantakemychanceunderMissis。”
　　Tomturnedaway；hisheartwasfull。Thehopeofliberty，thethoughtofdistantwifeandchildren，roseupbeforehispatientsoul，astothemarinershipwreckedalmostinportrisesthevisionofthechurch-spireandlovingroofsofhisnativevillage，seenoverthetopofsomeblackwaveonlyforonelastfarewell。Hedrewhisarmstightlyoverhisbosom，andchokedbackthebittertears，andtriedtopray。Thepooroldsoulhadsuchasingular，unaccountableprejudiceinfavorofliberty，thatitwasahardwrenchforhim；andthemorehesaid，“Thywillbedone，”theworsehefelt。
　　HesoughtMissOphelia，who，eversinceEva’sdeath，hadtreatedhimwithmarkedandrespectfulkindness。
　　“MissFeely，”hesaid，“Mas’rSt。Clarepromisedmemyfreedom。Hetoldmethathehadbeguntotakeitoutforme；andnow，perhaps，ifMissFeelywouldbegoodenoughtospeakboutittoMissis，shewouldfeellikegoin’onwithit，wasitasMas’rSt。Clare’swish。”
　　“I’llspeakforyou，Tom，anddomybest，”saidMissOphelia；“but，ifitdependsonMrs。St。Clare，Ican’thopemuchforyou；—nevertheless，Iwilltry。”
　　ThisincidentoccurredafewdaysafterthatofRosa，whileMissOpheliawasbusiedinpreparationstoreturnnorth。
　　Seriouslyreflectingwithinherself，sheconsideredthatperhapsshehadshowntoohastyawarmthoflanguageinherformerinterviewwithMarie；andsheresolvedthatshewouldnowendeavortomoderateherzeal，andtobeasconciliatoryaspossible。Sothegoodsoulgatheredherselfup，and，takingherknitting，resolvedtogointoMarie’sroom，beasagreeableaspossible，andnegotiateTom’scasewithallthediplomaticskillofwhichshewasmistress。
　　ShefoundMarierecliningatlengthuponalounge，supportingherselfononeelbowbypillows，whileJane，whohadbeenoutshopping，wasdisplayingbeforehercertainsamplesofthinblackstuffs。
　　“Thatwilldo，”saidMarie，selectingone；“onlyI’mnotsureaboutitsbeingproperlymourning。”
　　“Laws，Missis，”saidJane，volubly，“Mrs。GeneralDerbennonworejustthisverything，aftertheGeneraldied，lastsummer；itmakesuplovely！”
　　“Whatdoyouthink？”saidMarietoMissOphelia。
　　“It’samatterofcustom，Isuppose，”saidMissOphelia。“YoucanjudgeaboutitbetterthanI。”
　　“Thefactis，”saidMarie，“thatIhaven’tadressintheworldthatIcanwear；and，asIamgoingtobreakuptheestablishment，andgooff，nextweek，Imustdecideuponsomething。”
　　“Areyougoingsosoon？”
　　“Yes。St。Clare’sbrotherhaswritten，andheandthelawyerthinkthattheservantsandfurniturehadbetterbeputupatauction，andtheplaceleftwithourlawyer。”
　　“There’sonethingIwantedtospeakwithyouabout，”saidMissOphelia。“AugustinepromisedTomhisliberty，andbeganthelegalformsnecessarytoit。Ihopeyouwilluseyourinfluencetohaveitperfected。”
　　“Indeed，Ishalldonosuchthing！”saidMarie，sharply。“Tomisoneofthemostvaluableservantsontheplace，—itcouldn’tbeafforded，anyway。Besides，whatdoeshewantofliberty？He’sagreatdealbetteroffasheis。”
　　“Buthedoesdesireit，veryearnestly，andhismasterpromisedit，”saidMissOphelia。
　　“Idaresayhedoeswantit，”saidMarie；“theyallwantit，justbecausetheyareadiscontentedset，—alwayswantingwhattheyhaven’tgot。Now，I’mprincipledagainstemancipating，inanycase。Keepanegrounderthecareofamaster，andhedoeswellenough，andisrespectable；butsetthemfree，andtheygetlazy，andwon’twork，andtaketodrinking，andgoalldowntobemean，worthlessfellows，I’veseenittried，hundredsoftimes。It’snofavortosetthemfree。”
　　“ButTomissosteady，industrious，andpious。”
　　“O，youneedn’ttellme！I’veseeahundredlikehim。He’lldoverywell，aslongashe’stakencareof，—that’sall。”
　　“But，then，consider，”saidMissOphelia，“whenyousethimupforsale，thechancesofhisgettingabadmaster。”
　　“O，that’sallhumbug！”saidMarie；“itisn’tonetimeinahundredthatagoodfellowgetsabadmaster；mostmastersaregood，forallthetalkthatismade。I’velivedandgrownuphere，intheSouth，andIneveryetwasacquaintedwithamasterthatdidn’ttreathisservantswell，—quiteaswellasisworthwhile。Idon’tfeelanyfearsonthathead。”
　　“Well，”saidMissOphelia，energetically，“IknowitwasoneofthelastwishesofyourhusbandthatTomshouldhavehisliberty；itwasoneofthepromisesthathemadetodearlittleEvaonherdeath-bed，andIshouldnotthinkyouwouldfeelatlibertytodisregardit。”
　　Mariehadherfacecoveredwithherhandkerchiefatthisappeal，andbegansobbingandusinghersmelting-bottle，withgreatvehemence。
　　“Everybodygoesagainstme！”shesaid。“Everybodyissoinconsiderate！Ishouldn’thaveexpectedthatyouwouldbringupalltheseremembrancesofmytroublestome，—it’ssoinconsiderate！Butnobodyeverdoesconsider，—mytrialsaresopeculiar！It’ssohard，thatwhenIhadonlyonedaughter，sheshouldhavebeentaken！—andwhenIhadahusbandthatjustexactlysuitedme，—andI’msohardtobesuited！—heshouldbetaken！Andyouseemtohavesolittlefeelingforme，andkeepbringingituptomesocarelessly，—whenyouknowhowitovercomesme！Isupposeyoumeanwell；butitisveryinconsiderate，—very！”AndMariesobbed，andgaspedforbreath，andcalledMammytoopenthewindow，andtobringherthecamphor-bottle，andtobatheherhead，andunhookherdress。And，inthegeneralconfusionthatensued，MissOpheliamadeherescapetoherapartment。
　　Shesaw，atonce，thatitwoulddonogoodtosayanythingmore；forMariehadanindefinitecapacityforhystericfits；and，afterthis，wheneverherhusband’sorEva’swisheswithregardtotheservantswerealludedto，shealwaysfounditconvenienttosetoneinoperation。MissOphelia，therefore，didthenextbestthingshecouldforTom，—shewrotealettertoMrs。Shelbyforhim，statinghistroubles，andurgingthemtosendtohisrelief。
　　Thenextday，TomandAdolph，andsomehalfadozenotherservants，weremarcheddowntoaslave-warehouse，toawaittheconvenienceofthetrader，whowasgoingtomakeupalotforauction。
　　TheSlaveWarehouse
　　Aslavewarehouse！Perhapssomeofmyreadersconjureuphorriblevisionsofsuchaplace。Theyfancysomefoul，obscureden，somehorribleTartarus“informis，ingens，cuilumenademptum。”Butno，innocentfriend；inthesedaysmenhavelearnedtheartofsinningexpertlyandgenteelly，soasnottoshocktheeyesandsensesofrespectablesociety。Humanpropertyishighinthemarket；andis，therefore，wellfed，wellcleaned，tended，andlookedafter，thatitmaycometosalesleek，andstrong，andshining。Aslave-warehouseinNewOrleansisahouseexternallynotmuchunlikemanyothers，keptwithneatness；andwhereeverydayyoumayseearranged，underasortofshedalongtheoutside，rowsofmenandwomen，whostandthereasasignofthepropertysoldwithin。
　　Thenyoushallbecourteouslyentreatedtocallandexamine，andshallfindanabundanceofhusbands，wives，brothers，sisters，fathers，mothers，andyoungchildren，tobe“soldseparately，orinlotstosuittheconvenienceofthepurchaser；”andthatsoulimmortal，onceboughtwithbloodandanguishbytheSonofGod，whentheearthshook，andtherocksrent，andthegraveswereopened，canbesold，leased，mortgaged，exchangedforgroceriesordrygoods，tosuitthephasesoftrade，orthefancyofthepurchaser。
