第12章

Cassy

“Andbehold，thetearsofsuchaswereoppressed，andtheyhadnocomforter；andonthesideoftheiroppressorstherewaspower，buttheyhadnocomforter。”—Eccl。4:1

IttookbutashorttimetofamiliarizeTomwithallthatwastobehopedorfearedinhisnewwayoflife。Hewasanexpertandefficientworkmaninwhateverheundertook；andwas，bothfromhabitandprinciple，promptandfaithful。Quietandpeaceableinhisdisposition，hehoped，byunremittingdiligence，toavertfromhimselfatleastaportionoftheevilsofhiscondition。Hesawenoughofabuseandmiserytomakehimsickandweary；buthedeterminedtotoilon，withreligiouspatience，committinghimselftoHimthatjudgethrighteously，notwithouthopethatsomewayofescapemightyetbeopenedtohim。

LegreetookasilentnoteofTom’savailability。Heratedhimasafirst-classhand；andyethefeltasecretdisliketohim，—thenativeantipathyofbadtogood。Hesaw，plainly，thatwhen，aswasoftenthecase，hisviolenceandbrutalityfellonthehelpless，Tomtooknoticeofit；for，sosubtleistheatmosphereofopinion，thatitwillmakeitselffelt，withoutwords；andtheopinionevenofaslavemayannoyamaster。Tominvariouswaysmanifestedatendernessoffeeling，acommiserationforhisfellow-sufferers，strangeandnewtothem，whichwaswatchedwithajealouseyebyLegree。HehadpurchasedTomwithaviewofeventuallymakinghimasortofoverseer，withwhomhemight，attimes，intrusthisaffairs，inshortabsences；and，inhisview，thefirst，second，andthirdrequisiteforthatplace，washardness。Legreemadeuphismind，that，asTomwasnothardtohishand，hewouldhardenhimforthwith；andsomefewweeksafterTomhadbeenontheplace，hedeterminedtocommencetheprocess。

Onemorning，whenthehandsweremusteredforthefield，Tomnoticed，withsurprise，anewcomeramongthem，whoseappearanceexcitedhisattention。Itwasawoman，tallandslenderlyformed，withremarkablydelicatehandsandfeet，anddressedinneatandrespectablegarments。Bytheappearanceofherface，shemighthavebeenbetweenthirty-fiveandforty；anditwasafacethat，onceseen，couldneverbeforgotten，—oneofthosethat，ataglance，seemtoconveytousanideaofawild，painful，andromantichistory。Herforeheadwashigh，andhereyebrowsmarkedwithbeautifulclearness。Herstraight，well-formednose，herfinely-cutmouth，andthegracefulcontourofherheadandneck，showedthatshemustoncehavebeenbeautiful；butherfacewasdeeplywrinkledwithlinesofpain，andofproudandbitterendurance。Hercomplexionwassallowandunhealthy，hercheeksthin，herfeaturessharp，andherwholeformemaciated。Buthereyewasthemostremarkablefeature，—solarge，soheavilyblack，overshadowedbylonglashesofequaldarkness，andsowildly，mournfullydespairing。Therewasafierceprideanddefianceineverylineofherface，ineverycurveoftheflexiblelip，ineverymotionofherbody；butinhereyewasadeep，settlednightofanguish，—anexpressionsohopelessandunchangingastocontrastfearfullywiththescornandprideexpressedbyherwholedemeanor。

Whereshecamefrom，orwhoshewas，Tomdidnotknow。Thefirsthedidknow，shewaswalkingbyhisside，erectandproud，inthedimgrayofthedawn。Tothegang，however，shewasknown；fortherewasmuchlookingandturningofheads，andasmotheredyetapparentexultationamongthemiserable，ragged，half-starvedcreaturesbywhomshewassurrounded。

“Gottocometoit，atlast，—gradofit！”saidone。

“He！he！he！”saidanother；“you’llknowhowgooditis，Misse！”

“We’llseeherwork！”

“Wonderifshe’llgetacuttingup，atnight，liketherestofus！”

“I’dbegladtoseeherdownforaflogging，I’llbound！”saidanother。

Thewomantooknonoticeofthesetaunts，butwalkedon，withthesameexpressionofangryscorn，asifsheheardnothing。Tomhadalwayslivedamongrefined，andcultivatedpeople，andhefeltintuitively，fromherairandbearing，thatshebelongedtothatclass；buthoworwhyshecouldbefallentothosedegradingcircumstances，hecouldnottell。Thewomenneitherlookedathimnorspoketohim，though，allthewaytothefield，shekeptcloseathisside。

Tomwassoonbusyathiswork；but，asthewomanwasatnogreatdistancefromhim，heoftenglancedaneyetoher，atherwork。Hesaw，ataglance，thatanativeadroitnessandhandinessmadethetasktoheraneasieronethanitprovedtomany。Shepickedveryfastandveryclean，andwithanairofscorn，asifshedespisedboththeworkandthedisgraceandhumiliationofthecircumstancesinwhichshewasplaced。

Inthecourseoftheday，Tomwasworkingnearthemulattowomanwhohadbeenboughtinthesamelotwithhimself。Shewasevidentlyinaconditionofgreatsuffering，andTomoftenheardherpraying，asshewaveredandtrembled，andseemedabouttofalldown。Tomsilentlyashecameneartoher，transferredseveralhandfulsofcottonfromhisownsacktohers。

“O，don’t，don’t！”saidthewoman，lookingsurprised；“it’llgetyouintotrouble。”

JustthenSambocameup。Heseemedtohaveaspecialspiteagainstthiswoman；and，flourishinghiswhip，said，inbrutal，gutturaltones，“Whatdisyer，Luce，—foolin’a’”and，withtheword，kickingthewomanwithhisheavycowhideshoe，hestruckTomacrossthefacewithhiswhip。

