第4章

OurgoodsenatorinhisnativestatehadnotbeenexceededbyanyofhisbrethrenatWashington，inthesortofeloquencewhichhaswonforthemimmortalrenown！Howsublimelyhehadsatwithhishandsinhispockets，andscoutedallsentimentalweaknessofthosewhowouldputthewelfareofafewmiserablefugitivesbeforegreatstateinterests！

Hewasasboldasalionaboutit，and“mightilyconvinced”notonlyhimself，buteverybodythatheardhim；—butthenhisideaofafugitivewasonlyanideaofthelettersthatspelltheword，—oratthemost，theimageofalittlenewspaperpictureofamanwithastickandbundlewith“Ranawayfromthesubscriber”underit。Themagicoftherealpresenceofdistress，—theimploringhumaneye，thefrail，tremblinghumanhand，thedespairingappealofhelplessagony，—thesehehadnevertried。Hehadneverthoughtthatafugitivemightbeahaplessmother，adefencelesschild，—likethatonewhichwasnowwearinghislostboy’slittlewell-knowncap；andso，asourpoorsenatorwasnotstoneorsteel，—ashewasaman，andadownrightnoble-heartedone，too，—hewas，aseverybodymustsee，inasadcaseforhispatriotism。Andyouneednotexultoverhim，goodbrotheroftheSouthernStates；forwehavesomeinklingsthatmanyofyou，undersimilarcircumstances，wouldnotdomuchbetter。Wehavereasontoknow，inKentucky，asinMississippi，arenobleandgeneroushearts，towhomneverwastaleofsufferingtoldinvain。Ah，goodbrother！isitfairforyoutoexpectofusserviceswhichyourownbrave，honorableheartwouldnotallowyoutorender，wereyouinourplace？

Bethatasitmay，ifourgoodsenatorwasapoliticalsinner，hewasinafairwaytoexpiateitbyhisnight’spenance。Therehadbeenalongcontinuousperiodofrainyweather，andthesoft，richearthofOhio，aseveryoneknows，isadmirablysuitedtothemanufactureofmud—andtheroadwasanOhiorailroadofthegoodoldtimes。

“Andpray，whatsortofaroadmaythatbe？”sayssomeeasterntraveller，whohasbeenaccustomedtoconnectnoideaswitharailroad，butthoseofsmoothnessorspeed。

Know，then，innocenteasternfriend，thatinbenightedregionsofthewest，wherethemudisofunfathomableandsublimedepth，roadsaremadeofroundroughlogs，arrangedtransverselysidebyside，andcoatedoverintheirpristinefreshnesswithearth，turf，andwhatsoevermaycometohand，andthentherejoicingnativecallethitaroad，andstraightwayessayethtoridethereupon。Inprocessoftime，therainswashoffalltheturfandgrassaforesaid，movethelogshitherandthither，inpicturesquepositions，up，downandcrosswise，withdiverschasmsandrutsofblackmudintervening。

Oversucharoadasthisoursenatorwentstumblingalong，makingmoralreflectionsascontinuouslyasunderthecircumstancescouldbeexpected，—thecarriageproceedingalongmuchasfollows，—bump！bump！bump！slush！downinthemud！—thesenator，womanandchild，reversingtheirpositionssosuddenlyastocome，withoutanyveryaccurateadjustment，againstthewindowsofthedown-hillside。Carriagesticksfast，whileCudjoeontheoutsideisheardmakingagreatmusteramongthehorses。Aftervariousineffectualpullingsandtwitchings，justasthesenatorislosingallpatience，thecarriagesuddenlyrightsitselfwithabounce，—twofrontwheelsgodownintoanotherabyss，andsenator，woman，andchild，alltumblepromiscuouslyontothefrontseat，—senator’shatisjammedoverhiseyesandnosequiteunceremoniously，andheconsidershimselffairlyextinguished；—childcries，andCudjoeontheoutsidedeliversanimatedaddressestothehorses，whoarekicking，andfloundering，andstrainingunderrepeatedcracksofthewhip。Carriagespringsup，withanotherbounce，—downgothehindwheels，—senator，woman，andchild，flyoverontothebackseat，hiselbowsencounteringherbonnet，andbothherfeetbeingjammedintohishat，whichfliesoffintheconcussion。Afterafewmomentsthe“slough”ispassed，andthehorsesstop，panting；—thesenatorfindshishat，thewomanstraightensherbonnetandhushesherchild，andtheybracethemselvesforwhatisyettocome。

Forawhileonlythecontinuousbump！bump！intermingled，justbywayofvariety，withdiverssideplungesandcompoundshakes；andtheybegintoflatterthemselvesthattheyarenotsobadlyoff，afterall。Atlast，withasquareplunge，whichputsallontotheirfeetandthendownintotheirseatswithincrediblequickness，thecarriagestops，—and，aftermuchoutsidecommotion，Cudjoeappearsatthedoor。

“Please，sir，it’spowerfulbadspot，this’yer。Idon’tknowhowwe’stogetclarout。I’mathinkin’we’llhavetobeagettin’rails。”

Thesenatordespairinglystepsout，pickinggingerlyforsomefirmfoothold；downgoesonefootanimmeasurabledepth，—hetriestopullitup，loseshisbalance，andtumblesoverintothemud，andisfishedout，inaverydespairingcondition，byCudjoe。

Butweforbear，outofsympathytoourreaders’bones。Westerntravellers，whohavebeguiledthemidnighthourintheinterestingprocessofpullingdownrailfences，toprytheircarriagesoutofmudholes，willhavearespectfulandmournfulsympathywithourunfortunatehero。Webegthemtodropasilenttear，andpasson。

Itwasfulllateinthenightwhenthecarriageemerged，drippingandbespattered，outofthecreek，andstoodatthedoorofalargefarmhouse。

Ittooknoinconsiderableperseverancetoarousetheinmates；butatlasttherespectableproprietorappeared，andundidthedoor。Hewasagreat，tall，bristlingOrsonofafellow，fullsixfeetandsomeinchesinhisstockings，andarrayedinaredflannelhunting-shirt。Averyheavymatofsandyhair，inadecidedlytousledcondition，andabeardofsomedays’growth，gavetheworthymananappearance，tosaytheleast，notparticularlyprepossessing。Hestoodforafewminutesholdingthecandlealoft，andblinkingonourtravellerswithadismalandmystifiedexpressionthatwastrulyludicrous。Itcostsomeeffortofoursenatortoinducehimtocomprehendthecasefully；andwhileheisdoinghisbestatthat，weshallgivehimalittleintroductiontoourreaders。

HonestoldJohnVanTrompewasoncequiteaconsiderableland-ownerandslave-ownerintheStateofKentucky。Having“nothingofthebearabouthimbuttheskin，”andbeinggiftedbynaturewithagreat，honest，justheart，quiteequaltohisgiganticframe，hehadbeenforsomeyearswitnessingwithrepresseduneasinesstheworkingsofasystemequallybadforoppressorandoppressed。Atlast，oneday，John’sgreathearthadswelledaltogethertoobigtowearhisbondsanylonger；sohejusttookhispocket-bookoutofhisdesk，andwentoverintoOhio，andboughtaquarterofatownshipofgood，richland，madeoutfreepapersforallhispeople，—men，women，andchildren，—packedthemupinwagons，andsentthemofftosettledown；andthenhonestJohnturnedhisfaceupthecreek，andsatquietlydownonasnug，retiredfarm，toenjoyhisconscienceandhisreflections。

“Areyouthemanthatwillshelterapoorwomanandchildfromslave-catchers？”saidthesenator，explicitly。

“IratherthinkIam，”saidhonestJohn，withsomeconsiderableemphasis。

“Ithoughtso，”’saidthesenator。

“Ifthere’sanybodycomes，”saidthegoodman，stretchinghistall，muscularformupward，“whyhereI’mreadyforhim:andI’vegotsevensons，eachsixfoothigh，andthey’llbereadyfor’em。Giveourrespectsto’em，”saidJohn；“tell’emit’snomatterhowsoontheycall，—makenokinderdifferencetous，”saidJohn，runninghisfingersthroughtheshockofhairthatthatchedhishead，andburstingoutintoagreatlaugh。

Weary，jaded，andspiritless，Elizadraggedherselfuptothedoor，withherchildlyinginaheavysleeponherarm。Theroughmanheldthecandletoherface，andutteringakindofcompassionategrunt，openedthedoorofasmallbed-roomadjoiningtothelargekitchenwheretheywerestanding，andmotionedhertogoin。Hetookdownacandle，andlightingit，setituponthetable，andthenaddressedhimselftoEliza。