　　ItwasadayortwoaftertheconversationbetweenMarieandMissOphelia，thatTom，Adolph，andabouthalfadozenothersoftheSt。Clareestate，wereturnedovertothelovingkindnessofMr。Skeggs，thekeeperofadepoton——street，toawaittheauction，nextday。
　　Tomhadwithhimquiteasizabletrunkfullofclothing，ashadmostothersofthem。Theywereushered，forthenight，intoalongroom，wheremanyothermen，ofallages，sizes，andshadesofcomplexion，wereassembled，andfromwhichroarsoflaughterandunthinkingmerrimentwereproceeding。
　　“Ah，ha！that’sright。Goit，boys，—goit！”saidMr。Skeggs，thekeeper。“Mypeoplearealwayssomerry！Sambo，Isee！”hesaid，speakingapprovinglytoaburlynegrowhowasperformingtricksoflowbuffoonery，whichoccasionedtheshoutswhichTomhadheard。
　　Asmightbeimagined，Tomwasinnohumortojointheseproceedings；and，therefore，settinghistrunkasfaraspossiblefromthenoisygroup，hesatdownonit，andleanedhisfaceagainstthewall。
　　Thedealersinthehumanarticlemakescrupulousandsystematiceffortstopromotenoisymirthamongthem，asameansofdrowningreflection，andrenderingtheminsensibletotheircondition。Thewholeobjectofthetrainingtowhichthenegroisput，fromthetimeheissoldinthenorthernmarkettillhearrivessouth，issystematicallydirectedtowardsmakinghimcallous，unthinking，andbrutal。Theslave-dealercollectshisganginVirginiaorKentucky，anddrivesthemtosomeconvenient，healthyplace，—oftenawateringplace，—tobefattened。Heretheyarefedfulldaily；and，becausesomeinclinetopine，afiddleiskeptcommonlygoingamongthem，andtheyaremadetodancedaily；andhewhorefusestobemerry—inwhosesoulthoughtsofwife，orchild，orhome，aretoostrongforhimtobegay—ismarkedassullenanddangerous，andsubjectedtoalltheevilswhichtheillwillofanutterlyirresponsibleandhardenedmancaninflictuponhim。Briskness，alertness，andcheerfulnessofappearance，especiallybeforeobservers，areconstantlyenforceduponthem，bothbythehopeoftherebygettingagoodmaster，andthefearofallthatthedrivermaybringuponthemiftheyproveunsalable。
　　“Whatdatarniggerdoinhere？”saidSambo，cominguptoTom，afterMr。Skeggshadlefttheroom。Sambowasafullblack，ofgreatsize，verylively，voluble，andfulloftrickandgrimace。
　　“Whatyoudoinhere？”saidSambo，cominguptoTom，andpokinghimfacetiouslyintheside。“Meditatin’，eh？”
　　“Iamtobesoldattheauction，tomorrow！”saidTom，quietly。
　　“Soldatauction，—haw！haw！boys，an’tthisyerfun？Iwish’tIwasgwinethatarway！—tellye，wouldn’tImakeemlaugh？Buthowisit，—disyerwholelotgwinetomorrow？”saidSambo，layinghishandfreelyonAdolph’sshoulder。
　　“Pleasetoletmealone！”saidAdolph，fiercely，straighteninghimselfup，withextremedisgust。
　　“Law，now，boys！disyer’soneo’yerwhiteniggers，—kindo’creamcolor，yeknow，scented！”saidhe，cominguptoAdolphandsnuffing。“OLor！he’ddoforatobaccer-shop；theycouldkeephimtoscentsnuff！Lor，he’dkeepawholeshopeagwine，—hewould！”
　　“Isay，keepoff，can’tyou？”saidAdolph，enraged。
　　“Lor，now，howtouchyweis，—wewhiteniggers！Lookatusnow！”andSambogavealudicrousimitationofAdolph’smanner；“here’sdeairsandgraces。We’sbeeninagoodfamily，Ispecs。”
　　“Yes，”saidAdolph；“Ihadamasterthatcouldhaveboughtyouallforoldtruck！”
　　“Laws，now，onlythink，”saidSambo，“thegentlemensthatweis！”
　　“IbelongedtotheSt。Clarefamily，”saidAdolph，proudly。
　　“Lor，youdid！Behangediftheyar’n’tluckytogetshetofye。Spectsthey’sgwinetotradeyeoffwithaloto’crackedtea-potsandsichlike！”saidSambo，withaprovokinggrin。
　　Adolph，enragedatthistaunt，flewfuriouslyathisadversary，swearingandstrikingoneverysideofhim。Therestlaughedandshouted，andtheuproarbroughtthekeepertothedoor。
　　“Whatnow，boys？Order，—order！”hesaid，cominginandflourishingalargewhip。
　　Allfledindifferentdirections，exceptSambo，who，presumingonthefavorwhichthekeeperhadtohimasalicensedwag，stoodhisground，duckinghisheadwithafacetiousgrin，wheneverthemastermadeadiveathim。
　　“Lor，Mas’r，’tan’tus，—we’sreglarstiddy，—it’stheseyernewhands；they’srealaggravatin’，—kinderpickin’atus，alltime！”
　　Thekeeper，atthis，turneduponTomandAdolph，anddistributingafewkicksandcuffswithoutmuchinquiry，andleavinggeneralordersforalltobegoodboysandgotosleep，lefttheapartment。
　　Whilethisscenewasgoingoninthemen’ssleeping-room，thereadermaybecurioustotakeapeepatthecorrespondingapartmentallottedtothewomen。Stretchedoutinvariousattitudesoverthefloor，hemayseenumberlesssleepingformsofeveryshadeofcomplexion，fromthepurestebonytowhite，andofallyears，fromchildhoodtooldage，lyingnowasleep。Hereisafinebrightgirl，oftenyears，whosemotherwassoldoutyesterday，andwhotonightcriedherselftosleepwhennobodywaslookingather。Here，awornoldnegress，whosethinarmsandcallousfingerstellofhardtoil，waitingtobesoldtomorrow，asacast-offarticle，forwhatcanbegotforher；andsomefortyorfiftyothers，withheadsvariouslyenvelopedinblanketsorarticlesofclothing，liestretchedaroundthem。But，inacorner，sittingapartfromtherest，aretwofemalesofamoreinterestingappearancethancommon。Oneoftheseisarespectably-dressedmulattowomanbetweenfortyandfifty，withsofteyesandagentleandpleasingphysiognomy。Shehasonherheadahigh-raisedturban，madeofagayredMadrashandkerchief，ofthefirstquality，herdressisneatlyfitted，andofgoodmaterial，showingthatshehasbeenprovidedforwithacarefulhand。Byherside，andnestlingcloselytoher，isayounggirloffifteen，—herdaughter。Sheisaquadroon，asmaybeseenfromherfairercomplexion，thoughherlikenesstohermotherisquitediscernible。Shehasthesamesoft，darkeye，withlongerlashes，andhercurlinghairisofaluxuriantbrown。Shealsoisdressedwithgreatneatness，andherwhite，delicatehandsbetrayverylittleacquaintancewithserviletoil。Thesetwoaretobesoldtomorrow，inthesamelotwiththeSt。Clareservants；andthegentlemantowhomtheybelong，andtowhomthemoneyfortheirsaleistobetransmitted，isamemberofaChristianchurchinNewYork，whowillreceivethemoney，andgothereaftertothesacramentofhisLordandtheirs，andthinknomoreofit。
　　Thesetwo，whomweshallcallSusanandEmmeline，hadbeenthepersonalattendantsofanamiableandpiousladyofNewOrleans，bywhomtheyhadbeencarefullyandpiouslyinstructedandtrained。Theyhadbeentaughttoreadandwrite，diligentlyinstructedinthetruthsofreligion，andtheirlothadbeenashappyanoneasintheirconditionitwaspossibletobe。Buttheonlysonoftheirprotectresshadthemanagementofherproperty；and，bycarelessnessandextravaganceinvolvedittoalargeamount，andatlastfailed。OneofthelargestcreditorswastherespectablefirmofB。&Co。，inNewYork。B。&Co。wrotetotheirlawyerinNewOrleans，whoattachedtherealestatethesetwoarticlesandalotofplantationhandsformedthemostvaluablepartofit，andwrotewordtothateffecttoNewYork。BrotherB。，being，aswehavesaid，aChristianman，andaresidentinafreeState，feltsomeuneasinessonthesubject。Hedidn’tliketradinginslavesandsoulsofmen，—ofcourse，hedidn’t；but，then，therewerethirtythousanddollarsinthecase，andthatwasrathertoomuchmoneytobelostforaprinciple；andso，aftermuchconsidering，andaskingadvicefromthosethatheknewwouldadvisetosuithim，BrotherB。wrotetohislawyertodisposeofthebusinessinthewaythatseemedtohimthemostsuitable，andremittheproceeds。