Tomsilentlyresumedhistask；butthewoman，beforeatthelastpointofexhaustion，fainted。

“I’llbringherto！”saidthedriver，withabrutalgrin。“I’llgivehersomethingbetterthancamphire！”and，takingapinfromhiscoat-sleeve，heburiedittotheheadinherflesh。Thewomangroaned，andhalfrose。“Getup，youbeast，andwork，willyer，orI’llshowyeratrickmore！”

Thewomanseemedstimulated，forafewmoments，toanunnaturalstrength，andworkedwithdesperateeagerness。

“Seethatyoukeeptodatar，”saidtheman，“oryer’llwishyer’sdeadtonight，Ireckin！”

“ThatIdonow！”Tomheardhersay；andagainheheardhersay，“O，Lord，howlong！O，Lord，whydon’tyouhelpus？”

Attheriskofallthathemightsuffer，Tomcameforwardagain，andputallthecottoninhissackintothewoman’s。

“O，youmustn’t！youdonnowhatthey’lldotoye！”saidthewoman。

“Icanbarit！”saidTom，“better’nyou；”andhewasathisplaceagain。Itpassedinamoment。

Suddenly，thestrangerwomanwhomwehavedescribed，andwhohad，inthecourseofherwork，comenearenoughtohearTom’slastwords，raisedherheavyblackeyes，andfixedthem，forasecond，onhim；then，takingaquantityofcottonfromherbasket，sheplaceditinhis。

“Youknownothingaboutthisplace，”shesaid，“oryouwouldn’thavedonethat。Whenyou’vebeenhereamonth，you’llbedonehelpinganybody；you’llfindithardenoughtotakecareofyourownskin！”

“TheLordforbid，Missis！”saidTom，usinginstinctivelytohisfieldcompaniontherespectfulformpropertothehighbredwithwhomhehadlived。

“TheLordnevervisitstheseparts，”saidthewoman，bitterly，asshewentnimblyforwardwithherwork；andagainthescornfulsmilecurledherlips。

Buttheactionofthewomanhadbeenseenbythedriver，acrossthefield；and，flourishinghiswhip，hecameuptoher。

“What！what！”hesaidtothewoman，withanairoftriumph，“Youafoolin’？Goalong！yerundermenow，—mindyourself，oryer’llcotchit！”

Aglancelikesheet-lightningsuddenlyflashedfromthoseblackeyes；and，facingabout，withquiveringlipanddilatednostrils，shedrewherselfup，andfixedaglance，blazingwithrageandscorn，onthedriver。

“Dog！”shesaid，“touchme，ifyoudare！I’vepowerenough，yet，tohaveyoutornbythedogs，burntalive，cuttoinches！I’veonlytosaytheword！”

“Whatdedevilyouherefor，den？”saidtheman，evidentlycowed，andsullenlyretreatingasteportwo。“Didn’tmeannoharm，MisseCassy！”

“Keepyourdistance，then！”saidthewoman。And，intruth，themanseemedgreatlyinclinedtoattendtosomethingattheotherendofthefield，andstartedoffinquicktime。

Thewomansuddenlyturnedtoherwork，andlaboredwithadespatchthatwasperfectlyastonishingtoTom。Sheseemedtoworkbymagic。Beforethedaywasthrough，herbasketwasfilled，crowdeddown，andpiled，andshehadseveraltimesputlargelyintoTom’s。Longafterdusk，thewholewearytrain，withtheirbasketsontheirheads，defileduptothebuildingappropriatedtothestoringandweighingthecotton。Legreewasthere，busilyconversingwiththetwodrivers。

“DatarTom’sgwinetomakeapowerfuldealo’trouble；keptaputtin’intoLucy’sbasket。—Oneo’theseyerdatwillgetallderniggerstofeelin’bused，ifMasirdon’twatchhim！”saidSambo。

“Hey-dey！Theblackcuss！”saidLegree。“He’llhavetogetabreakin’in，won’the，boys？”

Bothnegroesgrinnedahorridgrin，atthisintimation。

“Ay，ay！LetMas’rLegreealone，forbreakin’in！Dedebilheselfcouldn’tbeatMas’ratdat！”saidQuimbo。

“Wal，boys，thebestwayistogivehimthefloggingtodo，tillhegetsoverhisnotions。Breakhimin！”

“Lord，Mas’r’llhavehardworktogetdatouto’him！”

“It’llhavetocomeoutofhim，though！”saidLegree，asherolledhistobaccoinhismouth。

“Now，dar’sLucy，—deaggravatinest，ugliestwenchondeplace！”pursuedSambo。

“Takecare，Sam；Ishallbegintothinkwhat’sthereasonforyourspiteaginLucy。”

“Well，Mas’rknowsshesotherselfupaginMas’r，andwouldn’thaveme，whenhetelledherto。”

“I’dafloggedherinto’t，”saidLegree，spitting，onlythere’ssuchapresso’work，itdon’tseemwuthawhiletoupsetherjistnow。She’sslender；buttheseyerslendergalswillbearhalfkillin’togettheirownway！”

“Wal，Lucywasrealaggravatin’andlazy，sulkin’round；wouldn’tdonothin，—andTomhetuckupforher。”

“Hedid，eh！Wal，then，Tomshallhavethepleasureoffloggingher。It’llbeagoodpracticeforhim，andhewon’tputitontothegallikeyoudevils，neither。”

“Ho，ho！haw！haw！haw！”laughedboththesootywretches；andthediabolicalsoundsseemed，intruth，anotunaptexpressionofthefiendishcharacterwhichLegreegavethem。