“Now，Isay，gal，youneedn’tbeabitafeard，letwhowillcomehere。I’muptoallthatsorto’thing，”saidhe，pointingtotwoorthreegoodlyriflesoverthemantel-piece；“andmostpeoplethatknowmeknowthat’twouldn’tbehealthytotrytogetanybodyouto’myhousewhenI’maginit。Sonowyoujistgotosleepnow，asquietasifyermotherwasarockin’ye，”saidhe，asheshutthedoor。

“Why，thisisanuncommonhandsomeun，”hesaidtothesenator。“Ah，well；handsomeunshasthegreatestcausetorun，sometimes，iftheyhasanykindo’feelin，suchasdecentwomenshould。Iknowallaboutthat。”

Thesenator，inafewwords，brieflyexplainedEliza’shistory。

“O！ou！aw！now，Iwanttoknow？”saidthegoodman，pitifully；“sho！nowsho！That’snaturnow，poorcrittur！hunteddownnowlikeadeer，—hunteddown，jestforhavin’naturalfeelin’s，anddoin’whatnokindo’mothercouldhelpadoin’！Itellyewhat，theseyerthingsmakemecomethenighesttoswearin’，now，o’mostanything，”saidhonestJohn，ashewipedhiseyeswiththebackofagreat，freckled，yellowhand。“Itellyerwhat，stranger，itwasyearsandyearsbeforeI’djinethechurch，’causetheministersroundinourpartsusedtopreachthattheBiblewentinfortheseerecuttingsup，—andIcouldn’tbeupto’emwiththeirGreekandHebrew，andsoItookupagin’em，Bibleandall。IneverjinedthechurchtillIfoundaministerthatwasupto’emallinGreekandallthat，andhesaidrightthecontrary；andthenItookrighthold，andjinedthechurch，—Ididnow，fact，”saidJohn，whohadbeenallthistimeuncorkingsomeveryfriskybottledcider，whichatthisjuncturehepresented。

“Ye’dbetterjestputuphere，now，tilldaylight，”saidhe，heartily，“andI’llcalluptheoldwoman，andhaveabedgotreadyforyouinnotime。”

“Thankyou，mygoodfriend，”saidthesenator，“Imustbealong，totakethenightstageforColumbus。”

“Ah！well，then，ifyoumust，I’llgoapiecewithyou，andshowyouacrossroadthatwilltakeyoutherebetterthantheroadyoucameon。Thatroad’smightybad。”

Johnequippedhimself，and，withalanterninhand，wassoonseenguidingthesenator’scarriagetowardsaroadthatrandowninahollow，backofhisdwelling。Whentheyparted，thesenatorputintohishandaten-dollarbill。

“It’sforher，”hesaid，briefly。

“Ay，ay，”saidJohn，withequalconciseness。

Theyshookhands，andparted。

ThePropertyIsCarriedOff

TheFebruarymorninglookedgrayanddrizzlingthroughthewindowofUncleTom’scabin。Itlookedondowncastfaces，theimagesofmournfulhearts。Thelittletablestoodoutbeforethefire，coveredwithanironing-cloth；acoarsebutcleanshirtortwo，freshfromtheiron，hungonthebackofachairbythefire，andAuntChloehadanotherspreadoutbeforeheronthetable。Carefullysherubbedandironedeveryfoldandeveryhem，withthemostscrupulousexactness，everynowandthenraisingherhandtoherfacetowipeoffthetearsthatwerecoursingdownhercheeks。

Tomsatby，withhisTestamentopenonhisknee，andhisheadleaninguponhishand；—butneitherspoke。Itwasyetearly，andthechildrenlayallasleeptogetherintheirlittlerudetrundle-bed。

Tom，whohad，tothefull，thegentle，domesticheart，whichwoeforthem！hasbeenapeculiarcharacteristicofhisunhappyrace，gotupandwalkedsilentlytolookathischildren。

“It’sthelasttime，”hesaid。

AuntChloedidnotanswer，onlyrubbedawayoverandoveronthecoarseshirt，alreadyassmoothashandscouldmakeit；andfinallysettingherironsuddenlydownwithadespairingplunge，shesatdowntothetable，and“lifteduphervoiceandwept。”

“S’posewemustberesigned；butohLord！howkenI？IfIknow’danythingwharyou’sgoin’，orhowthey’dsarveyou！Mississaysshe’lltryand’deemye，inayearortwo；butLor！nobodynevercomesupthatgoesdownthar！Theykills’em！I’vehearn’emtellhowdeyworks’emupondemarplantations。”

“There’llbethesameGodthere，Chloe，thatthereishere。”

“Well，”saidAuntChloe，“s’posederewill；butdeLordletsdreffulthingshappen，sometimes。Idon’tseemtogetnocomfortdatway。”

“I’mintheLord’shands，”saidTom；“nothin’cangonofurderthanheletsit；—andthar’sonethingIcanthankhimfor。It’smethat’ssoldandgoingdown，andnotyounurthechil’en。Hereyou’resafe；—whatcomeswillcomeonlyonme；andtheLord，he’llhelpme，—Iknowhewill。”

Ah，brave，manlyheart，—smotheringthineownsorrow，tocomfortthybelovedones！Tomspokewithathickutterance，andwithabitterchokinginhisthroat，—buthespokebraveandstrong。

“Let’sthinkonourmarcies！”headded，tremulously，asifhewasquitesureheneededtothinkonthemveryhardindeed。

“Marcies！”saidAuntChloe；“don’tseenomarcyin’t！’tan’tright！tan’trightitshouldbeso！Mas’rneveroughtterleftitsothatyecouldbetookforhisdebts。Ye’vearnthimallhegetsforye，twiceover。Heowedyeyerfreedom，andoughttergin’ttoyeryearsago。Mebbehecan’thelphimselfnow，butIfeelit’swrong。Nothingcan’tbeatthatarouto’me。Sichafaithfulcritturasye’vebeen，—andallerssothisbusiness’foreyerowneveryway，—andreckonedonhimmorethanyerownwifeandchil’en！Themassellsheart’sloveandheart’sblood，togetouttharscrapes，deLord’llbeupto’em！”

“Chloe！now，ifyeloveme，yewon’ttalkso，whenperhapsjestthelasttimewe’lleverhavetogether！AndI’lltellye，Chloe，itgoesaginmetohearonewordaginMas’r。Wan’theputinmyarmsababy？—it’snaturIshouldthinkaheapofhim。Andhecouldn’tbespectedtothinksomuchofpoorTom。Mas’rsisusedtohavin’alltheseyerthingsdonefor’em，andnat’llytheydon’tthinksomuchon’t。Theycan’tbespectedto，noway。Sethim’longsideofotherMas’rs—who’shadthetreatmentandlivin’I’vehad？Andheneverwouldhaveletthisyercomeonme，ifhecouldhaveseeditaforehand。Iknowhewouldn’t。”

“Wal，anyway，thar’swrongaboutitsomewhar，”saidAuntChloe，inwhomastubbornsenseofjusticewasapredominanttrait；“Ican’tjestmakeoutwhar’tis，butthar’swrongsomewhar，I’mclaro’that。”

“YeroughtterlookuptotheLordabove—he’saboveall—thardon’tasparrowfallwithouthim。”

“Itdon’tseemtocomfortme，butIspectitorter，”saidAuntChloe。“Butdar’snousetalkin’；I’lljeswetupdecorn-cake，andgetyeonegoodbreakfast，’causenobodyknowswhenyou’llgetanother。”

Inordertoappreciatethesufferingsofthenegroessoldsouth，itmustberememberedthatalltheinstinctiveaffectionsofthatracearepeculiarlystrong。Theirlocalattachmentsareveryabiding。Theyarenotnaturallydaringandenterprising，buthome-lovingandaffectionate。Addtothisalltheterrorswithwhichignoranceinveststheunknown，andaddtothis，again，thatsellingtothesouthissetbeforethenegrofromchildhoodasthelastseverityofpunishment。Thethreatthatterrifiesmorethanwhippingortortureofanykindisthethreatofbeingsentdownriver。Wehaveourselvesheardthisfeelingexpressedbythem，andseentheunaffectedhorrorwithwhichtheywillsitintheirgossippinghours，andtellfrightfulstoriesofthat“downriver，”whichtothemis

“Thatundiscoveredcountry，fromwhosebourn

Notravellerreturns。”1

AmissionaryfigureamongthefugitivesinCanadatoldusthatmanyofthefugitivesconfessedthemselvestohaveescapedfromcomparativelykindmasters，andthattheywereinducedtobravetheperilsofescape，inalmosteverycase，bythedesperatehorrorwithwhichtheyregardedbeingsoldsouth，—adoomwhichwashangingeitheroverthemselvesortheirhusbands，theirwivesorchildren。ThisnervestheAfrican，naturallypatient，timidandunenterprising，withheroiccourage，andleadshimtosufferhunger，cold，pain，theperilsofthewilderness，andthemoredreadpenaltiesofrecapture。