　　ThedayaftertheletterarrivedinNewOrleans，SusanandEmmelinewereattached，andsenttothedepottoawaitageneralauctiononthefollowingmorning；andastheyglimmerfaintlyuponusinthemoonlightwhichstealsthroughthegratedwindow，wemaylistentotheirconversation。Bothareweeping，buteachquietly，thattheothermaynothear。
　　“Mother，justlayyourheadonmylap，andseeifyoucan’tsleepalittle，”saysthegirl，tryingtoappearcalm。
　　“Ihaven’tanyhearttosleep，Em；Ican’t；it’sthelastnightwemaybetogether！”
　　“O，mother，don’tsayso！perhapsweshallgetsoldtogether，—whoknows？”
　　“If’twasanybody’selsecase，Ishouldsayso，too，Em，”saidthewoman；“butI’msofeardoflosin’youthatIdon’tseeanythingbutthedanger。”
　　“Why，mother，themansaidwewerebothlikely，andwouldsellwell。”
　　Susanrememberedtheman’slooksandwords。Withadeadlysicknessatherheart，sherememberedhowhehadlookedatEmmeline’shands，andlifteduphercurlyhair，andpronouncedherafirst-ratearticle。SusanhadbeentrainedasaChristian，broughtupinthedailyreadingoftheBible，andhadthesamehorrorofherchild’sbeingsoldtoalifeofshamethatanyotherChristianmothermighthave；butshehadnohope，—noprotection。
　　“Mother，Ithinkwemightdofirstrate，ifyoucouldgetaplaceascook，andIaschambermaidorseamstress，insomefamily。Idaresayweshall。Let’sbothlookasbrightandlivelyaswecan，andtellallwecando，andperhapsweshall，”saidEmmeline。
　　“Iwantyoutobrushyourhairallbackstraight，tomorrow，”saidSusan。
　　“Whatfor，mother？Idon’tlooknearsowell，thatway。”
　　“Yes，butyou’llsellbetterso。”
　　“Idon’tseewhy！”saidthechild。
　　“Respectablefamilieswouldbemoreapttobuyyou，iftheysawyoulookedplainanddecent，asifyouwasn’ttryingtolookhandsome。Iknowtheirwaysbetter’nyoudo，”saidSusan。
　　“Well，mother，thenIwill。”
　　“And，Emmeline，ifweshouldn’teverseeeachotheragain，aftertomorrow，—ifI’msoldwayuponaplantationsomewhere，andyousomewhereelse，—alwaysrememberhowyou’vebeenbroughtup，andallMissishastoldyou；takeyourBiblewithyou，andyourhymn-book；andifyou’refaithfultotheLord，he’llbefaithfultoyou。”
　　Sospeaksthepoorsoul，insorediscouragement；forsheknowsthattomorrowanyman，howevervileandbrutal，howevergodlessandmerciless，ifheonlyhasmoneytopayforher，maybecomeownerofherdaughter，bodyandsoul；andthen，howisthechildtobefaithful？Shethinksofallthis，assheholdsherdaughterinherarms，andwishesthatshewerenothandsomeandattractive。Itseemsalmostanaggravationtohertorememberhowpurelyandpiously，howmuchabovetheordinarylot，shehasbeenbroughtup。Butshehasnoresortbuttopray；andmanysuchprayerstoGodhavegoneupfromthosesametrim，neatly-arranged，respectableslave-prisons，—prayerswhichGodhasnotforgotten，asacomingdayshallshow；foritiswritten，“Whocausethoneoftheselittleonestooffend，itwerebetterforhimthatamillstonewerehangedabouthisneck，andthatheweredrownedinthedepthsofthesea。”
　　Thesoft，earnest，quietmoonbeamlooksinfixedly，markingthebarsofthegratedwindowsontheprostrate，sleepingforms。Themotheranddaughteraresingingtogetherawildandmelancholydirge，commonasafuneralhymnamongtheslaves:
　　“O，whereisweepingMary？
　　O，whereisweepingMary？
　　’Rivedinthegoodlyland。
　　SheisdeadandgonetoHeaven；
　　SheisdeadandgonetoHeaven；
　　’Rivedinthegoodlyland。”
　　Thesewords，sungbyvoicesofapeculiarandmelancholysweetness，inanairwhichseemedlikethesighingofearthydespairafterheavenlyhope，floatedthroughthedarkprisonroomswithapatheticcadence，asverseafterversewasbreathedout:
　　“O，wherearePaulandSilas？
　　O，wherearePaulandSilas？
　　Gonetothegoodlyland。
　　TheyaredeadandgonetoHeaven；
　　TheyaredeadandgonetoHeaven；
　　’Rivedinthegoodlyland。”
　　Singonpoorsouls！Thenightisshort，andthemorningwillpartyouforever！
　　Butnowitismorning，andeverybodyisastir；andtheworthyMr。Skeggsisbusyandbright，foralotofgoodsistobefittedoutforauction。Thereisabrisklookoutonthetoilet；injunctionspassedaroundtoeveryonetoputontheirbestfaceandbespry；andnowallarearrangedinacircleforalastreview，beforetheyaremarcheduptotheBourse。
　　Mr。Skeggs，withhispalmettoonandhiscigarinhismouth，walksaroundtoputfarewelltouchesonhiswares。
　　“How’sthis？”hesaid，steppinginfrontofSusanandEmmeline。“Where’syourcurls，gal？”
　　Thegirllookedtimidlyathermother，who，withthesmoothadroitnesscommonamongherclass，answers，
　　“Iwastellingher，lastnight，toputupherhairsmoothandneat，andnothavin’itflyingaboutincurls；looksmorerespectableso。”
　　“Bother！”saidtheman，peremptorily，turningtothegirl；“yougorightalong，andcurlyourselfrealsmart！”Headded，givingacracktoarattanheheldinhishand，“Andbebackinquicktime，too！”
　　“Yougoandhelpher，”headded，tothemother。“Themcurlsmaymakeahundreddollarsdifferenceinthesaleofher。”
　　Beneathasplendiddomeweremenofallnations，movingtoandfro，overthemarblepave。Oneverysideofthecircularareawerelittletribunes，orstations，fortheuseofspeakersandauctioneers。Twoofthese，onoppositesidesofthearea，werenowoccupiedbybrilliantandtalentedgentlemen，enthusiasticallyforcingup，inEnglishandFrenchcommingled，thebidsofconnoisseursintheirvariouswares。Athirdone，ontheotherside，stillunoccupied，wassurroundedbyagroup，waitingthemomentofsaletobegin。AndherewemayrecognizetheSt。Clareservants，—Tom，Adolph，andothers；andthere，too，SusanandEmmeline，awaitingtheirturnwithanxiousanddejectedfaces。Variousspectators，intendingtopurchase，ornotintending，examining，andcommentingontheirvariouspointsandfaceswiththesamefreedomthatasetofjockeysdiscussthemeritsofahorse。
　　“Hulloa，Alf！whatbringsyouhere？”saidayoungexquisite，slappingtheshoulderofasprucely-dressedyoungman，whowasexaminingAdolphthroughaneye-glass。
　　“Well！Iwaswantingavalet，andIheardthatSt。Clare’slotwasgoing。IthoughtI’djustlookathis—”
　　“CatchmeeverbuyinganyofSt。Clare’speople！Spoiltniggers，everyone。Impudentasthedevil！”saidtheother。
　　“Neverfearthat！”saidthefirst。“IfIget’em，I’llsoonhavetheirairsoutofthem；they’llsoonfindthatthey’veanotherkindofmastertodealwiththanMonsieurSt。Clare。’Ponmyword，I’llbuythatfellow。Iliketheshapeofhim。”
　　“You’llfindit’lltakeallyou’vegottokeephim。He’sdeucedlyextravagant！”
　　“Yes，butmylordwillfindthathecan’tbeextravagantwithme。Justlethimbesenttothecalabooseafewtimes，andthoroughlydresseddown！I’lltellyouifitdon’tbringhimtoasenseofhisways！O，I’llreformhim，uphillanddown，—you’llsee。Ibuyhim，that’sflat！”