“Wal，but，Mas’r，TomandMisseCassy，anddeyamong’em，filledLucy’sbasket。Irutherguessderweight’sinit，Mas’r！”

“Idotheweighing！”saidLegree，emphatically。

Boththedriversagainlaughedtheirdiabolicallaugh。

“So！”headded，“MisseCassydidherday’swork。”

“Shepickslikededebilandallhisangels！”

“She’sgot’emallinher，Ibelieve！”saidLegree；and，growlingabrutaloath，heproceededtotheweighing-room。

Slowlytheweary，dispiritedcreatures，woundtheirwayintotheroom，and，withcrouchingreluctance，presentedtheirbasketstobeweighed。

Legreenotedonaslate，onthesideofwhichwaspastedalistofnames，theamount。

Tom’sbasketwasweighedandapproved；andhelooked，withananxiousglance，forthesuccessofthewomanhehadbefriended。

Totteringwithweakness，shecameforward，anddeliveredherbasket。Itwasoffullweight，asLegreewellperceived；but，affectinganger，hesaid，

“What，youlazybeast！shortagain！standaside，you’llcatchit，prettysoon！”

Thewomangaveagroanofutterdespair，andsatdownonaboard。

ThepersonwhohadbeencalledMisseCassynowcameforward，and，withahaughty，negligentair，deliveredherbasket。Asshedeliveredit，Legreelookedinhereyeswithasneeringyetinquiringglance。

Shefixedherblackeyessteadilyonhim，herlipsmovedslightly，andshesaidsomethinginFrench。Whatitwas，nooneknew；butLegree’sfacebecameperfectlydemoniacalinitsexpression，asshespoke；hehalfraisedhishand，asiftostrike，—agesturewhichsheregardedwithfiercedisdain，assheturnedandwalkedaway。

“Andnow，”saidLegree，“comehere，youTom。Yousee，ItelledyeIdidn’tbuyyejestforthecommonwork；Imeantopromoteye，andmakeadriverofye；andtonightyemayjestaswellbegintogetyerhandin。Now，yejesttakethisyergalandflogher；ye’veseenenoughon’ttoknowhow。”

IbegMas’r’spardon，”saidTom；“hopesMas’rwon’tsetmeatthat。It’swhatIan’tusedto，—neverdid，—andcan’tdo，nowaypossible。”

“Ye’lllarnaprettysmartchanceofthingsyeneverdidknow，beforeI’vedonewithye！”saidLegree，takingupacowhide，andstrikingTomaheavyblowcrossthecheek，andfollowinguptheinflictionbyashowerofblows。

“There！”hesaid，ashestoppedtorest；“now，willyetellmeyecan’tdoit？”

“Yes，Mas’r，”saidTom，puttinguphishand，towipetheblood，thattrickleddownhisface。“I’mwillin’towork，nightandday，andworkwhilethere’slifeandbreathinme；butthisyerthingIcan’tfeelitrighttodo；—and，Mas’r，Inevershalldoit，—never！”

Tomhadaremarkablysmooth，softvoice，andahabituallyrespectfulmanner，thathadgivenLegreeanideathathewouldbecowardly，andeasilysubdued。Whenhespoketheselastwords，athrillofamazementwentthrougheveryone；thepoorwomanclaspedherhands，andsaid，“OLord！”andeveryoneinvoluntarilylookedateachotheranddrewintheirbreath，asiftoprepareforthestormthatwasabouttoburst。

Legreelookedstupefiedandconfounded；butatlastburstforth，—“What！yeblastedblackbeast！tellmeyedon’tthinkitrighttodowhatItellye！Whathaveanyofyoucussedcattletodowiththinkingwhat’sright？I’llputastoptoit！Why，whatdoyethinkyeare？Maybeyethinkye’ragentlemanmaster，Tom，tobeatellingyourmasterwhat’sright，andwhatain’t！Soyoupretendit’swrongtoflogthegal！”

“Ithinkso，Mas’r，”saidTom；“thepoorcrittur’ssickandfeeble；’twouldbedownrightcruel，andit’swhatIneverwilldo，norbeginto。Mas’r，ifyoumeantokillme，killme；but，astomyraisingmyhandaginanyonehere，Inevershall，—I’lldiefirst！”

Tomspokeinamildvoice，butwithadecisionthatcouldnotbemistaken。Legreeshookwithanger；hisgreenisheyesglaredfiercely，andhisverywhiskersseemedtocurlwithpassion；but，likesomeferociousbeast，thatplayswithitsvictimbeforehedevoursit，hekeptbackhisstrongimpulsetoproceedtoimmediateviolence，andbrokeoutintobitterraillery。

“Well，here’sapiousdog，atlast，letdownamongussinners！—asaint，agentleman，andnoless，totalktoussinnersaboutoursins！Powerfulholycritter，hemustbe！Here，yourascal，youmakebelievetobesopious，—didn’tyouneverhear，outofyerBible，‘Servants，obeyyermasters’？An’tIyermaster？Didn’tIpaydowntwelvehundreddollars，cash，forallthereisinsideyeroldcussedblackshell？An’tyermine，now，bodyandsoul？”hesaid，givingTomaviolentkickwithhisheavyboot；“tellme！”

Intheverydepthofphysicalsuffering，bowedbybrutaloppression，thisquestionshotagleamofjoyandtriumphthroughTom’ssoul。Hesuddenlystretchedhimselfup，and，lookingearnestlytoheaven，whilethetearsandbloodthatfloweddownhisfacemingled，heexclaimed，

“No！no！no！mysoulan’tyours，Mas’r！Youhaven’tboughtit，—yecan’tbuyit！It’sbeenboughtandpaidfor，byonethatisabletokeepit；—nomatter，nomatter，youcan’tharmme！”