Thesimplemorningmealnowsmokedonthetable，forMrs。ShelbyhadexcusedAuntChloe’sattendanceatthegreathousethatmorning。Thepoorsoulhadexpendedallherlittleenergiesonthisfarewellfeast，—hadkilledanddressedherchoicestchicken，andpreparedhercorn-cakewithscrupulousexactness，justtoherhusband’staste，andbroughtoutcertainmysteriousjarsonthemantel-piece，somepreservesthatwereneverproducedexceptonextremeoccasions。

“Lor，Pete，”saidMose，triumphantly，“han’twegotabusterofabreakfast！”atthesametimecatchingatafragmentofthechicken。

AuntChloegavehimasuddenboxontheear。“Tharnow！crowingoverthelastbreakfastyerpoordaddy’sgwinetohavetohome！”

“O，Chloe！”saidTom，gently。

“Wal，Ican’thelpit，”saidAuntChloe，hidingherfaceinherapron；“I’ssotossedaboutit，itmakesmeactugly。”

Theboysstoodquitestill，lookingfirstattheirfatherandthenattheirmother，whilethebaby，climbingupherclothes，begananimperious，commandingcry。

“Thar！”saidAuntChloe，wipinghereyesandtakingupthebaby；“nowI’sdone，Ihope，—nowdoeatsomething。Thisyer’smynicestchicken。Thar，boys，yeshallhavesome，poorcritturs！Yermammy’sbeencrosstoyer。”

Theboysneedednosecondinvitation，andwentinwithgreatzealfortheeatables；anditwaswelltheydidso，asotherwisetherewouldhavebeenverylittleperformedtoanypurposebytheparty。

“Now，”saidAuntChloe，bustlingaboutafterbreakfast，“Imustputupyerclothes。Jestlikeasnot，he’lltake’emallaway。Iknowtharways—meanasdirt，theyis！Wal，now，yerflannelsforrhumatisisinthiscorner；sobecareful，’causetherewon’tnobodymakeyenomore。Thenhere’syeroldshirts，andtheseyerisnewones。Itoedofftheseyerstockingslastnight，andputdeballin’emtomendwith。ButLor！who’llevermendforye？”andAuntChloe，againovercome，laidherheadontheboxside，andsobbed。“Tothinkon’t！nocritturtodoforye，sickorwell！Idon’traillythinkIoughtterbegoodnow！”

Theboys，havingeateneverythingtherewasonthebreakfast-table，begannowtotakesomethoughtofthecase；and，seeingtheirmothercrying，andtheirfatherlookingverysad，begantowhimperandputtheirhandstotheireyes。UncleTomhadthebabyonhisknee，andwaslettingherenjoyherselftotheutmostextent，scratchinghisfaceandpullinghishair，andoccasionallybreakingoutintoclamorousexplosionsofdelight，evidentlyarisingoutofherowninternalreflections。

“Ay，crowaway，poorcrittur！”saidAuntChloe；ye’llhavetocometoit，too！ye’lllivetoseeyerhusbandsold，ormebbebesoldyerself；andtheseyerboys，they’stobesold，Is’pose，too，jestlikeasnot，whendeygetsgoodforsomethin’；an’tnouseinniggershavin’nothin’！”

Hereoneoftheboyscalledout，“Thar’sMissisa-comin’in！”

“Shecan’tdonogood；what’sshecomingfor？”saidAuntChloe。

Mrs。Shelbyentered。AuntChloesetachairforherinamannerdecidedlygruffandcrusty。Shedidnotseemtonoticeeithertheactionorthemanner。Shelookedpaleandanxious。

“Tom，”shesaid，“Icometo—”andstoppingsuddenly，andregardingthesilentgroup，shesatdowninthechair，and，coveringherfacewithherhandkerchief，begantosob。

“Lor，now，Missis，don’t—don’t！”saidAuntChloe，burstingoutinherturn；andforafewmomentstheyallweptincompany。Andinthosetearstheyallshedtogether，thehighandthelowly，meltedawayalltheheart-burningsandangeroftheoppressed。O，yewhovisitthedistressed，doyeknowthateverythingyourmoneycanbuy，givenwithacold，avertedface，isnotworthonehonesttearshedinrealsympathy？

“Mygoodfellow，”saidMrs。Shelby，“Ican’tgiveyouanythingtodoyouanygood。IfIgiveyoumoney，itwillonlybetakenfromyou。ButItellyousolemnly，andbeforeGod，thatIwillkeeptraceofyou，andbringyoubackassoonasIcancommandthemoney；—and，tillthen，trustinGod！”

HeretheboyscalledoutthatMas’rHaleywascoming，andthenanunceremoniouskickpushedopenthedoor。Haleystoodthereinveryillhumor，havingriddenhardthenightbefore，andbeingnotatallpacifiedbyhisillsuccessinrecapturinghisprey。

“Come，”saidhe，“yenigger，ye’rready？Servant，ma’am！”saidhe，takingoffhishat，ashesawMrs。Shelby。

AuntChloeshutandcordedthebox，and，gettingup，lookedgrufflyonthetrader，hertearsseemingsuddenlyturnedtosparksoffire。

Tomroseupmeekly，tofollowhisnewmaster，andraiseduphisheavyboxonhisshoulder。Hiswifetookthebabyinherarmstogowithhimtothewagon，andthechildren，stillcrying，trailedonbehind。

Mrs。Shelby，walkinguptothetrader，detainedhimforafewmoments，talkingwithhiminanearnestmanner；andwhileshewasthustalking，thewholefamilypartyproceededtoawagon，thatstoodreadyharnessedatthedoor。Acrowdofalltheoldandyounghandsontheplacestoodgatheredaroundit，tobidfarewelltotheiroldassociate。Tomhadbeenlookedupto，bothasaheadservantandaChristianteacher，byalltheplace，andtherewasmuchhonestsympathyandgriefabouthim，particularlyamongthewomen。

“Why，Chloe，youbaritbetter’nwedo！”saidoneofthewomen，whohadbeenweepingfreely，noticingthegloomycalmnesswithwhichAuntChloestoodbythewagon。

“I’sdonemytears！”shesaid，lookinggrimlyatthetrader，whowascomingup。“Idoesnotfeeltocry’foredataroldlimb，nohow！”

“Getin！”saidHaleytoTom，ashestrodethroughthecrowdofservants，wholookedathimwithloweringbrows。

Tomgotin，andHaley，drawingoutfromunderthewagonseataheavypairofshackles，madethemfastaroundeachankle。

Asmotheredgroanofindignationranthroughthewholecircle，andMrs。Shelbyspokefromtheverandah，—“Mr。Haley，Iassureyouthatprecautionisentirelyunnecessary。”

“Don’know，ma’am；I’velostonefivehundreddollarsfromthisyerplace，andIcan’taffordtorunnomorerisks。”

“Whatelsecouldshespectonhim？”saidAuntChloe，indignantly，whilethetwoboys，whonowseemedtocomprehendatoncetheirfather’sdestiny，clungtohergown，sobbingandgroaningvehemently。

“I’msorry，”saidTom，“thatMas’rGeorgehappenedtobeaway。”

Georgehadgonetospendtwoorthreedayswithacompaniononaneighboringestate，andhavingdepartedearlyinthemorning，beforeTom’smisfortunehadbeenmadepublic，hadleftwithouthearingofit。

“GivemylovetoMas’rGeorge，”hesaid，earnestly。

Haleywhippedupthehorse，and，withasteady，mournfullook，fixedtothelastontheoldplace，Tomwaswhirledaway。

Mr。Shelbyatthistimewasnotathome。HehadsoldTomunderthespurofadrivingnecessity，togetoutofthepowerofamanwhomhedreaded，—andhisfirstfeeling，aftertheconsummationofthebargain，hadbeenthatofrelief。Buthiswife’sexpostulationsawokehishalf-slumberingregrets；andTom’smanlydisinterestednessincreasedtheunpleasantnessofhisfeelings。Itwasinvainthathesaidtohimselfthathehadarighttodoit，—thateverybodydidit，—andthatsomediditwithouteventheexcuseofnecessity；—hecouldnotsatisfyhisownfeelings；andthathemightnotwitnesstheunpleasantscenesoftheconsummation，hehadgoneonashortbusinesstourupthecountry，hopingthatallwouldbeoverbeforehereturned。

TomandHaleyrattledonalongthedustyroad，whirlingpasteveryoldfamiliarspot，untiltheboundsoftheestatewerefairlypassed，andtheyfoundthemselvesoutontheopenpike。Aftertheyhadriddenaboutamile，Haleysuddenlydrewupatthedoorofablacksmith’sshop，when，takingoutwithhimapairofhandcuffs，hesteppedintotheshop，tohavealittlealterationinthem。