　　Tomhadbeenstandingwistfullyexaminingthemultitudeoffacesthrongingaroundhim，foronewhomhewouldwishtocallmaster。Andifyoushouldeverbeunderthenecessity，sir，ofselecting，outoftwohundredmen，onewhowastobecomeyourabsoluteowneranddisposer，youwould，perhaps，realize，justasTomdid，howfewtherewerethatyouwouldfeelatallcomfortableinbeingmadeoverto。Tomsawabundanceofmen，—great，burly，gruffmen；little，chirping，driedmen；long-favored，lank，hardmen；andeveryvarietyofstubbed-looking，commonplacemen，whopickuptheirfellow-menasonepicksupchips，puttingthemintothefireorabasketwithequalunconcern，accordingtotheirconvenience；buthesawnoSt。Clare。
　　Alittlebeforethesalecommenced，ashort，broad，muscularman，inacheckedshirtconsiderablyopenatthebosom，andpantaloonsmuchtheworsefordirtandwear，elbowedhiswaythroughthecrowd，likeonewhoisgoingactivelyintoabusiness；and，cominguptothegroup，begantoexaminethemsystematically。FromthemomentthatTomsawhimapproaching，hefeltanimmediateandrevoltinghorrorathim，thatincreasedashecamenear。Hewasevidently，thoughshort，ofgiganticstrength。Hisround，bullethead，large，light-grayeyes，withtheirshaggy，sandyeyebrows，andstiff，wiry，sun-burnedhair，wereratherunprepossessingitems，itistobeconfessed；hislarge，coarsemouthwasdistendedwithtobacco，thejuiceofwhich，fromtimetotime，heejectedfromhimwithgreatdecisionandexplosiveforce；hishandswereimmenselylarge，hairy，sun-burned，freckled，andverydirty，andgarnishedwithlongnails，inaveryfoulcondition。Thismanproceededtoaveryfreepersonalexaminationofthelot。HeseizedTombythejaw，andpulledopenhismouthtoinspecthisteeth；madehimstripuphissleeve，toshowhismuscle；turnedhimround，madehimjumpandspring，toshowhispaces。
　　“Wherewasyouraised？”headded，briefly，totheseinvestigations。
　　“InKintuck，Mas’r，”saidTom，lookingabout，asiffordeliverance。
　　“Whathaveyoudone？”
　　“HadcareofMas’r’sfarm，”saidTom。
　　“Likelystory！”saidtheother，shortly，ashepassedon。HepausedamomentbeforeDolph；thenspittingadischargeoftobacco-juiceonhiswell-blackedboots，andgivingacontemptuousumph，hewalkedon。AgainhestoppedbeforeSusanandEmmeline。Heputouthisheavy，dirtyhand，anddrewthegirltowardshim；passeditoverherneckandbust，feltherarms，lookedatherteeth，andthenpushedherbackagainsthermother，whosepatientfaceshowedthesufferingshehadbeengoingthroughateverymotionofthehideousstranger。
　　Thegirlwasfrightened，andbegantocry。
　　“Stopthat，youminx！”saidthesalesman；“nowhimperinghere，—thesaleisgoingtobegin。”Andaccordinglythesalebegun。
　　Adolphwasknockedoff，atagoodsum，totheyounggentlemenwhohadpreviouslystatedhisintentionofbuyinghim；andtheotherservantsoftheSt。Clarelotwenttovariousbidders。
　　“Now，upwithyou，boy！d’yehear？”saidtheauctioneertoTom。
　　Tomsteppedupontheblock，gaveafewanxiouslooksround；allseemedmingledinacommon，indistinctnoise，—theclatterofthesalesmancryingoffhisqualificationsinFrenchandEnglish，thequickfireofFrenchandEnglishbids；andalmostinamomentcamethefinalthumpofthehammer，andtheclearringonthelastsyllableoftheword“dollars，”astheauctioneerannouncedhisprice，andTomwasmadeover。—Hehadamaster！
　　Hewaspushedfromtheblock；—theshort，bullet-headedmanseizinghimroughlybytheshoulder，pushedhimtooneside，saying，inaharshvoice，“Standthere，you！”
　　Tomhardlyrealizedanything；butstillthebiddingwenton，—ratting，clattering，nowFrench，nowEnglish。Downgoesthehammeragain，—Susanissold！Shegoesdownfromtheblock，stops，lookswistfullyback，—herdaughterstretchesherhandstowardsher。Shelookswithagonyinthefaceofthemanwhohasboughther，—arespectablemiddle-agedman，ofbenevolentcountenance。
　　“O，Mas’r，pleasedobuymydaughter！”
　　“I’dliketo，butI’mafraidIcan’taffordit！”saidthegentleman，looking，withpainfulinterest，astheyounggirlmountedtheblock，andlookedaroundherwithafrightenedandtimidglance。
　　Thebloodflushespainfullyinherotherwisecolorlesscheek，hereyehasafeverishfire，andhermothergroanstoseethatshelooksmorebeautifulthansheeversawherbefore。Theauctioneerseeshisadvantage，andexpatiatesvolublyinmingledFrenchandEnglish，andbidsriseinrapidsuccession。
　　“I’lldoanythinginreason，”saidthebenevolent-lookinggentleman，pressinginandjoiningwiththebids。Inafewmomentstheyhaverunbeyondhispurse。Heissilent；theauctioneergrowswarmer；butbidsgraduallydropoff。Itliesnowbetweenanaristocraticoldcitizenandourbullet-headedacquaintance。Thecitizenbidsforafewturns，contemptuouslymeasuringhisopponent；butthebullet-headhastheadvantageoverhim，bothinobstinacyandconcealedlengthofpurse，andthecontroversylastsbutamoment；thehammerfalls，—hehasgotthegirl，bodyandsoul，unlessGodhelpher！
　　HermasterisMr。Legree，whoownsacottonplantationontheRedriver。SheispushedalongintothesamelotwithTomandtwoothermen，andgoesoff，weepingasshegoes。
　　Thebenevolentgentlemanissorry；but，then，thethinghappenseveryday！Oneseesgirlsandmotherscrying，atthesesales，always！itcan’tbehelped，&c。；andhewalksoff，withhisacquisition，inanotherdirection。
　　Twodaysafter，thelawyeroftheChristianfirmofB。&Co。，NewYork，sendontheirmoneytothem。Onthereverseofthatdraft，soobtained，letthemwritethesewordsofthegreatPaymaster，towhomtheyshallmakeuptheiraccountinafutureday:“Whenhemakethinquisitionforblood，heforgettethnotthecryofthehumble！”
　　TheMiddlePassage
　　“Thouartofpurereyesthantobeholdevil，andcanstnotlookuponiniquity:whereforelookestthouuponthemthatdealtreacherously，andholdestthytonguewhenthewickeddevoureththemanthatismorerighteousthanhe？”—Hab。1:13。
　　Onthelowerpartofasmall，meanboat，ontheRedriver，Tomsat，—chainsonhiswrists，chainsonhisfeet，andaweightheavierthanchainslayonhisheart。Allhadfadedfromhissky，—moonandstar；allhadpassedbyhim，asthetreesandbankswerenowpassing，toreturnnomore。Kentuckyhome，withwifeandchildren，andindulgentowners；St。Clarehome，withallitsrefinementsandsplendors；thegoldenheadofEva，withitssaint-likeeyes；theproud，gay，handsome，seeminglycareless，yetever-kindSt。Clare；hoursofeaseandindulgentleisure，—allgone！andinplacethereof，whatremains？
　　Itisoneofthebitterestapportionmentsofalotofslavery，thatthenegro，sympatheticandassimilative，afteracquiring，inarefinedfamily，thetastesandfeelingswhichformtheatmosphereofsuchaplace，isnotthelessliabletobecomethebond-slaveofthecoarsestandmostbrutal，—justasachairortable，whichoncedecoratedthesuperbsaloon，comes，atlast，batteredanddefaced，tothebarroomofsomefilthytavern，orsomelowhauntofvulgardebauchery。Thegreatdifferenceis，thatthetableandchaircannotfeel，andthemancan；forevenalegalenactmentthatheshallbe“taken，reputed，adjudgedinlaw，tobeachattelpersonal，”cannotblotouthissoul，withitsownprivatelittleworldofmemories，hopes，loves，fears，anddesires。