“Ican’t！”saidLegree，withasneer；“we’llsee，—we’llsee！Here，Sambo，Quimbo，givethisdogsuchabreakin’inashewon’tgetover，thismonth！”

ThetwogiganticnegroesthatnowlaidholdofTom，withfiendishexultationintheirfaces，mighthaveformednounaptpersonificationofpowersofdarkness。Thepoorwomanscreamedwithapprehension，andallrose，asbyageneralimpulse，whiletheydraggedhimunresistingfromtheplace。

TheQuadroon’sStory

Andbeholdthetearsofsuchasareoppressed；andonthesideoftheiroppressorstherewaspower。WhereforeIpraisedthedeadthatarealreadydeadmorethanthelivingthatareyetalive。—ECCL。4:1。

Itwaslateatnight，andTomlaygroaningandbleedingalone，inanoldforsakenroomofthegin-house，amongpiecesofbrokenmachinery，pilesofdamagedcotton，andotherrubbishwhichhadthereaccumulated。

Thenightwasdampandclose，andthethickairswarmedwithmyriadsofmosquitos，whichincreasedtherestlesstortureofhiswounds；whilstaburningthirst—atorturebeyondallothers—filleduptheuttermostmeasureofphysicalanguish。

“O，goodLord！Dolookdown，—givemethevictory！—givemethevictoryoverall！”prayedpoorTom，inhisanguish。

Afootstepenteredtheroom，behindhim，andthelightofalanternflashedonhiseyes。

“Who’sthere？O，fortheLord’smassy，pleasegivemesomewater！”

ThewomanCassy—foritwasshe，—setdownherlantern，and，pouringwaterfromabottle，raisedhishead，andgavehimdrink。Anotherandanothercupweredrained，withfeverisheagerness。

“Drinkallyewant，”shesaid；“Iknewhowitwouldbe。Itisn’tthefirsttimeI’vebeenoutinthenight，carryingwatertosuchasyou。”

“Thankyou，Missis，”saidTom，whenhehaddonedrinking。

“Don’tcallmeMissis！I’mamiserableslave，likeyourself，—aloweronethanyoucaneverbe！”saidshe，bitterly；“butnow，”saidshe，goingtothedoor，anddragginginasmallpallaise，overwhichshehadspreadlinenclothswetwithcoldwater，“try，mypoorfellow，torollyourselfontothis。”

Stiffwithwoundsandbruises，Tomwasalongtimeinaccomplishingthismovement；but，whendone，hefeltasensiblerelieffromthecoolingapplicationtohiswounds。

Thewoman，whomlongpracticewiththevictimsofbrutalityhadmadefamiliarwithmanyhealingarts，wentontomakemanyapplicationstoTom’swounds，bymeansofwhichhewassoonsomewhatrelieved。

“Now，”saidthewoman，whenshehadraisedhisheadonarollofdamagedcotton，whichservedforapillow，“there’sthebestIcandoforyou。”

Tomthankedher；andthewoman，sittingdownonthefloor，drewupherknees，andembracingthemwithherarms，lookedfixedlybeforeher，withabitterandpainfulexpressionofcountenance。Herbonnetfellback，andlongwavystreamsofblackhairfellaroundhersingularandmelancholy-face。

“It’snouse，mypoorfellow！”shebrokeout，atlast，“it’sofnouse，thisyou’vebeentryingtodo。Youwereabravefellow，—youhadtherightonyourside；butit’sallinvain，andoutofthequestion，foryoutostruggle。Youareinthedevil’shands；—heisthestrongest，andyoumustgiveup！”

Giveup！and，hadnothumanweaknessandphysicalagonywhisperedthat，before？Tomstarted；forthebitterwoman，withherwildeyesandmelancholyvoice，seemedtohimanembodimentofthetemptationwithwhichhehadbeenwrestling。

“OLord！OLord！”hegroaned，“howcanIgiveup？”

“There’snousecallingontheLord，—heneverhears，”saidthewoman，steadily；“thereisn’tanyGod，Ibelieve；or，ifthereis，he’stakensidesagainstus。Allgoesagainstus，heavenandearth。Everythingispushingusintohell。Whyshouldn’twego？”

Tomclosedhiseyes，andshudderedatthedark，atheisticwords。

“Yousee，”saidthewoman，“youdon’tknowanythingaboutit—Ido。I’vebeenonthisplacefiveyears，bodyandsoul，underthisman’sfoot；andIhatehimasIdothedevil！Hereyouare，onaloneplantation，tenmilesfromanyother，intheswamps；notawhitepersonhere，whocouldtestify，ifyouwereburnedalive，—ifyouwerescalded，cutintoinch-pieces，setupforthedogstotear，orhungupandwhippedtodeath。There’snolawhere，ofGodorman，thatcandoyou，oranyoneofus，theleastgood；and，thisman！there’snoearthlythingthathe’stoogoodtodo。Icouldmakeanyone’shairrise，andtheirteethchatter，ifIshouldonlytellwhatI’veseenandbeenknowingto，here，—andit’snouseresisting！DidIwanttolivewithhim？Wasn’tIawomandelicatelybred；andhe，—Godinheaven！whatwashe，andishe？Andyet，I’velivedwithhim，thesefiveyears，andcursedeverymomentofmylife，—nightandday！Andnow，he’sgotanewone，—ayoungthing，onlyfifteen，andshebroughtup，shesays，piously。HergoodmistresstaughthertoreadtheBible；andshe’sbroughtherBiblehere—tohellwithher！”—andthewomanlaughedawildanddolefullaugh，thatrung，withastrange，supernaturalsound，throughtheoldruinedshed。