“Theseyer’salittletoosmallforhisbuild，”saidHaley，showingthefetters，andpointingouttoTom。

“Lor！now，iftharan’tShelby’sTom。Hehan’tsoldhim，now？”saidthesmith。

“Yes，hehas，”saidHaley。

“Now，yedon’t！well，reely，”saidthesmith，“who’dathoughtit！Why，yeneedn’tgotofetterin’himupthisyerway。He’sthefaithfullest，bestcrittur—”

“Yes，yes，”saidHaley；“butyourgoodfellersarejustthecritturstowantterrunoff。Themstupidones，asdoesn’tcarewhartheygo，andshifless，drunkenones，asdon’tcarefornothin’，they’llstickby，andlikeasnotberatherpleasedtobetotedround；buttheseyerprimefellers，theyhatesitlikesin。Nowaybuttofetter’em；gotlegs，—they’lluse’em，—nomistake。”

“Well，”saidthesmith，feelingamonghistools，“themplantationsdownthar，stranger，an’tjesttheplaceaKentuckniggerwantstogoto；theydiesthartol’ablefast，don’tthey？”

“Wal，yes，tol’ablefast，therdyingis；whatwiththe’climatingandonethingandanother，theydiessoastokeepthemarketupprettybrisk，”saidHaley。

“Wal，now，afellercan’thelpthinkin’it’samightypitytohaveanice，quiet，likelyfeller，asgoodunasTomis，godowntobefairlygroundupononeofthemarsugarplantations。”

“Wal，he’sgotafa’rchance。Ipromisedtodowellbyhim。I’llgethiminhouse-servantinsomegoodoldfamily，andthen，ifhestandsthefeverand’climating，he’llhaveaberthgoodasanyniggeroughtteraskfor。”

“Heleaveshiswifeandchil’enuphere，s’pose？”

“Yes；buthe’llgetanotherthar。Lord，thar’swomenenougheverywhar，”saidHaley。

Tomwassittingverymournfullyontheoutsideoftheshopwhilethisconversationwasgoingon。Suddenlyheheardthequick，shortclickofahorse’shoofbehindhim；and，beforehecouldfairlyawakefromhissurprise，youngMasterGeorgesprangintothewagon，threwhisarmstumultuouslyroundhisneck，andwassobbingandscoldingwithenergy。

“Ideclare，it’srealmean！Idon’tcarewhattheysay，anyof’em！It’sanasty，meanshame！IfIwasaman，theyshouldn’tdoit，—theyshouldnot，so！”saidGeorge，withakindofsubduedhowl。

“O！Mas’rGeorge！thisdoesmegood！”saidTom。“Icouldn’tbartogooffwithoutseein’ye！Itdoesmerealgood，yecan’ttell！”HereTommadesomemovementofhisfeet，andGeorge’seyefellonthefetters。

“Whatashame！”heexclaimed，liftinghishands。“I’llknockthatoldfellowdown—Iwill！”

“Noyouwon’t，Mas’rGeorge；andyoumustnottalksoloud。Itwon’thelpmeany，toangerhim。”

“Well，Iwon’t，then，foryoursake；butonlytothinkofit—isn’titashame？Theyneversentforme，norsentmeanyword，and，ifithadn’tbeenforTomLincon，Ishouldn’thaveheardit。Itellyou，Iblew’emupwell，allof’em，athome！”

“Thatarwasn’tright，I’m’feard，Mas’rGeorge。”

“Can’thelpit！Isayit’sashame！Lookhere，UncleTom，”saidhe，turninghisbacktotheshop，andspeakinginamysterioustone，“I’vebroughtyoumydollar！”

“O！Icouldn’tthinko’takin’on’t，Mas’rGeorge，nowaysintheworld！”saidTom，quitemoved。

“Butyoushalltakeit！”saidGeorge；“lookhere—ItoldAuntChloeI’ddoit，andsheadvisedmejusttomakeaholeinit，andputastringthrough，soyoucouldhangitroundyourneck，andkeepitoutofsight；elsethismeanscampwouldtakeitaway。Itellye，Tom，Iwanttoblowhimup！itwoulddomegood！”

“No，don’tMas’rGeorge，foritwon’tdomeanygood。”

“Well，Iwon’t，foryoursake，”saidGeorge，busilytyinghisdollarroundTom’sneck；“butthere，now，buttonyourcoattightoverit，andkeepit，andremember，everytimeyouseeit，thatI’llcomedownafteryou，andbringyouback。AuntChloeandIhavebeentalkingaboutit。Itoldhernottofear；I’llseetoit，andI’llteasefather’slifeout，ifhedon’tdoit。”

“O！Mas’rGeorge，yemustn’ttalkso’boutyerfather！”

“Lor，UncleTom，Idon’tmeananythingbad。”

“Andnow，Mas’rGeorge，”saidTom，“yemustbeagoodboy；’memberhowmanyheartsissotonye。Al’ayskeepclosetoyermother。Don’tbegettin’intoanyofthemfoolishwaysboyshasofgettin’toobigtomindtheirmothers。Tellyewhat，Mas’rGeorge，theLordgivesgoodmanythingstwiceover；buthedon’tgiveyeamotherbutonce。Ye’llneverseesichanotherwoman，Mas’rGeorge，ifyelivetobeahundredyearsold。So，now，youholdontoher，andgrowup，andbeacomforttoher，thar’smyowngoodboy，—youwillnow，won’tye？”

“Yes，Iwill，UncleTom，”saidGeorgeseriously。

“Andbecarefulofyerspeaking，Mas’rGeorge。Youngboys，whentheycomestoyourage，iswilful，sometimes—itisnaturtheyshouldbe。Butrealgentlemen，suchasIhopesyou’llbe，neverletsfallonwordsthatisn’t’spectfultotharparents。Yean’t’fended，Mas’rGeorge？”

“No，indeed，UncleTom；youalwaysdidgivemegoodadvice。”

“I’solder，yeknow，”saidTom，strokingtheboy’sfine，curlyheadwithhislarge，stronghand，butspeakinginavoiceastenderasawoman’s，“andIseesallthat’sboundupinyou。O，Mas’rGeorge，youhaseverything，—l’arnin’，privileges，readin’，writin’，—andyou’llgrowuptobeagreat，learned，goodmanandallthepeopleontheplaceandyourmotherandfather’llbesoproudonye！BeagoodMas’r，likeyerfather；andbeaChristian，likeyermother。’MemberyerCreatorinthedayso’yeryouth，Mas’rGeorge。”

“I’llberealgood，UncleTom，Itellyou，”saidGeorge。“I’mgoingtobeafirst-rater；anddon’tyoubediscouraged。I’llhaveyoubacktotheplace，yet。AsItoldAuntChloethismorning，I’llbuildourhouseallover，andyoushallhavearoomforaparlorwithacarpetonit，whenI’maman。O，you’llhavegoodtimesyet！”

Haleynowcametothedoor，withthehandcuffsinhishands。

“Lookhere，now，Mister，”saidGeorge，withanairofgreatsuperiority，ashegotout，“IshallletfatherandmotherknowhowyoutreatUncleTom！”

“You’rewelcome，”saidthetrader。

“Ishouldthinkyou’dbeashamedtospendallyourlifebuyingmenandwomen，andchainingthem，likecattle！Ishouldthinkyou’dfeelmean！”saidGeorge。

“Solongasyourgrandfolkswantstobuymenandwomen，I’masgoodastheyis，”saidHaley；“’tan’tanymeanersellin’on’em，that’tisbuyin’！”

“I’llneverdoeither，whenI’maman，”saidGeorge；“I’mashamed，thisday，thatI’maKentuckian。Ialwayswasproudofitbefore；”andGeorgesatverystraightonhishorse，andlookedroundwithanair，asifheexpectedthestatewouldbeimpressedwithhisopinion。

“Well，good-by，UncleTom；keepastiffupperlip，”saidGeorge。

“Good-by，Mas’rGeorge，”saidTom，lookingfondlyandadmiringlyathim。“GodAlmightyblessyou！Ah！Kentuckyhan’tgotmanylikeyou！”hesaid，inthefulnessofhisheart，asthefrank，boyishfacewaslosttohisview。Awayhewent，andTomlooked，tilltheclatterofhishorse’sheelsdiedaway，thelastsoundorsightofhishome。Butoverhisheartthereseemedtobeawarmspot，wherethoseyounghandshadplacedthatpreciousdollar。Tomputuphishand，andhelditclosetohisheart。