　　Mr。SimonLegree，Tom’smaster，hadpurchasedslavesatoneplaceandanother，inNewOrleans，tothenumberofeight，anddriventhem，handcuffed，incouplesoftwoandtwo，downtothegoodsteamerPirate，whichlayatthelevee，readyforatripuptheRedriver。
　　Havinggotthemfairlyonboard，andtheboatbeingoff，hecameround，withthatairofefficiencywhichevercharacterizedhim，totakeareviewofthem。StoppingoppositetoTom，whohadbeenattiredforsaleinhisbestbroadclothsuit，withwell-starchedlinenandshiningboots，hebrieflyexpressedhimselfasfollows:
　　“Standup。”
　　Tomstoodup。
　　“Takeoffthatstock！”and，asTom，encumberedbyhisfetters，proceededtodoit，heassistedhim，bypullingit，withnogentlehand，fromhisneck，andputtingitinhispocket。
　　LegreenowturnedtoTom’strunk，which，previoustothis，hehadbeenransacking，and，takingfromitapairofoldpantaloonsanddilapidatedcoat，whichTomhadbeenwonttoputonabouthisstable-work，hesaid，liberatingTom’shandsfromthehandcuffs，andpointingtoarecessinamongtheboxes，
　　“Yougothere，andputtheseon。”
　　Tomobeyed，andinafewmomentsreturned。
　　“Takeoffyourboots，”saidMr。Legree。
　　Tomdidso。
　　“There，”saidtheformer，throwinghimapairofcoarse，stoutshoes，suchaswerecommonamongtheslaves，“puttheseon。”
　　InTom’shurriedexchange，hehadnotforgottentotransferhischerishedBibletohispocket。Itwaswellhedidso；forMr。Legree，havingrefittedTom’shandcuffs，proceededdeliberatelytoinvestigatethecontentsofhispockets。Hedrewoutasilkhandkerchief，andputitintohisownpocket。Severallittletrifles，whichTomhadtreasured，chieflybecausetheyhadamusedEva，helookeduponwithacontemptuousgrunt，andtossedthemoverhisshoulderintotheriver。
　　Tom’sMethodisthymn-book，which，inhishurry，hehadforgotten，henowheldupandturnedover。
　　Humph！pious，tobesure。So，what’syername，—youbelongtothechurch，eh？”
　　“Yes，Mas’r，”saidTom，firmly。
　　“Well，I’llsoonhavethatoutofyou。Ihavenoneo’yerbawling，praying，singingniggersonmyplace；soremember。Now，mindyourself，”hesaid，withastampandafierceglanceofhisgrayeye，directedatTom，“I’myourchurchnow！Youunderstand，—you’vegottobeasIsay。”
　　SomethingwithinthesilentblackmanansweredNo！and，asifrepeatedbyaninvisiblevoice，camethewordsofanoldpropheticscroll，asEvahadoftenreadthemtohim，—“Fearnot！forIhaveredeemedthee。Ihavecalledtheebyname。ThouartMine！”
　　ButSimonLegreeheardnovoice。Thatvoiceisonehenevershallhear。HeonlyglaredforamomentonthedowncastfaceofTom，andwalkedoff。HetookTom’strunk，whichcontainedaveryneatandabundantwardrobe，totheforecastle，whereitwassoonsurroundedbyvarioushandsoftheboat。Withmuchlaughing，attheexpenseofniggerswhotriedtobegentlemen，thearticlesveryreadilyweresoldtooneandanother，andtheemptytrunkfinallyputupatauction。Itwasagoodjoke，theyallthought，especiallytoseehowTomlookedafterhisthings，astheyweregoingthiswayandthat；andthentheauctionofthetrunk，thatwasfunnierthanall，andoccasionedabundantwitticisms。
　　Thislittleaffairbeingover，Simonsaunteredupagaintohisproperty。
　　“Now，Tom，I’verelievedyouofanyextrabaggage，yousee。Takemightygoodcareofthemclothes。It’llbelongenough’foreyougetmore。Igoinformakingniggerscareful；onesuithastodoforoneyear，onmyplace。”
　　SimonnextwalkeduptotheplacewhereEmmelinewassitting，chainedtoanotherwoman。
　　“Well，mydear，”hesaid，chuckingherunderthechin，“keepupyourspirits。”
　　Theinvoluntarylookofhorror，frightandaversion，withwhichthegirlregardedhim，didnotescapehiseye。Hefrownedfiercely。
　　“Noneo’yourshines，gal！you’sgottokeepapleasantface，whenIspeaktoye，—d’yehear？Andyou，youoldyellowpocomoonshine！”hesaid，givingashovetothemulattowomantowhomEmmelinewaschained，“don’tyoucarrythatsortofface！You’sgottolookchipper，Itellye！”
　　“Isay，allonye，”hesaidretreatingapaceortwoback，“lookatme，—lookatme，—lookmerightintheeye，—straight，now！”saidhe，stampinghisfootateverypause。
　　Asbyafascination，everyeyewasnowdirectedtotheglaringgreenish-grayeyeofSimon。
　　“Now，”saidhe，doublinghisgreat，heavyfistintosomethingresemblingablacksmith’shammer，“d’yeseethisfist？Heftit！”hesaid，bringingitdownonTom’shand。“Lookattheseyerbones！Well，Itellyethisyerfisthasgotashardasironknockingdownniggers。Ineverseethenigger，yet，Icouldn’tbringdownwithonecrack，”saidhe，bringinghisfistdownsoneartothefaceofTomthathewinkedanddrewback。“Idon’tkeepnoneo’yercussedoverseers；Idoesmyownoverseeing；andItellyouthingsisseento。You’severyoneonyegottotoethemark，Itellye；quick，—straight，—themomentIspeak。That’sthewaytokeepinwithme。Yewon’tfindnosoftspotinme，nowhere。So，now，mindyerselves；forIdon’tshownomercy！”
　　Thewomeninvoluntarilydrewintheirbreath，andthewholegangsatwithdowncast，dejectedfaces。Meanwhile，Simonturnedonhisheel，andmarcheduptothebaroftheboatforadram。
　　“That’sthewayIbeginwithmyniggers，”hesaid，toagentlemanlyman，whohadstoodbyhimduringhisspeech。“It’smysystemtobeginstrong，—justlet’emknowwhattoexpect。”
　　“Indeed！”saidthestranger，lookinguponhimwiththecuriosityofanaturaliststudyingsomeout-of-the-wayspecimen。
　　“Yes，indeed。I’mnoneo’yergentlemenplanters，withlilyfingers，tosloproundandbecheatedbysomeoldcussofanoverseer！Justfeelofmyknuckles，now；lookatmyfist。Tellye，sir，thefleshon’thascomejestlikeastone，practisingonnigger—feelonit。”
　　Thestrangerappliedhisfingerstotheimplementinquestion，andsimplysaid，
　　“’Tishardenough；and，Isuppose，”headded，“practicehasmadeyourheartjustlikeit。”
　　“Why，yes，Imaysayso，”saidSimon，withaheartylaugh。“Ireckonthere’saslittlesoftinmeasinanyonegoing。Tellyou，nobodycomesitoverme！Niggersnevergetsroundme，neitherwithsquallingnorsoftsoap，—that’safact。”
　　“Youhaveafinelotthere。”
　　“Real，”saidSimon。“There’sthatTom，theytelledmehewassuthin’uncommon。Ipaidalittlehighforhim，tendin’himforadriverandamanagingchap；onlygetthenotionsoutthathe’slarntbybein’treatedasniggersneveroughttobe，he’lldoprime！TheyellowwomanIgottookinon。Iraytherthinkshe’ssickly，butIshallputherthroughforwhatshe’sworth；shemaylastayearortwo。Idon’tgoforsavin’niggers。Useup，andbuymore，’smyway；-makesyoulesstrouble，andI’mquitesureitcomescheaperintheend；”andSimonsippedhisglass。
　　“Andhowlongdotheygenerallylast？”saidthestranger。
　　“Well，donno；’cordin’astheirconstitutionis。Stoutfellerslastsixorsevenyears；trashyonesgetsworkedupintwoorthree。Iusedto，whenIfustbegun，haveconsiderabletroublefussin’with’emandtryingtomake’emholdout，—doctorin’on’emupwhenthey’ssick，andgivin’on’emclothesandblankets，andwhatnot，tryin’tokeep’emallsorto’decentandcomfortable。Law，’twasn’tnosorto’use；Ilostmoneyon’em，and’twasheapso’trouble。Now，yousee，Ijustput’emstraightthrough，sickorwell。Whenonenigger’sdead，Ibuyanother；andIfinditcomescheaperandeasier，everyway。”