Tomfoldedhishands；allwasdarknessandhorror。

“OJesus！LordJesus！haveyouquiteforgotuspoorcritturs？”burstforth，atlast；—“help，Lord，Iperish！”

Thewomansternlycontinued:

“Andwhatarethesemiserablelowdogsyouworkwith，thatyoushouldsufferontheiraccount？Everyoneofthemwouldturnagainstyou，thefirsttimetheygotachance。Theyareallof’emaslowandcrueltoeachotherastheycanbe；there’snouseinyoursufferingtokeepfromhurtingthem。”

“Poorcritturs！”saidTom，—“whatmade’emcruel？—and，ifIgiveout，Ishallgetusedto’t，andgrow，littlebylittle，justlike’em！No，no，Missis！I’velosteverything，—wife，andchildren，andhome，andakindMas’r，—andhewouldhavesetmefree，ifhe’donlylivedaweeklonger；I’velosteverythinginthisworld，andit’scleangone，forever，—andnowIcan’tloseHeaven，too；no，Ican’tgettobewicked，besidesall！”

“Butitcan’tbethattheLordwilllaysintoouraccount，”saidthewoman；“hewon’tchargeittous，whenwe’reforcedtoit；he’llchargeittothemthatdroveustoit。”

“Yes，”saidTom；“butthatwon’tkeepusfromgrowingwicked。IfIgettobeashard-heartedasthatar’Sambo，andaswicked，itwon’tmakemuchoddstomehowIcomeso；it’sthebein’so，—thatar’swhatI’madreadin’。”

ThewomanfixedawildandstartledlookonTom，asifanewthoughthadstruckher；andthen，heavilygroaning，said，

“OGoda’mercy！youspeakthetruth！O—O—O！”—and，withgroans，shefellonthefloor，likeonecrushedandwrithingundertheextremityofmentalanguish。

Therewasasilence，awhile，inwhichthebreathingofbothpartiescouldbeheard，whenTomfaintlysaid，“O，please，Missis！”

Thewomansuddenlyroseup，withherfacecomposedtoitsusualstern，melancholyexpression。

“Please，Missis，Isaw’emthrowmycoatinthatar’corner，andinmycoat-pocketismyBible；—ifMissiswouldpleasegetitforme。”

Cassywentandgotit。Tomopened，atonce，toaheavilymarkedpassage，muchworn，ofthelastscenesinthelifeofHimbywhosestripeswearehealed。

“IfMissiswouldonlybesogoodasreadthatar’，—it’sbetterthanwater。”

Cassytookthebook，withadry，proudair，andlookedoverthepassage。Shethenreadaloud，inasoftvoice，andwithabeautyofintonationthatwaspeculiar，thattouchingaccountofanguishandofglory。Often，assheread，hervoicefaltered，andsometimesfailedheraltogether，whenshewouldstop，withanairoffrigidcomposure，tillshehadmasteredherself。Whenshecametothetouchingwords，“Fatherforgivethem，fortheyknownotwhattheydo，”shethrewdownthebook，and，buryingherfaceintheheavymassesofherhair，shesobbedaloud，withaconvulsiveviolence。

Tomwasweeping，also，andoccasionallyutteringasmotheredejaculation。

“Ifweonlycouldkeepuptothatar’！”saidTom；—“itseemedtocomesonaturaltohim，andwehavetofightsohardfor’t！OLord，helpus！OblessedLordJesus，dohelpus！”

“Missis，”saidTom，afterawhile，“Icanseethat，somehow，you’requite’bovemeineverything；butthere’sonethingMissismightlearnevenfrompoorTom。YesaidtheLordtooksidesagainstus，becauseheletsusbe’busedandknockedround；butyeseewhatcomeonhisownSon，—theblessedLordofGlory，—wan’theallayspoor？andhavewe，anyonus，yetcomesolowashecome？TheLordhan’tforgotus，—I’msartin’o’thatar’。Ifwesufferwithhim，weshallalsoreign，Scripturesays；but，ifwedenyHim，healsowilldenyus。Didn’ttheyallsuffer？—theLordandallhis？Ittellshowtheywasstonedandsawnasunder，andwanderedaboutinsheep-skinsandgoat-skins，andwasdestitute，afflicted，tormented。Sufferin’an’tnoreasontomakeusthinktheLord’sturnedaginus；butjestthecontrary，ifonlyweholdontohim，anddoesn’tgiveuptosin。”

“Butwhydoesheputuswherewecan’thelpbutsin？”saidthewoman。

“Ithinkwecanhelpit，”saidTom。

“You’llsee，”saidCassy；“what’llyoudo？Tomorrowthey’llbeatyouagain。Iknow’em；I’veseenalltheirdoings；Ican’tbeartothinkofallthey’llbringyouto；—andthey’llmakeyougiveout，atlast！”

“LordJesus！”saidTom，“youwilltakecareofmysoul？OLord，do！—don’tletmegiveout！”

“Odear！”saidCassy；“I’veheardallthiscryingandprayingbefore；andyet，they’vebeenbrokendown，andbroughtunder。There’sEmmeline，she’stryingtoholdon，andyou’retrying，—butwhatuse？Youmustgiveup，orbekilledbyinches。”

“Well，then，Iwilldie！”saidTom。“Spinitoutaslongastheycan，theycan’thelpmydying，sometime！—and，afterthat，theycan’tdonomore。I’mclar，I’mset！IknowtheLord’llhelpme，andbringmethrough。”

Thewomandidnotanswer；shesatwithherblackeyesintentlyfixedonthefloor。

“Maybeit’stheway，”shemurmuredtoherself；“butthosethathavegivenup，there’snohopeforthem！—none！Weliveinfilth，andgrowloathsome，tillweloatheourselves！Andwelongtodie，andwedon’tdaretokillourselves！—Nohope！nohope！nohope？—thisgirlnow，—justasoldasIwas！