“Now，Itellyewhat，Tom，”saidHaley，ashecameuptothewagon，andthrewinthehandcuffs，“Imeantostartfa’rwithye，asIgen’allydowithmyniggers；andI’lltellyenow，tobeginwith，youtreatmefa’r，andI’lltreatyoufa’r；Ian’tneverhardonmyniggers。Calculatestodothebestfor’emIcan。Now，yesee，you’dbetterjestsettledowncomfortable，andnotbetryin’notricks；becausenigger’stricksofallsortsI’mupto，andit’snouse。Ifniggersisquiet，anddon’ttrytogetoff，theyhasgoodtimeswithme；andiftheydon’t，why，it’stharfault，andnotmine。”

TomassuredHaleythathehadnopresentintentionsofrunningoff。Infact，theexhortationseemedratherasuperfluousonetoamanwithagreatpairofironfettersonhisfeet。ButMr。Haleyhadgotinthehabitofcommencinghisrelationswithhisstockwithlittleexhortationsofthisnature，calculated，ashedeemed，toinspirecheerfulnessandconfidence，andpreventthenecessityofanyunpleasantscenes。

Andhere，forthepresent，wetakeourleaveofTom，topursuethefortunesofothercharactersinourstory。

1AslightlyinaccuratequotationfromHamlet，ActIII，sceneI，lines369-370。

InWhichPropertyGetsintoanImproperStateofMind

Itwaslateinadrizzlyafternoonthatatraveleralightedatthedoorofasmallcountryhotel，inthevillageofN——，inKentucky。Inthebarroomhefoundassembledquiteamiscellaneouscompany，whomstressofweatherhaddriventoharbor，andtheplacepresentedtheusualsceneryofsuchreunions。Great，tall，raw-bonedKentuckians，attiredinhunting-shirts，andtrailingtheirloosejointsoveravastextentofterritory，withtheeasyloungepeculiartotherace，—riflesstackedawayinthecorner，shot-pouches，game-bags，hunting-dogs，andlittlenegroes，allrolledtogetherinthecorners，—werethecharacteristicfeaturesinthepicture。Ateachendofthefireplacesatalong-leggedgentleman，withhischairtippedback，hishatonhishead，andtheheelsofhismuddybootsreposingsublimelyonthemantel-piece，—aposition，wewillinformourreaders，decidedlyfavorabletotheturnofreflectionincidenttowesterntaverns，wheretravellersexhibitadecidedpreferenceforthisparticularmodeofelevatingtheirunderstandings。

Minehost，whostoodbehindthebar，likemostofhiscountrymen，wasgreatofstature，good-naturedandloose-jointed，withanenormousshockofhaironhishead，andagreattallhatonthetopofthat。

Infact，everybodyintheroomboreonhisheadthischaracteristicemblemofman’ssovereignty；whetheritwerefelthat，palm-leaf，greasybeaver，orfinenewchapeau，thereitreposedwithtruerepublicanindependence。Intruth，itappearedtobethecharacteristicmarkofeveryindividual。Someworethemtippedrakishlytooneside—thesewereyourmenofhumor，jolly，free-and-easydogs；somehadthemjammedindependentlydownovertheirnoses—thesewereyourhardcharacters，thoroughmen，who，whentheyworetheirhats，wantedtowearthem，andtowearthemjustastheyhadamindto；therewerethosewhohadthemsetfaroverback—wide-awakemen，whowantedaclearprospect；whilecarelessmen，whodidnotknow，orcare，howtheirhatssat，hadthemshakingaboutinalldirections。Thevarioushats，infact，werequiteaShakespeareanstudy。

Diversnegroes，inveryfree-and-easypantaloons，andwithnoredundancyintheshirtline，werescuttlingabout，hitherandthither，withoutbringingtopassanyveryparticularresults，exceptexpressingagenericwillingnesstoturnovereverythingincreationgenerallyforthebenefitofMas’randhisguests。Addtothispictureajolly，crackling，rollickingfire，goingrejoicinglyupagreatwidechimney，—theouterdoorandeverywindowbeingsetwideopen，andthecalicowindow-curtainfloppingandsnappinginagoodstiffbreezeofdamprawair，—andyouhaveanideaofthejollitiesofaKentuckytavern。

YourKentuckianofthepresentdayisagoodillustrationofthedoctrineoftransmittedinstinctsandpecularities。Hisfathersweremightyhunters，—menwholivedinthewoods，andsleptunderthefree，openheavens，withthestarstoholdtheircandles；andtheirdescendanttothisdayalwaysactsasifthehousewerehiscamp，—wearshishatatallhours，tumbleshimselfabout，andputshisheelsonthetopsofchairsormantelpieces，justashisfatherrolledonthegreensward，andputhisupontreesandlogs，—keepsallthewindowsanddoorsopen，winterandsummer，thathemaygetairenoughforhisgreatlungs，—callseverybody“stranger，”withnonchalantbonhommie，andisaltogetherthefrankest，easiest，mostjovialcreatureliving。

Intosuchanassemblyofthefreeandeasyourtravellerentered。Hewasashort，thick-setman，carefullydressed，witharound，good-naturedcountenance，andsomethingratherfussyandparticularinhisappearance。Hewasverycarefulofhisvaliseandumbrella，bringingtheminwithhisownhands，andresisting，pertinaciously，alloffersfromthevariousservantstorelievehimofthem。Helookedroundthebarroomwithratherananxiousair，and，retreatingwithhisvaluablestothewarmestcorner，disposedthemunderhischair，satdown，andlookedratherapprehensivelyupattheworthywhoseheelsillustratedtheendofthemantel-piece，whowasspittingfromrighttoleft，withacourageandenergyratheralarmingtogentlemenofweaknervesandparticularhabits。

“Isay，stranger，howareye？”saidtheaforesaidgentleman，firinganhonorarysaluteoftobacco-juiceinthedirectionofthenewarrival。

“Well，Ireckon，”wasthereplyoftheother，ashedodged，withsomealarm，thethreateninghonor。

“Anynews？”saidtherespondent，takingoutastripoftobaccoandalargehunting-knifefromhispocket。

“NotthatIknowof，”saidtheman。

“Chaw？”saidthefirstspeaker，handingtheoldgentlemanabitofhistobacco，withadecidedlybrotherlyair。

“No，thankye—itdon’tagreewithme，”saidthelittleman，edgingoff。

“Don’t，eh？”saidtheother，easily，andstowingawaythemorselinhisownmouth，inordertokeepupthesupplyoftobacco-juice，forthegeneralbenefitofsociety。

Theoldgentlemanuniformlygavealittlestartwheneverhislong-sidedbrotherfiredinhisdirection；andthisbeingobservedbyhiscompanion，heverygood-naturedlyturnedhisartillerytoanotherquarter，andproceededtostormoneofthefire-ironswithadegreeofmilitarytalentfullysufficienttotakeacity。

“What’sthat？”saidtheoldgentleman，observingsomeofthecompanyformedinagrouparoundalargehandbill。

“Niggeradvertised！”saidoneofthecompany，briefly。

Mr。Wilson，forthatwastheoldgentleman’sname，roseup，and，aftercarefullyadjustinghisvaliseandumbrella，proceededdeliberatelytotakeouthisspectaclesandfixthemonhisnose；and，thisoperationbeingperformed，readasfollows:

“Ranawayfromthesubscriber，mymulattoboy，George。SaidGeorgesixfeetinheight，averylightmulatto，browncurlyhair；isveryintelligent，speakshandsomely，canreadandwrite，willprobablytrytopassforawhiteman，isdeeplyscarredonhisbackandshoulders，hasbeenbrandedinhisrighthandwiththeletterH。

“Iwillgivefourhundreddollarsforhimalive，andthesamesumforsatisfactoryproofthathehasbeenkilled。”

Theoldgentlemanreadthisadvertisementfromendtoendinalowvoice，asifhewerestudyingit。

Thelong-leggedveteran，whohadbeenbesiegingthefire-iron，asbeforerelated，nowtookdownhiscumbrouslength，andrearingalofthistallform，walkeduptotheadvertisementandverydeliberatelyspitafulldischargeoftobacco-juiceonit。

“There’smyminduponthat！”saidhe，briefly，andsatdownagain。

“Why，now，stranger，what’sthatfor？”saidminehost。

“I’ddoitallthesametothewriterofthatarpaper，ifhewashere，”saidthelongman，coollyresuminghisoldemploymentofcuttingtobacco。“Anymanthatownsaboylikethat，andcan’tfindanybetterwayo’treatingonhim，deservestolosehim。SuchpapersastheseisashametoKentucky；that’smymindrightout，ifanybodywantstoknow！”