　　Thestrangerturnedaway，andseatedhimselfbesideagentleman，whohadbeenlisteningtotheconversationwithrepresseduneasiness。
　　“YoumustnottakethatfellowtobeanyspecimenofSouthernplanters，”saidhe。
　　“Ishouldhopenot，”saidtheyounggentleman，withemphasis。
　　“Heisamean，low，brutalfellow！”saidtheother。
　　“Andyetyourlawsallowhimtoholdanynumberofhumanbeingssubjecttohisabsolutewill，withoutevenashadowofprotection；and，lowasheis，youcannotsaythattherearenotmanysuch。”
　　“Well，”saidtheother，“therearealsomanyconsiderateandhumanemenamongplanters。”
　　“Granted，”saidtheyoungman；“but，inmyopinion，itisyouconsiderate，humanemen，thatareresponsibleforallthebrutalityandoutragewroughtbythesewretches；because，ifitwerenotforyoursanctionandinfluence，thewholesystemcouldnotkeepfootholdforanhour。Iftherewerenoplantersexceptsuchasthatone，”saidhe，pointingwithhisfingertoLegree，whostoodwithhisbacktothem，“thewholethingwouldgodownlikeamillstone。Itisyourrespectabilityandhumanitythatlicensesandprotectshisbrutality。”
　　“Youcertainlyhaveahighopinionofmygoodnature，”saidtheplanter，smiling，“butIadviseyounottotalkquitesoloud，astherearepeopleonboardtheboatwhomightnotbequitesotoleranttoopinionasIam。YouhadbetterwaittillIgetuptomyplantation，andthereyoumayabuseusall，quiteatyourleisure。”
　　Theyounggentlemancoloredandsmiled，andthetwoweresoonbusyinagameofbackgammon。Meanwhile，anotherconversationwasgoingoninthelowerpartoftheboat，betweenEmmelineandthemulattowomanwithwhomshewasconfined。Aswasnatural，theywereexchangingwitheachothersomeparticularsoftheirhistory。
　　“Whodidyoubelongto？”saidEmmeline。
　　“Well，myMas’rwasMr。Ellis，—livedonLevee-street。P’rapsyou’veseenthehouse。”
　　“Washegoodtoyou？”saidEmmeline。
　　“Mostly，tillhetuksick。He’slainsick，offandon，morethansixmonths，andbeenorfuloneasy。’Pearslikehewarntwillin’tohavenobodyrest，dayornight；andgotsocurous，therecouldn’tnobodysuithim。’Pearslikehejustgrewcrosser，everyday；kepmeupnightstillIgotfarlybeatout，andcouldn’tkeepawakenolonger；andcauseIgottosleep，onenight，Lors，hetalksoorfultome，andhetellmehe’dsellmetojustthehardestmasterhecouldfind；andhe’dpromisedmemyfreedom，too，whenhedied。”
　　“Hadyouanyfriends？”saidEmmeline。
　　“Yes，myhusband，—he’sablacksmith。Mas’rgen’lyhiredhimout。Theytookmeoffsoquick，Ididn’tevenhavetimetoseehim；andI’sgotfourchildren。O，dearme！”saidthewoman，coveringherfacewithherhands。
　　Itisanaturalimpulse，ineveryone，whentheyhearataleofdistress，tothinkofsomethingtosaybywayofconsolation。Emmelinewantedtosaysomething，butshecouldnotthinkofanythingtosay。Whatwastheretobesaid？Asbyacommonconsent，theybothavoided，withfearanddread，allmentionofthehorriblemanwhowasnowtheirmaster。
　　True，thereisreligioustrustforeventhedarkesthour。ThemulattowomanwasamemberoftheMethodistchurch，andhadanunenlightenedbutverysincerespiritofpiety。Emmelinehadbeeneducatedmuchmoreintelligently，—taughttoreadandwrite，anddiligentlyinstructedintheBible，bythecareofafaithfulandpiousmistress；yet，woulditnottrythefaithofthefirmestChristian，tofindthemselvesabandoned，apparently，ofGod，inthegraspofruthlessviolence？HowmuchmoremustitshakethefaithofChrist’spoorlittleones，weakinknowledgeandtenderinyears！
　　Theboatmovedon，—freightedwithitsweightofsorrow，—upthered，muddy，turbidcurrent，throughtheabrupttortuouswindingsoftheRedriver；andsadeyesgazedwearilyonthesteepred-claybanks，astheyglidedbyindrearysameness。Atlasttheboatstoppedatasmalltown，andLegree，withhisparty，disembarked。
　　DarkPlaces
　　“ThedarkplacesoftheeartharefullofthehabitationsOfcruelty。”1
　　Trailingwearilybehindarudewagon，andoveraruderroad，Tomandhisassociatesfacedonward。
　　InthewagonwasseatedSimonLegreeandthetwowomen，stillfetteredtogether，werestowedawaywithsomebaggageinthebackpartofit，andthewholecompanywereseekingLegree’splantation，whichlayagooddistanceoff。
　　Itwasawild，forsakenroad，nowwindingthroughdrearypinebarrens，wherethewindwhisperedmournfully，andnowoverlogcauseways，throughlongcypressswamps，thedolefultreesrisingoutoftheslimy，spongyground，hungwithlongwreathsoffuneralblackmoss，whileeverandanontheloathsomeformofthemocassinsnakemightbeseenslidingamongbrokenstumpsandshatteredbranchesthatlayhereandthere，rottinginthewater。
　　Itisdisconsolateenough，thisriding，tothestranger，who，withwell-filledpocketandwell-appointedhorse，threadsthelonelywayonsomeerrandofbusiness；butwilder，drearier，tothemanenthralled，whomeverywearystepbearsfurtherfromallthatmanlovesandpraysfor。
　　Sooneshouldhavethought，thatwitnessedthesunkenanddejectedexpressiononthosedarkfaces；thewistful，patientwearinesswithwhichthosesadeyesrestedonobjectafterobjectthatpassedthemintheirsadjourney。
　　Simonrodeon，however，apparentlywellpleased，occasionallypullingawayataflaskofspirit，whichhekeptinhispocket。
　　“Isay，you！”hesaid，asheturnedbackandcaughtaglanceatthedispiritedfacesbehindhim。“Strikeupasong，boys，—come！”
　　Themenlookedateachother，andthe“come”wasrepeated，withasmartcrackofthewhipwhichthedrivercarriedinhishands。TombeganaMethodisthymn。
　　“Jerusalem，myhappyhome，
　　Nameeverdeartome！
　　Whenshallmysorrowshaveanend，
　　Thyjoyswhenshall—”2
　　“Shutup，youblackcuss！”roaredLegree；“didyethinkIwantedanyo’yerinfernaloldMethodism？Isay，tuneup，now，somethingrealrowdy，—quick！”
　　Oneoftheothermenstruckuponeofthoseunmeaningsongs，commonamongtheslaves。
　　“Mas’rsee’dmecotchacoon，
　　Highboys，high！
　　Helaughedtosplit，—d’yeseethemoon，
　　Ho！ho！ho！boys，ho！
　　Ho！yo！hi—e！oh！”
　　Thesingerappearedtomakeupthesongtohisownpleasure，generallyhittingonrhyme，withoutmuchattemptatreason；andthepartytookupthechorus，atintervals，
　　“Ho！ho！ho！boys，ho！
　　High—e—oh！high—e—oh！”
　　Itwassungveryboisterouly，andwithaforcedattemptatmerriment；butnowailofdespair，nowordsofimpassionedprayer，couldhavehadsuchadepthofwoeinthemasthewildnotesofthechorus。Asifthepoor，dumbheart，threatened，—prisoned，—tookrefugeinthatinarticulatesanctuaryofmusic，andfoundtherealanguageinwhichtobreatheitsprayertoGod！Therewasaprayerinit，whichSimoncouldnothear。Heonlyheardtheboyssingingnoisily，andwaswellpleased；hewasmakingthem“keepuptheirspirits。”
　　“Well，mylittledear，”saidhe，turningtoEmmeline，andlayinghishandonhershoulder，“we’realmosthome！”
　　WhenLegreescoldedandstormed，Emmelinewasterrified；butwhenhelaidhishandonher，andspokeashenowdid，shefeltasifshehadratherhewouldstrikeher。Theexpressionofhiseyesmadehersoulsick，andherfleshcreep。Involuntarilysheclungclosertothemulattowomanbyherside，asifshewerehermother。