“Youseemenow，”shesaid，speakingtoTomveryrapidly；“seewhatIam！Well，Iwasbroughtupinluxury；thefirstIrememberis，playingabout，whenIwasachild，insplendidparlors，—whenIwaskeptdresseduplikeadoll，andcompanyandvisitorsusedtopraiseme。Therewasagardenopeningfromthesaloonwindows；andthereIusedtoplayhide-and-go-seek，undertheorange-trees，withmybrothersandsisters。Iwenttoaconvent，andthereIlearnedmusic，Frenchandembroidery，andwhatnot；andwhenIwasfourteen，Icameouttomyfather’sfuneral。Hediedverysuddenly，andwhenthepropertycametobesettled，theyfoundthattherewasscarcelyenoughtocoverthedebts；andwhenthecreditorstookaninventoryoftheproperty，Iwassetdowninit。Mymotherwasaslavewoman，andmyfatherhadalwaysmeanttosetmefree；buthehadnotdoneit，andsoIwassetdowninthelist。I’dalwaysknownwhoIwas，butneverthoughtmuchaboutit。Nobodyeverexpectsthatastrong，healthymanisgoingtodie。Myfatherwasawellmanonlyfourhoursbeforehedied；—itwasoneofthefirstcholeracasesinNewOrleans。Thedayafterthefuneral，myfather’swifetookherchildren，andwentuptoherfather’splantation。Ithoughttheytreatedmestrangely，butdidn’tknow。Therewasayounglawyerwhotheylefttosettlethebusiness；andhecameeveryday，andwasaboutthehouse，andspokeverypolitelytome。Hebroughtwithhim，oneday，ayoungman，whomIthoughtthehandsomestIhadeverseen。Ishallneverforgetthatevening。Iwalkedwithhiminthegarden。Iwaslonesomeandfullofsorrow，andhewassokindandgentletome；andhetoldmethathehadseenmebeforeIwenttotheconvent，andthathehadlovedmeagreatwhile，andthathewouldbemyfriendandprotector；—inshort，thoughhedidn’ttellme，hehadpaidtwothousanddollarsforme，andIwashisproperty，—Ibecamehiswillingly，forIlovedhim。Loved！”saidthewoman，stopping。“O，howIdidlovethatman！HowIlovehimnow，—andalwaysshall，whileIbreathe！Hewassobeautiful，sohigh，sonoble！Heputmeintoabeautifulhouse，withservants，horses，andcarriages，andfurniture，anddresses。Everythingthatmoneycouldbuy，hegaveme；butIdidn’tsetanyvalueonallthat，—Ionlycaredforhim。IlovedhimbetterthanmyGodandmyownsoul，and，ifItried，Icouldn’tdoanyotherwayfromwhathewantedmeto。

“Iwantedonlyonething—Ididwanthimtomarryme。Ithought，ifhelovedmeashesaidhedid，andifIwaswhatheseemedtothinkIwas，hewouldbewillingtomarrymeandsetmefree。Butheconvincedmethatitwouldbeimpossible；andhetoldmethat，ifwewereonlyfaithfultoeachother，itwasmarriagebeforeGod。Ifthatistrue，wasn’tIthatman’swife？Wasn’tIfaithful？Forsevenyears，didn’tIstudyeverylookandmotion，andonlyliveandbreathetopleasehim？Hehadtheyellowfever，andfortwentydaysandnightsIwatchedwithhim。Ialone，—andgavehimallhismedicine，anddideverythingforhim；andthenhecalledmehisgoodangel，andsaidI’dsavedhislife。Wehadtwobeautifulchildren。Thefirstwasaboy，andwecalledhimHenry。Hewastheimageofhisfather，—hehadsuchbeautifuleyes，suchaforehead，andhishairhungallincurlsaroundit；andhehadallhisfather’sspirit，andhistalent，too。LittleElise，hesaid，lookedlikeme。HeusedtotellmethatIwasthemostbeautifulwomaninLouisiana，hewassoproudofmeandthechildren。Heusedtolovetohavemedressthemup，andtakethemandmeaboutinanopencarriage，andheartheremarksthatpeoplewouldmakeonus；andheusedtofillmyearsconstantlywiththefinethingsthatweresaidinpraiseofmeandthechildren。O，thosewerehappydays！IthoughtIwasashappyasanyonecouldbe；butthentherecameeviltimes。HehadacousincometoNewOrleans，whowashisparticularfriend，—hethoughtalltheworldofhim；—but，fromthefirsttimeIsawhim，Icouldn’ttellwhy，Idreadedhim；forIfeltsurehewasgoingtobringmiseryonus。HegotHenrytogoingoutwithhim，andoftenhewouldnotcomehomenightstilltwoorthreeo’clock。Ididnotdaresayaword；forHenrywassohighspirited，Iwasafraidto。Hegothimtothegaming-houses；andhewasoneofthesortthat，whenheoncegotagoingthere，therewasnoholdingback。Andthenheintroducedhimtoanotherlady，andIsawsoonthathisheartwasgonefromme。Henevertoldme，butIsawit，—Iknewit，dayafterday，—Ifeltmyheartbreaking，butIcouldnotsayaword！Atthis，thewretchofferedtobuymeandthechildrenofHenry，toclearoffhisgamblngdebts，whichstoodinthewayofhismarryingashewished；—andhesoldus。Hetoldme，oneday，thathehadbusinessinthecountry，andshouldbegonetwoorthreeweeks。Hespokekinderthanusual，andsaidheshouldcomeback；butitdidn’tdeceiveme。Iknewthatthetimehadcome；Iwasjustlikeoneturnedintostone；Icouldn’tspeak，norshedatear。Hekissedmeandkissedthechildren，agoodmanytimes，andwentout。Isawhimgetonhishorse，andIwatchedhimtillhewasquiteoutofsight；andthenIfelldown，andfainted。