“Well，now，that’safact，”saidminehost，ashemadeanentryinhisbook。

“I’vegotagangofboys，sir，”saidthelongman，resuminghisattackonthefire-irons，“andIjesttells’em—‘Boys，’saysI，—‘runnow！dig！put！jestwhenyewantto！Inevershallcometolookafteryou！’That’sthewayIkeepmine。Let’emknowtheyarefreetorunanytime，anditjestbreaksuptheirwantingto。More’nall，I’vegotfreepapersfor’emallrecorded，incaseIgetskeeledupanyo’thesetimes，andtheyknowit；andItellye，stranger，therean’tafellowinourpartsgetsmoreoutofhisniggersthanIdo。Why，myboyshavebeentoCincinnati，withfivehundreddollars’worthofcolts，andbroughtmebackthemoney，allstraight，timeandagin。Itstandstoreasontheyshould。Treat’emlikedogs，andyou’llhavedogs’worksanddogs’actions。Treat’emlikemen，andyou’llhavemen’sworks。”Andthehonestdrover，inhiswarmth，endorsedthismoralsentimentbyfiringaperfectfeudejoiatthefireplace。

“Ithinkyou’realtogetherright，friend，”saidMr。Wilson；“andthisboydescribedhereisafinefellow—nomistakeaboutthat。Heworkedformesomehalf-dozenyearsinmybaggingfactory，andhewasmybesthand，sir。Heisaningeniousfellow，too:heinventedamachineforthecleaningofhemp—areallyvaluableaffair；it’sgoneintouseinseveralfactories。Hismasterholdsthepatentofit。”

“I’llwarrantye，”saidthedrover，“holdsitandmakesmoneyoutofit，andthenturnsroundandbrandstheboyinhisrighthand。IfIhadafairchance，I’dmarkhim，Ireckonsothathe’dcarryitonewhile。”

“Theseyerknowin’boysisallersaggravatin’andsarcy，”saidacoarse-lookingfellow，fromtheothersideoftheroom；“that’swhytheygetscutupandmarkedso。Iftheybehavedthemselves，theywouldn’t。”

“Thatistosay，theLordmade’emmen，andit’sahardsqueezegettin’emdownintobeasts，”saidthedrover，dryly。

“Brightniggersisn’tnokindof’vantagetotheirmasters，”continuedtheother，wellentrenched，inacoarse，unconsciousobtuseness，fromthecontemptofhisopponent；“what’stheuseo’talentsandthemthings，ifyoucan’tgettheuseon’emyourself？Why，alltheusetheymakeon’tistogetroundyou。I’vehadoneortwoofthesefellers，andIjestsold’emdownriver。IknewI’dgottolose’em，firstorlast，ifIdidn’t。”

“BettersendordersuptotheLord，tomakeyouaset，andleaveouttheirsoulsentirely，”saidthedrover。

Heretheconversationwasinterruptedbytheapproachofasmallone-horsebuggytotheinn。Ithadagenteelappearance，andawell-dressed，gentlemanlymansatontheseat，withacoloredservantdriving。

Thewholepartyexaminedthenewcomerwiththeinterestwithwhichasetofloafersinarainydayusuallyexamineeverynewcomer。Hewasverytall，withadark，Spanishcomplexion，fine，expressiveblackeyes，andclose-curlinghair，alsoofaglossyblackness。Hiswell-formedaquilinenose，straightthinlips，andtheadmirablecontourofhisfinely-formedlimbs，impressedthewholecompanyinstantlywiththeideaofsomethinguncommon。Hewalkedeasilyinamongthecompany，andwithanodindicatedtohiswaiterwheretoplacehistrunk，bowedtothecompany，and，withhishatinhishand，walkedupleisurelytothebar，andgaveinhisnameasHenryButter，Oaklands，ShelbyCounty。Turning，withanindifferentair，hesauntereduptotheadvertisement，andreaditover。

“Jim，”hesaidtohisman，“seemstomewemetaboysomethinglikethis，upatBeman’s，didn’twe？”

“Yes，Mas’r，saidJim，“onlyIan’tsureaboutthehand。”

“Well，Ididn’tlook，ofcourse，”saidthestrangerwithacarelessyawn。Thenwalkinguptothelandlord，hedesiredhimtofurnishhimwithaprivateapartment，ashehadsomewritingtodoimmediately。

Thelandlordwasallobsequious，andarelayofaboutsevennegroes，oldandyoung，maleandfemale，littleandbig，weresoonwhizzingabout，likeacoveyofpartridges，bustling，hurrying，treadingoneachother’stoes，andtumblingovereachother，intheirzealtogetMas’r’sroomready，whileheseatedhimselfeasilyonachairinthemiddleoftheroom，andenteredintoconversationwiththemanwhosatnexttohim。

Themanufacturer，Mr。Wilson，fromthetimeoftheentranceofthestranger，hadregardedhimwithanairofdisturbedanduneasycuriosity。Heseemedtohimselftohavemetandbeenacquaintedwithhimsomewhere，buthecouldnotrecollect。Everyfewmoments，whenthemanspoke，ormoved，orsmiled，hewouldstartandfixhiseyesonhim，andthensuddenlywithdrawthem，asthebright，darkeyesmethiswithsuchunconcernedcoolness。Atlast，asuddenrecollectionseemedtoflashuponhim，forhestaredatthestrangerwithsuchanairofblankamazementandalarm，thathewalkeduptohim。

“Mr。Wilson，Ithink，”saidhe，inatoneofrecognition，andextendinghishand。“Ibegyourpardon，Ididn’trecollectyoubefore。Iseeyourememberme，—Mr。Butler，ofOaklands，ShelbyCounty。”

“Ye—yes—yes，sir，”saidMr。Wilson，likeonespeakinginadream。

Justthenanegroboyentered，andannouncedthatMas’r’sroomwasready。

“Jim，seetothetrunks，”saidthegentleman，negligently；thenaddressinghimselftoMr。Wilson，headded—“Ishouldliketohaveafewmoments’conversationwithyouonbusiness，inmyroom，ifyouplease。”

Mr。Wilsonfollowedhim，asonewhowalksinhissleep；andtheyproceededtoalargeupperchamber，whereanew-madefirewascrackling，andvariousservantsflyingabout，puttingfinishingtouchestothearrangements。

Whenallwasdone，andtheservantsdeparted，theyoungmandeliberatelylockedthedoor，andputtingthekeyinhispocket，facedabout，andfoldinghisarmsonhisbosom，lookedMr。Wilsonfullintheface。

“George！”saidMr。Wilson。

“Yes，George，”saidtheyoungman。

“Icouldn’thavethoughtit！”

“Iamprettywelldisguised，Ifancy，”saidtheyoungman，withasmile。“Alittlewalnutbarkhasmademyyellowskinagenteelbrown，andI’vedyedmyhairblack；soyouseeIdon’tanswertotheadvertisementatall。”

“O，George！butthisisadangerousgameyouareplaying。Icouldnothaveadvisedyoutoit。”

“Icandoitonmyownresponsibility，”saidGeorge，withthesameproudsmile。

Weremark，enpassant，thatGeorgewas，byhisfather’sside，ofwhitedescent。Hismotherwasoneofthoseunfortunatesofherrace，markedoutbypersonalbeautytobetheslaveofthepassionsofherpossessor，andthemotherofchildrenwhomayneverknowafather。FromoneoftheproudestfamiliesinKentuckyhehadinheritedasetoffineEuropeanfeatures，andahigh，indomitablespirit。Fromhismotherhehadreceivedonlyaslightmulattotinge，amplycompensatedbyitsaccompanyingrich，darkeye。AslightchangeinthetintoftheskinandthecolorofhishairhadmetamorphosedhimintotheSpanish-lookingfellowhethenappeared；andasgracefulnessofmovementandgentlemanlymannershadalwaysbeenperfectlynaturaltohim，hefoundnodifficultyinplayingtheboldparthehadadopted—thatofagentlemantravellingwithhisdomestic。

Mr。Wilson，agood-naturedbutextremelyfidgetyandcautiousoldgentleman，ambledupanddowntheroom，appearing，asJohnBunyanhathit，“muchtumbledupanddowninhismind，”anddividedbetweenhiswishtohelpGeorge，andacertainconfusednotionofmaintaininglawandorder:so，asheshambledabout，hedeliveredhimselfasfollows:

“Well，George，Is’poseyou’rerunningaway—leavingyourlawfulmaster，George—(Idon’twonderatit)—atthesametime，I’msorry，George，—yes，decidedly—IthinkImustsaythat，George—it’smydutytotellyouso。”

“Whyareyousorry，sir？”saidGeorge，calmly。

“Why，toseeyou，asitwere，settingyourselfinoppositiontothelawsofyourcountry。”

“Mycountry！”saidGeorge，withastrongandbitteremphasis；“whatcountryhaveI，butthegrave，—andIwishtoGodthatIwaslaidthere！”