　　“Youdidn’teverwearear-rings，”hesaid，takingholdofhersmallearwithhiscoarsefingers。
　　“No，Mas’r！”saidEmmeline，tremblingandlookingdown。
　　“Well，I’llgiveyouapair，whenwegethome，ifyou’reagoodgirl。Youneedn’tbesofrightened；Idon’tmeantomakeyouworkveryhard。You’llhavefinetimeswithme，andlivelikealady，—onlybeagoodgirl。”
　　Legreehadbeendrinkingtothatdegreethathewasincliningtobeverygracious；anditwasaboutthistimethattheenclosuresoftheplantationrosetoview。Theestatehadformerlybelongedtoagentlemanofopulenceandtaste，whohadbestowedsomeconsiderableattentiontotheadornmentofhisgrounds。Havingdiedinsolvent，ithadbeenpurchased，atabargain，byLegree，whousedit，ashedideverythingelse，merelyasanimplementformoney-making。Theplacehadthatragged，forlornappearance，whichisalwaysproducedbytheevidencethatthecareoftheformerownerhasbeenlefttogotoutterdecay。
　　Whatwasonceasmooth-shavenlawnbeforethehouse，dottedhereandtherewithornamentalshrubs，wasnowcoveredwithfrowsytangledgrass，withhorsepostssetup，hereandthere，init，wheretheturfwasstampedaway，andthegroundlitteredwithbrokenpails，cobsofcorn，andotherslovenlyremains。Hereandthere，amildewedjessamineorhoneysucklehungraggedlyfromsomeornamentalsupport，whichhadbeenpushedtoonesidebybeingusedasahorse-post。Whatoncewasalargegardenwasnowallgrownoverwithweeds，throughwhich，hereandthere，somesolitaryexoticreareditsforsakenhead。Whathadbeenaconservatoryhadnownowindow-shades，andonthemoulderingshelvesstoodsomedry，forsakenflower-pots，withsticksinthem，whosedriedleavesshowedtheyhadoncebeenplants。
　　Thewagonrolledupaweedygravelwalk，underanobleavenueofChinatrees，whosegracefulformsandever-springingfoliageseemedtobetheonlythingstherethatneglectcouldnotdauntoralter，—likenoblespirits，sodeeplyrootedingoodness，astoflourishandgrowstrongeramiddiscouragementanddecay。
　　Thehousehadbeenlargeandhandsome。ItwasbuiltinamannercommonattheSouth；awideverandahoftwostoriesrunningroundeverypartofthehouse，intowhicheveryouterdooropened，thelowertierbeingsupportedbybrickpillars。
　　Buttheplacelookeddesolateanduncomfortable；somewindowsstoppedupwithboards，somewithshatteredpanes，andshuttershangingbyasinglehinge，—alltellingofcoarseneglectanddiscomfort。
　　Bitsofboard，straw，olddecayedbarrelsandboxes，garnishedthegroundinalldirections；andthreeorfourferocious-lookingdogs，rousedbythesoundofthewagon-wheels，cametearingout，andwerewithdifficultyrestrainedfromlayingholdofTomandhiscompanions，bytheeffortoftheraggedservantswhocameafterthem。
　　“Yeseewhatye’dget！”saidLegree，caressingthedogswithgrimsatisfaction，andturningtoTomandhiscompanions。“Yeseewhatye’dget，ifyetrytorunoff。Theseyerdogshasbeenraisedtotrackniggers；andthey’djestassoonchawoneonyeupaseattheirsupper。So，mindyerself！Hownow，Sambo！”hesaid，toaraggedfellow，withoutanybrimtohishat，whowasofficiousinhisattentions。“Howhavethingsbeengoing？”
　　Fustrate，Mas’r。”
　　“Quimbo，”saidLegreetoanother，whowasmakingzealousdemonstrationstoattracthisattention，“yemindedwhatItelledye？”
　　“GuessIdid，didn’tI？”
　　Thesetwocoloredmenwerethetwoprincipalhandsontheplantation。Legreehadtrainedtheminsavagenessandbrutalityassystematicallyashehadhisbull-dogs；and，bylongpracticeinhardnessandcruelty，broughttheirwholenaturetoaboutthesamerangeofcapacities。Itisacommonremark，andonethatisthoughttomilitatestronglyagainstthecharacteroftherace，thatthenegrooverseerisalwaysmoretyrannicalandcruelthanthewhiteone。Thisissimplysayingthatthenegromindhasbeenmorecrushedanddebasedthanthewhite。Itisnomoretrueofthisracethanofeveryoppressedrace，theworldover。Theslaveisalwaysatyrant，ifhecangetachancetobeone。
　　Legree，likesomepotentateswereadofinhistory，governedhisplantationbyasortofresolutionofforces。SamboandQuimbocordiallyhatedeachother；theplantationhands，oneandall，cordiallyhatedthem；and，byplayingoffoneagainstanother，hewasprettysure，throughoneortheotherofthethreeparties，togetinformedofwhateverwasonfootintheplace。
　　Nobodycanliveentirelywithoutsocialintercourse；andLegreeencouragedhistwoblacksatellitestoakindofcoarsefamiliaritywithhim，—afamiliarity，however，atanymomentliabletogetoneortheotherofthemintotrouble；for，ontheslightestprovocation，oneofthemalwaysstoodready，atanod，tobeaministerofhisvengeanceontheother。
　　AstheystoodtherenowbyLegree，theyseemedanaptillustrationofthefactthatbrutalmenarelowereventhananimals。Theircoarse，dark，heavyfeatures；theirgreateyes，rollingenviouslyoneachother；theirbarbarous，guttural，half-bruteintonation；theirdilapidatedgarmentsflutteringinthewind，—wereallinadmirablekeepingwiththevileandunwholesomecharacterofeverythingabouttheplace。
　　“Here，youSambo，”saidLegree，“taketheseyerboysdowntothequarters；andhere’sagalI’vegotforyou，”saidhe，asheseparatedthemulattowomanfromEmmeline，andpushedhertowardshim；—“Ipromisedtobringyouone，youknow。”
　　Thewomangaveastart，anddrawingback，said，suddenly，
　　“O，Mas’r！IleftmyoldmaninNewOrleans。”
　　“Whatofthat，you—；won’tyouwantonehere？Noneo’yourwords，—golong！”saidLegree，raisinghiswhip。
　　“Come，mistress，”hesaidtoEmmeline，“yougoinherewithme。”
　　Adark，wildfacewasseen，foramoment，toglanceatthewindowofthehouse；and，asLegreeopenedthedoor，afemalevoicesaidsomething，inaquick，imperativetone。Tom，whowaslooking，withanxiousinterest，afterEmmeline，asshewentin，noticedthis，andheardLegreeanswer，angrily，“Youmayholdyourtongue！I’lldoasIplease，forallyou！”
　　Tomheardnomore；forhewassoonfollowingSambotothequarters。Thequarterswasalittlesortofstreetofrudeshanties，inarow，inapartoftheplantation，farofffromthehouse。Theyhadaforlorn，brutal，forsakenair。Tom’sheartsunkwhenhesawthem。Hehadbeencomfortinghimselfwiththethoughtofacottage，rude，indeed，butonewhichhemightmakeneatandquiet，andwherehemighthaveashelfforhisBible，andaplacetobealoneoutofhislaboringhours。Helookedintoseveral；theyweremererudeshells，destituteofanyspeciesoffurniture，exceptaheapofstraw，foulwithdirt，spreadconfusedlyoverthefloor，whichwasmerelythebareground，troddenhardbythetrampingofinnumerablefeet。
　　“Whichofthesewillbemine？”saidhe，toSambo，submissively。
　　“Dunno；kenturninhere，Ispose，”saidSambo；“spectsthar’sroomforanotherthar；thar’saprettysmartheapo’niggerstoeachon’em，now；sure，IdunnowhatI’stodowithmore。”