“Thenhecame，thecursedwretch！hecametotakepossession。Hetoldmethathehadboughtmeandmychildren；andshowedmethepapers。IcursedhimbeforeGod，andtoldhimI’ddiesoonerthanlivewithhim。”

“‘Justasyouplease，’saidhe；‘but，ifyoudon’tbehavereasonably，I’llsellboththechildren，whereyoushallneverseethemagain。’Hetoldmethathealwayshadmeanttohaveme，fromthefirsttimehesawme；andthathehaddrawnHenryon，andgothimindebt，onpurposetomakehimwillingtosellme。Thathegothiminlovewithanotherwoman；andthatImightknow，afterallthat，thatheshouldnotgiveupforafewairsandtears，andthingsofthatsort。

“Igaveup，formyhandsweretied。Hehadmychildren；—wheneverIresistedhiswillanywhere，hewouldtalkaboutsellingthem，andhemademeassubmissiveashedesired。O，whatalifeitwas！tolivewithmyheartbreaking，everyday，—tokeepon，on，on，loving，whenitwasonlymisery；andtobebound，bodyandsoul，tooneIhated。IusedtolovetoreadtoHenry，toplaytohim，towaltzwithhim，andsingtohim；buteverythingIdidforthisonewasaperfectdrag，—yetIwasafraidtorefuseanything。Hewasveryimperious，andharshtothechildren。Elisewasatimidlittlething；butHenrywasboldandhigh-spirited，likehisfather，andhehadneverbeenbroughtunder，intheleast，byanyone。Hewasalwaysfindingfault，andquarrellingwithhim；andIusedtoliveindailyfearanddread。Itriedtomakethechildrespectful；—Itriedtokeepthemapart，forIheldontothosechildrenlikedeath；butitdidnogood。Hesoldboththosechildren。Hetookmetoride，oneday，andwhenIcamehome，theywerenowheretobefound！Hetoldmehehadsoldthem；heshowedmethemoney，thepriceoftheirblood。Thenitseemedasifallgoodforsookme。Iravedandcursed，—cursedGodandman；and，forawhile，Ibelieve，hereallywasafraidofme。Buthedidn’tgiveupso。Hetoldmethatmychildrenweresold，butwhetherIeversawtheirfacesagain，dependedonhim；andthat，ifIwasn’tquiet，theyshouldsmartforit。Well，youcandoanythingwithawoman，whenyou’vegotherchildren。Hemademesubmit；hemademebepeaceable；heflatteredmewithhopesthat，perhaps，hewouldbuythemback；andsothingswenton，aweekortwo。Oneday，Iwasoutwalking，andpassedbythecalaboose；Isawacrowdaboutthegate，andheardachild’svoice，—andsuddenlymyHenrybrokeawayfromtwoorthreemenwhowereholdingthepoorboyscreamedandlookedintomyface，andheldontome，until，intearinghimoff，theytoretheskirtofmydresshalfaway；andtheycarriedhimin，screaming‘Mother！mother！mother！’Therewasonemanstoodthereseemedtopityme。IofferedhimallthemoneyIhad，ifhe’donlyinterfere。Heshookhishead，andsaidthattheboyhadbeenimpudentanddisobedient，eversinceheboughthim；thathewasgoingtobreakhimin，onceforall。Iturnedandran；andeverystepoftheway，IthoughtthatIheardhimscream。Igotintothehouse；ran，alloutofbreath，totheparlor，whereIfoundButler。Itoldhim，andbeggedhimtogoandinterfere。Heonlylaughed，andtoldmetheboyhadgothisdeserts。He’dgottobebrokenin，—thesoonerthebetter；‘whatdidIexpect？’heasked。

“Itseemedtomesomethinginmyheadsnapped，atthatmoment。Ifeltdizzyandfurious。Irememberseeingagreatsharpbowie-knifeonthetable；Iremembersomethingaboutcatchingit，andflyinguponhim；andthenallgrewdark，andIdidn’tknowanymore，—notfordaysanddays。

“WhenIcametomyself，Iwasinaniceroom，—butnotmine。Anoldblackwomantendedme；andadoctorcametoseeme，andtherewasagreatdealofcaretakenofme。Afterawhile，Ifoundthathehadgoneaway，andleftmeatthishousetobesold；andthat’swhytheytooksuchpainswithme。