“Why，George，no—no—itwon’tdo；thiswayoftalkingiswicked—unscriptural。George，you’vegotahardmaster—infact，heis—wellheconductshimselfreprehensibly—Ican’tpretendtodefendhim。ButyouknowhowtheangelcommandedHagartoreturntohermistress，andsubmitherselfunderthehand；1andtheapostlesentbackOnesimustohismaster。”2

“Don’tquoteBibleatmethatway，Mr。Wilson，”saidGeorge，withaflashingeye，“don’t！formywifeisaChristian，andImeantobe，ifeverIgettowhereIcan；buttoquoteBibletoafellowinmycircumstances，isenoughtomakehimgiveitupaltogether。IappealtoGodAlmighty；—I’mwillingtogowiththecasetoHim，andaskHimifIdowrongtoseekmyfreedom。”

“Thesefeelingsarequitenatural，George，”saidthegood-naturedman，blowinghisnose。“Yes，they’renatural，butitismydutynottoencourage’eminyou。Yes，myboy，I’msorryforyou，now；it’sabadcase—verybad；buttheapostlesays，‘Leteveryoneabideintheconditioninwhichheiscalled。’WemustallsubmittotheindicationsofProvidence，George，—don’tyousee？”

Georgestoodwithhisheaddrawnback，hisarmsfoldedtightlyoverhisbroadbreast，andabittersmilecurlinghislips。

“Iwonder，Mr。Wilson，iftheIndiansshouldcomeandtakeyouaprisonerawayfromyourwifeandchildren，andwanttokeepyouallyourlifehoeingcornforthem，ifyou’dthinkityourdutytoabideintheconditioninwhichyouwerecalled。Iratherthinkthatyou’dthinkthefirststrayhorseyoucouldfindanindicationofProvidence—shouldn’tyou？”

Thelittleoldgentlemanstaredwithbotheyesatthisillustrationofthecase；but，thoughnotmuchofareasoner，hehadthesenseinwhichsomelogiciansonthisparticularsubjectdonotexcel，—thatofsayingnothing，wherenothingcouldbesaid。So，ashestoodcarefullystrokinghisumbrella，andfoldingandpattingdownallthecreasesinit，heproceededonwithhisexhortationsinageneralway。

“Yousee，George，youknow，now，Ialwayshavestoodyourfriend；andwhateverI’vesaid，I’vesaidforyourgood。Now，here，itseemstome，you’rerunninganawfulrisk。Youcan’thopetocarryitout。Ifyou’retaken，itwillbeworsewithyouthanever；they’llonlyabuseyou，andhalfkillyou，andsellyoudowntheriver。”

“Mr。Wilson，Iknowallthis，”saidGeorge。“Idorunarisk，but—”hethrewopenhisovercoat，andshowedtwopistolsandabowie-knife。“There！”hesaid，“I’mreadyfor’em！DownsouthIneverwillgo。

No！ifitcomestothat，Icanearnmyselfatleastsixfeetoffreesoil，—thefirstandlastIshalleverowninKentucky！”

“Why，George，thisstateofmindisawful；it’sgettingreallydesperateGeorge。I’mconcerned。Goingtobreakthelawsofyourcountry！”

“Mycountryagain！Mr。Wilson，youhaveacountry；butwhatcountryhaveI，oranyonelikeme，bornofslavemothers？Whatlawsarethereforus？Wedon’tmakethem，—wedon’tconsenttothem，—wehavenothingtodowiththem；alltheydoforusistocrushus，andkeepusdown。Haven’tIheardyourFourth-of-Julyspeeches？Don’tyoutellusall，onceayear，thatgovernmentsderivetheirjustpowerfromtheconsentofthegoverned？Can’tafellowthink，thathearssuchthings？Can’theputthisandthattogether，andseewhatitcomesto？”

Mr。Wilson’smindwasoneofthosethatmaynotunaptlyberepresentedbyabaleofcotton，—downy，soft，benevolentlyfuzzyandconfused。HereallypitiedGeorgewithallhisheart，andhadasortofdimandcloudyperceptionofthestyleoffeelingthatagitatedhim；buthedeemedithisdutytogoontalkinggoodtohim，withinfinitepertinacity。

“George，thisisbad。Imusttellyou，youknow，asafriend，you’dbetternotbemeddlingwithsuchnotions；theyarebad，George，verybad，forboysinyourcondition，—very；”andMr。Wilsonsatdowntoatable，andbegannervouslychewingthehandleofhisumbrella。

“Seehere，now，Mr。Wilson，”saidGeorge，comingupandsittinghimselfdeterminatelydowninfrontofhim；“lookatme，now。Don’tIsitbeforeyou，everyway，justasmuchamanasyouare？Lookatmyface，—lookatmyhands，—lookatmybody，”andtheyoungmandrewhimselfupproudly；“whyamInotaman，asmuchasanybody？Well，Mr。Wilson，hearwhatIcantellyou。Ihadafather—oneofyourKentuckygentlemen—whodidn’tthinkenoughofmetokeepmefrombeingsoldwithhisdogsandhorses，tosatisfytheestate，whenhedied。Isawmymotherputupatsheriff’ssale，withhersevenchildren。Theyweresoldbeforehereyes，onebyone，alltodifferentmasters；andIwastheyoungest。ShecameandkneeleddownbeforeoldMas’r，andbeggedhimtobuyherwithme，thatshemighthaveatleastonechildwithher；andhekickedherawaywithhisheavyboot。Isawhimdoit；andthelastthatIheardwashermoansandscreams，whenIwastiedtohishorse’sneck，tobecarriedofftohisplace。”

“Well，then？”

“Mymastertradedwithoneofthemen，andboughtmyoldestsister。Shewasapious，goodgirl，—amemberoftheBaptistchurch，—andashandsomeasmypoormotherhadbeen。Shewaswellbroughtup，andhadgoodmanners。Atfirst，Iwasgladshewasbought，forIhadonefriendnearme。Iwassoonsorryforit。Sir，Ihavestoodatthedoorandheardherwhipped，whenitseemedasifeveryblowcutintomynakedheart，andIcouldn’tdoanythingtohelpher；andshewaswhipped，sir，forwantingtoliveadecentChristianlife，suchasyourlawsgivenoslavegirlarighttolive；andatlastIsawherchainedwithatrader’sgang，tobesenttomarketinOrleans，—senttherefornothingelsebutthat，—andthat’sthelastIknowofher。Well，Igrewup，—longyearsandyears，—nofather，nomother，nosister，notalivingsoulthatcaredformemorethanadog；nothingbutwhipping，scolding，starving。Why，sir，I’vebeensohungrythatIhavebeengladtotakethebonestheythrewtotheirdogs；andyet，whenIwasalittlefellow，andlaidawakewholenightsandcried，itwasn’tthehunger，itwasn’tthewhipping，Icriedfor。No，sir，itwasformymotherandmysisters，—itwasbecauseIhadn’tafriendtolovemeonearth。Ineverknewwhatpeaceorcomfortwas。IneverhadakindwordspokentometillIcametoworkinyourfactory。Mr。Wilson，youtreatedmewell；youencouragedmetodowell，andtolearntoreadandwrite，andtotrytomakesomethingofmyself；andGodknowshowgratefulIamforit。Then，sir，Ifoundmywife；you’veseenher，—youknowhowbeautifulsheis。WhenIfoundshelovedme，whenImarriedher，IscarcelycouldbelieveIwasalive，Iwassohappy；and，sir，sheisasgoodassheisbeautiful。Butnowwhat？Why，nowcomesmymaster，takesmerightawayfrommywork，andmyfriends，andallIlike，andgrindsmedownintotheverydirt！Andwhy？Because，hesays，IforgotwhoIwas；hesays，toteachmethatIamonlyanigger！Afterall，andlastofall，hecomesbetweenmeandmywife，andsaysIshallgiveherup，andlivewithanotherwoman。Andallthisyourlawsgivehimpowertodo，inspiteofGodorman。Mr。Wilson，lookatit！Thereisn’toneofallthesethings，thathavebrokentheheartsofmymotherandmysister，andmywifeandmyself，butyourlawsallow，andgiveeverymanpowertodo，inKentucky，andnonecansaytohimnay！Doyoucallthesethelawsofmycountry？Sir，Ihaven’tanycountry，anymorethanIhaveanyfather。ButI’mgoingtohaveone。Idon’twantanythingofyourcountry，excepttobeletalone，—togopeaceablyoutofit；andwhenIgettoCanada，wherethelawswillownmeandprotectme，thatshallbemycountry，anditslawsIwillobey。Butifanymantriestostopme，lethimtakecare，forIamdesperate。I’llfightformylibertytothelastbreathIbreathe。Yousayyourfathersdidit；ifitwasrightforthem，itisrightforme！”