　　Itwaslateintheeveningwhenthewearyoccupantsoftheshantiescameflockinghome，—menandwomen，insoiledandtatteredgarments，surlyanduncomfortable，andinnomoodtolookpleasantlyonnew-comers。Thesmallvillagewasalivewithnoinvitingsounds；hoarse，gutturalvoicescontendingatthehand-millswheretheirmorselofhardcornwasyettobegroundintomeal，tofititforthecakethatwastoconstitutetheironlysupper。Fromtheearliestdawnoftheday，theyhadbeeninthefields，pressedtoworkunderthedrivinglashoftheoverseers；foritwasnowintheveryheatandhurryoftheseason，andnomeanswasleftuntriedtopresseveryoneuptothetopoftheircapabilities。“True，”saysthenegligentlounger；“pickingcottonisn’thardwork。”Isn’tit？Anditisn’tmuchinconvenience，either，tohaveonedropofwaterfallonyourhead；yettheworsttortureoftheinquisitionisproducedbydropafterdrop，dropafterdrop，fallingmomentaftermoment，withmonotonoussuccession，onthesamespot；andwork，initselfnothard，becomesso，bybeingpressed，hourafterhour，withunvarying，unrelentingsameness，withnoteventheconsciousnessoffree-willtotakefromitstediousness。Tomlookedinvainamongthegang，astheypouredalong，forcompanionablefaces。Hesawonlysullen，scowling，imbrutedmen，andfeeble，discouragedwomen，orwomenthatwerenotwomen，—thestrongpushingawaytheweak，—thegross，unrestrictedanimalselfishnessofhumanbeings，ofwhomnothinggoodwasexpectedanddesired；andwho，treatedineverywaylikebrutes，hadsunkasnearlytotheirlevelasitwaspossibleforhumanbeingstodo。Toalatehourinthenightthesoundofthegrindingwasprotracted；forthemillswerefewinnumbercomparedwiththegrinders，andthewearyandfeebleonesweredrivenbackbythestrong，andcameonlastintheirturn。
　　“Hoyo！”saidSambo，comingtothemulattowoman，andthrowingdownabagofcornbeforeher；“whatacussyoname？”
　　“Lucy，”saidthewoman。
　　“Wal，Lucy，yomywomannow。Yogrinddisyercorn，andgetmysupperbaked，yehar？”
　　“Ian’tyourwoman，andIwon’tbe！”saidthewoman，withthesharp，suddencourageofdespair；“yougolong！”
　　“I’llkickyo，then！”saidSambo，raisinghisfootthreateningly。
　　“Yemaykillme，ifyechoose，—thesoonerthebetter！Wish’tIwasdead！”saidshe。
　　“Isay，Sambo，yougotospilin’thehands，I’lltellMas’ro’you，”saidQuimbo，whowasbusyatthemill，fromwhichhehadviciouslydriventwoorthreetiredwomen，whowerewaitingtogrindtheircorn。
　　“And，I’lltellhimyewon’tletthewomencometothemills，yooldnigger！”saidSambo。“Yojeskeeptoyoownrow。”
　　Tomwashungrywithhisday’sjourney，andalmostfaintforwantoffood。
　　“Thar，yo！”saidQuimbo，throwingdownacoarsebag，whichcontainedapeckofcorn；“thar，nigger，grab，takecaron’t，—yowon’tgetnomore，disyerweek。”
　　Tomwaitedtillalatehour，togetaplaceatthemills；andthen，movedbytheutterwearinessoftwowomen，whomhesawtryingtogrindtheircornthere，hegroundforthem，puttogetherthedecayingbrandsofthefire，wheremanyhadbakedcakesbeforethem，andthenwentaboutgettinghisownsupper。Itwasanewkindofworkthere，—adeedofcharity，smallasitwas；butitwokeanansweringtouchintheirhearts，—anexpressionofwomanlykindnesscameovertheirhardfaces；theymixedhiscakeforhim，andtendeditsbaking；andTomsatdownbythelightofthefire，anddrewouthisBible，—forhehadneedforcomfort。
　　“What’sthat？”saidoneofthewoman。
　　“ABible，”saidTom。
　　“GoodLord！han’tseenunsinceIwasinKentuck。”
　　“WasyouraisedinKentuck？”saidTom，withinterest。
　　“Yes，andwellraised，too；never’spectedtocometodisyer！”saidthewoman，sighing。
　　“What’sdatarbook，anyway？”saidtheotherwoman。
　　“Why，theBible。”
　　“Lawsame！what’sdat？”saidthewoman。
　　“Dotell！youneverhearnon’t？”saidtheotherwoman。“IusedtoharMissisareadin’on’t，sometimes，inKentuck；but，lawso’me！wedon’tharnothin’herebutcrackin’andswarin’。”
　　“Readapiece，anyways！”saidthefirstwoman，curiously，seeingTomattentivelyporingoverit。
　　Tomread，—“ComeuntoMe，allyethatlaborandareheavyladen，andIwillgiveyourest。”
　　“Them’sgoodwords，enough，”saidthewoman；“whosays’em？”
　　“TheLord，”saidTom。
　　“IjestwishIknow’dwhartofindHim，”saidthewoman。“Iwouldgo；’pearslikeInevershouldgetrestedagain。Myfleshisfairlysore，andItrembleallover，everyday，andSambo’sallersajawin’atme，’causeIdoesn’tpickfaster；andnightsit’smostmidnight’foreIcangetmysupper；andden’pearslikeIdon’tturnoverandshutmyeyes，’foreIheardehornblowtogetup，andatitaginindemornin’。IfIknewwhardeLorwas，I’dtellhim。”
　　“He’shere，he’severywhere，”saidTom。
　　“Lor，youan’tgwinetomakemebelievedatar！IknowdeLordan’there，”saidthewoman；“’tan’tnousetalking，though。I’sjestgwinetocampdown，andsleepwhileIken。”
　　Thewomenwentofftotheircabins，andTomsatalone，bythesmoulderingfire，thatflickeredupredlyinhisface。
　　Thesilver，fair-browedmoonroseinthepurplesky，andlookeddown，calmandsilent，asGodlooksonthesceneofmiseryandoppression，—lookedcalmlyontheloneblackman，ashesat，withhisarmsfolded，andhisBibleonhisknee。
　　“IsGodHere？”Ah，howisitpossiblefortheuntaughthearttokeepitsfaith，unswerving，inthefaceofdiremisrule，andpalpable，unrebukedinjustice？Inthatsimpleheartwagedafierceconflict；thecrushingsenseofwrong，theforeshadowing，ofawholelifeoffuturemisery，thewreckofallpasthopes，mournfullytossinginthesoul’ssight，likedeadcorpsesofwife，andchild，andfriend，risingfromthedarkwave，andsurginginthefaceofthehalf-drownedmariner！Ah，wasiteasyheretobelieveandholdfastthegreatpasswordofChristianfaith，that“GodIS，andistheREWARDERofthemthatdiligentlyseekHim”？
　　Tomrose，disconsolate，andstumbledintothecabinthathadbeenallottedtohim。Thefloorwasalreadystrewnwithwearysleepers，andthefoulairoftheplacealmostrepelledhim；buttheheavynight-dewswerechill，andhislimbsweary，and，wrappingabouthimatatteredblanket，whichformedhisonlybed-clothing，hestretchedhimselfinthestrawandfellasleep。
　　Indreams，agentlevoicecameoverhisear；hewassittingonthemossyseatinthegardenbyLakePontchartrain，andEva，withherseriouseyesbentdownward，wasreadingtohimfromtheBible；andheheardherread。
　　“Whenthoupassestthroughthewaters，Iwillbewiththee，andtheriverstheyshallnotoverflowthee；whenthouwalkestthroughthefire，thoushaltnotbeburned，neithershalltheflamekindleuponthee；forIamtheLordthyGod，theHolyOneofIsrael，thySaviour。”
　　Graduallythewordsseemedtomeltandfade，asinadivinemusic；thechildraisedherdeepeyes，andfixedthemlovinglyonhim，andraysofwarmthandcomfortseemedtogofromthemtohisheart；and，asifwaftedonthemusic，sheseemedtoriseonshiningwings，fromwhichflakesandspanglesofgoldfellofflikestars，andshewasgone。
　　Tomwoke。Wasitadream？Letitpassforone。Butwhoshallsaythatthatsweetyoungspirit，whichinlifesoyearnedtocomfortandconsolethedistressed，wasforbiddenofGodtoassumethisministryafterdeath？
　　Itisabeautifulbelief，
　　Thateverroundourhead
　　Arehovering，onangelwings，
　　Thespiritsofthedead。
　　1Ps。74:20。
　　2“Jerusalem，myhappyhome，”anonymoushymndatingfromthelatterpartofthesixteenthcentury，sungtothetuneof“St。Stephen。”WordsderivefromSt。Augustine’sMeditations。