Thisspeech，deliveredpartlywhilesittingatthetable，andpartlywalkingupanddowntheroom，—deliveredwithtears，andflashingeyes，anddespairinggestures，—wasaltogethertoomuchforthegood-naturedoldbodytowhomitwasaddressed，whohadpulledoutagreatyellowsilkpocket-handkerchief，andwasmoppinguphisfacewithgreatenergy。

“Blast’emall！”hesuddenlybrokeout。“Haven’tIalwayssaidso—theinfernaloldcusses！IhopeIan’tswearing，now。Well！goahead，George，goahead；butbecareful，myboy；don’tshootanybody，George，unless—well—you’dbetternotshoot，Ireckon；atleast，Iwouldn’thitanybody，youknow。Whereisyourwife，George？”headded，ashenervouslyrose，andbeganwalkingtheroom。

“Gone，sirgone，withherchildinherarms，theLordonlyknowswhere；—goneafterthenorthstar；andwhenweevermeet，orwhetherwemeetatallinthisworld，nocreaturecantell。”

“Isitpossible！astonishing！fromsuchakindfamily？”

“Kindfamiliesgetindebt，andthelawsofourcountryallowthemtosellthechildoutofitsmother’sbosomtopayitsmaster’sdebts，”saidGeorge，bitterly。

“Well，well，”saidthehonestoldman，fumblinginhispocket:“Is’pose，perhaps，Ian’tfollowingmyjudgment，—hangit，Iwon’tfollowmyjudgment！”headded，suddenly；“sohere，George，”and，takingoutarollofbillsfromhispocket-book，heofferedthemtoGeorge。

“No，mykind，goodsir！”saidGeorge，“you’vedoneagreatdealforme，andthismightgetyouintotrouble。Ihavemoneyenough，Ihope，totakemeasfarasIneedit。”

“No；butyoumust，George。Moneyisagreathelpeverywhere；—can’thavetoomuch，ifyougetithonestly。Takeit，—dotakeit，now，—do，myboy！”

“Oncondition，sir，thatImayrepayitatsomefuturetime，Iwill，”saidGeorge，takingupthemoney。

“Andnow，George，howlongareyougoingtotravelinthisway？—notlongorfar，Ihope。It’swellcarriedon，buttoobold。Andthisblackfellow，—whoishe？”

“Atruefellow，whowenttoCanadamorethanayearago。Heheard，afterhegotthere，thathismasterwassoangryathimforgoingoffthathehadwhippedhispooroldmother；andhehascomeallthewaybacktocomforther，andgetachancetogetheraway。”

“Hashegother？”

“Notyet；hehasbeenhangingabouttheplace，andfoundnochanceyet。Meanwhile，heisgoingwithmeasfarasOhio，toputmeamongfriendsthathelpedhim，andthenhewillcomebackafterher。

“Dangerous，verydangerous！”saidtheoldman。

Georgedrewhimselfup，andsmileddisdainfully。

Theoldgentlemaneyedhimfromheadtofoot，withasortofinnocentwonder。

“George，somethinghasbroughtyououtwonderfully。Youholdupyourhead，andspeakandmovelikeanotherman，”saidMr。Wilson。

“BecauseI’mafreeman！”saidGeorge，proudly。“Yes，sir；I’vesaidMas’rforthelasttimetoanyman。I’mfree！”

“Takecare！Youarenotsure，—youmaybetaken。”

“Allmenarefreeandequalinthegrave，ifitcomestothat，Mr。Wilson，”saidGeorge。

“I’mperfectlydumb-foundedwithyourboldness！”saidMr。Wilson，—“tocomerightheretothenearesttavern！”

“Mr。Wilson，itissobold，andthistavernissonear，thattheywillneverthinkofit；theywilllookformeonahead，andyouyourselfwouldn’tknowme。Jim’smasterdon’tliveinthiscounty；heisn’tknownintheseparts。Besides，heisgivenup；nobodyislookingafterhim，andnobodywilltakemeupfromtheadvertisement，Ithink。”

“Butthemarkinyourhand？”

Georgedrewoffhisglove，andshowedanewly-healedscarinhishand。

“ThatisapartingproofofMr。Harris’regard，”hesaid，scornfully。“Afortnightago，hetookitintohisheadtogiveittome，becausehesaidhebelievedIshouldtrytogetawayoneofthesedays。Looksinteresting，doesn’tit？”hesaid，drawinghisgloveonagain。

“Ideclare，myverybloodrunscoldwhenIthinkofit，—yourconditionandyourrisks！”saidMr。Wilson。

“Minehasruncoldagoodmanyyears，Mr。Wilson；atpresent，it’saboutuptotheboilingpoint，”saidGeorge。

“Well，mygoodsir，”continuedGeorge，afterafewmoments’silence，“Isawyouknewme；IthoughtI’djusthavethistalkwithyou，lestyoursurprisedlooksshouldbringmeout。Ileaveearlytomorrowmorning，beforedaylight；bytomorrownightIhopetosleepsafeinOhio。Ishalltravelbydaylight，stopatthebesthotels，gotothedinner-tableswiththelordsoftheland。So，good-by，sir；ifyouhearthatI’mtaken，youmayknowthatI’mdead！”

Georgestooduplikearock，andputouthishandwiththeairofaprince。Thefriendlylittleoldmanshookitheartily，andafteralittleshowerofcaution，hetookhisumbrella，andfumbledhiswayoutoftheroom。

Georgestoodthoughtfullylookingatthedoor，astheoldmanclosedit。Athoughtseemedtoflashacrosshismind。Hehastilysteppedtoit，andopeningit，said，

“Mr。Wilson，onewordmore。”

Theoldgentlemanenteredagain，andGeorge，asbefore，lockedthedoor，andthenstoodforafewmomentslookingonthefloor，irresolutely。Atlast，raisinghisheadwithasuddeneffort—“Mr。Wilson，youhaveshownyourselfaChristianinyourtreatmentofme，—IwanttoaskonelastdeedofChristiankindnessofyou。”

“Well，George。”

“Well，sir，—whatyousaidwastrue。Iamrunningadreadfulrisk。Thereisn’t，onearth，alivingsoultocareifIdie，”headded，drawinghisbreathhard，andspeakingwithagreateffort，—“Ishallbekickedoutandburiedlikeadog，andnobody’llthinkofitadayafter，—onlymypoorwife！Poorsoul！she’llmournandgrieve；andifyou’donlycontrive，Mr。Wilson，tosendthislittlepintoher。ShegaveittomeforaChristmaspresent，poorchild！Giveittoher，andtellherIlovedhertothelast。Willyou？Willyou？”headded，earnestly。

“Yes，certainly—poorfellow！”saidtheoldgentleman，takingthepin，withwateryeyes，andamelancholyquiverinhisvoice。

“Tellheronething，”saidGeorge；“it’smylastwish，ifshecangettoCanada，togothere。Nomatterhowkindhermistressis，—nomatterhowmuchshelovesherhome；beghernottogoback，—forslaveryalwaysendsinmisery。Tellhertobringupourboyafreeman，andthenhewon’tsufferasIhave。Tellherthis，Mr。Wilson，willyou？”

“Yes，George。I’lltellher；butItrustyouwon’tdie；takeheart，—you’reabravefellow。TrustintheLord，George。Iwishinmyheartyouweresafethrough，though，—that’swhatIdo。”

“IsthereaGodtotrustin？”saidGeorge，insuchatoneofbitterdespairasarrestedtheoldgentleman’swords。“O，I’veseenthingsallmylifethathavemademefeelthattherecan’tbeaGod。YouChristiansdon’tknowhowthesethingslooktous。There’saGodforyou，butisthereanyforus？”

“O，now，don’t—don’t，myboy！”saidtheoldman，almostsobbingashespoke；“don’tfeelso！Thereis—thereis；cloudsanddarknessarearoundabouthim，butrighteousnessandjudgmentarethehabitationofhisthrone。There’saGod，George，—believeit；trustinHim，andI’msureHe’llhelpyou。Everythingwillbesetright，—ifnotinthislife，inanother。”

Therealpietyandbenevolenceofthesimpleoldmaninvestedhimwithatemporarydignityandauthority，ashespoke。Georgestoppedhisdistractedwalkupanddowntheroom，stoodthoughtfullyamoment，andthensaid，quietly，

“Thankyouforsayingthat，mygoodfriend；I’llthinkofthat。”

1Gen。16。TheangelbadethepregnantHagarreturntohermistressSarai，eventhoughSaraihaddealtharshlywithher。

2Phil。1:10。Onesimuswentbacktohismastertobecomenolongeraservantbuta“brotherbeloved。”