“Ididn’tmeantogetwell，andhopedIshouldn’t；but，inspiteofmethefeverwentoffandIgrewhealthy，andfinallygotup。Then，theymademedressup，everyday；andgentlemenusedtocomeinandstandandsmoketheircigars，andlookatme，andaskquestions，anddebatemyprice。Iwassogloomyandsilent，thatnoneofthemwantedme。Theythreatenedtowhipme，ifIwasn’tgayer，anddidn’ttakesomepainstomakemyselfagreeable。Atlength，oneday，cameagentlemannamedStuart。Heseemedtohavesomefeelingforme；hesawthatsomethingdreadfulwasonmyheart，andhecametoseemealone，agreatmanytimes，andfinallypersuadedmetotellhim。Heboughtme，atlast，andpromisedtodoallhecouldtofindandbuybackmychildren。HewenttothehotelwheremyHenrywas；theytoldhimhehadbeensoldtoaplanteruponPearlriver；thatwasthelastthatIeverheard。Thenhefoundwheremydaughterwas；anoldwomanwaskeepingher。Heofferedanimmensesumforher，buttheywouldnotsellher。Butlerfoundoutthatitwasformehewantedher；andhesentmewordthatIshouldneverhaveher。CaptainStuartwasverykindtome；hehadasplendidplantation，andtookmetoit。Inthecourseofayear，Ihadasonborn。O，thatchild！—howIlovedit！HowjustlikemypoorHenrythelittlethinglooked！ButIhadmadeupmymind，—yes，Ihad。Iwouldneveragainletachildlivetogrowup！Itookthelittlefellowinmyarms，whenhewastwoweeksold，andkissedhim，andcriedoverhim；andthenIgavehimlaudanum，andheldhimclosetomybosom，whileheslepttodeath。HowImournedandcriedoverit！andwhoeverdreamedthatitwasanythingbutamistake，thathadmademegiveitthelaudanum？butit’soneofthefewthingsthatI’mgladof，now。Iamnotsorry，tothisday；he，atleast，isoutofpain。WhatbetterthandeathcouldIgivehim，poorchild！Afterawhile，thecholeracame，andCaptainStuartdied；everybodydiedthatwantedtolive，—andI，—I，thoughIwentdowntodeath’sdoor，—Ilived！ThenIwassold，andpassedfromhandtohand，tillIgrewfadedandwrinkled，andIhadafever；andthenthiswretchboughtme，andbroughtmehere，—andhereIam！”

Thewomanstopped。Shehadhurriedonthroughherstory，withawild，passionateutterance；sometimesseemingtoaddressittoTom，andsometimesspeakingasinasoliloquy。Sovehementandoverpoweringwastheforcewithwhichshespoke，that，foraseason，Tomwasbeguiledevenfromthepainofhiswounds，and，raisinghimselfononeelbow，watchedherasshepacedrestlesslyupanddown，herlongblackhairswayingheavilyabouther，asshemoved。

“Youtellme，”shesaid，afterapause，“thatthereisaGod，—aGodthatlooksdownandseesallthesethings。Maybeit’sso。Thesistersintheconventusedtotellmeofadayofjudgment，wheneverythingiscomingtolight；—won’ttherebevengeance，then！

“Theythinkit’snothing，whatwesuffer，—nothing，whatourchildrensuffer！It’sallasmallmatter；yetI’vewalkedthestreetswhenitseemedasifIhadmiseryenoughinmyonehearttosinkthecity。I’vewishedthehouseswouldfallonme，orthestonessinkunderme。Yes！and，inthejudgmentday，IwillstandupbeforeGod，awitnessagainstthosethathaveruinedmeandmychildren，bodyandsoul！

“WhenIwasagirl，IthoughtIwasreligious；IusedtoloveGodandprayer。Now，I’malostsoul，pursuedbydevilsthattormentmedayandnight；theykeeppushingmeonandon—andI’lldoit，too，someofthesedays！”shesaid，clenchingherhand，whileaninsanelightglancedinherheavyblackeyes。“I’llsendhimwherehebelongs，—ashortway，too，—oneofthesenights，iftheyburnmealiveforit！”Awild，longlaughrangthroughthedesertedroom，andendedinahystericsob；shethrewherselfonthefloor，inconvulsivesobbingandstruggles。

Inafewmoments，thefrenzyfitseemedtopassoff；sheroseslowly，andseemedtocollectherself。

“CanIdoanythingmoreforyou，mypoorfellow？”shesaid，approachingwhereTomlay；“shallIgiveyousomemorewater？”

Therewasagracefulandcompassionatesweetnessinhervoiceandmanner，asshesaidthis，thatformedastrangecontrastwiththeformerwildness。

Tomdrankthewater，andlookedearnestlyandpitifullyintoherface。

“O，Missis，Iwishyou’dgotohimthatcangiveyoulivingwaters！”

“Gotohim！Whereishe？Whoishe？”saidCassy。

“Himthatyoureadoftome，—theLord。”

“Iusedtoseethepictureofhim，overthealtar，whenIwasagirl，”saidCassy，herdarkeyesfixingthemselvesinanexpressionofmournfulreverie；“but，heisn’there！there’snothinghere，butsinandlong，long，longdespair！O！”Shelaidherlandonherbreastanddrewinherbreath，asiftoliftaheavyweight。

Tomlookedasifhewouldspeakagain；butshecuthimshort，withadecidedgesture。

“Don’ttalk，mypoorfellow。Trytosleep，ifyoucan。”And，placingwaterinhisreach，andmakingwhateverlittlearrangementsforhiscomfortsshecould，Cassylefttheshed。

TheTokens

“Andslight，withal，maybethethingsthatbring

Backonthehearttheweightwhichitwouldfling

Asideforever；itmaybeasound，

Aflower，thewind，theocean，whichshallwound，—

Strikingtheelectricchainwherewithwe’redarklybound。”

ChildeHarold’sPilgrimage，Can。4。

Thesitting-roomofLegree’sestablishmentwasalarge，longroom，withawide，amplefireplace。Ithadoncebeenhungwithashowyandexpensivepaper，whichnowhungmouldering，tornanddiscolored，fromthedampwalls。Theplacehadthatpeculiarsickening，unwholesomesmell，compoundedofmingleddamp，dirtanddecay，whichoneoftennoticesincloseoldhouses。Thewall-paperwasdefaced，inspots，byslopsofbeerandwine；orgarnishedwithchalkmemorandums，andlongsumsfootedup，asifsomebodyhadbeenpractisingarithmeticthere。Inthefireplacestoodabrazierfullofburningcharcoal；for，thoughtheweatherwasnotcold，theeveningsalwaysseemeddampandchillyinthatgreatroom；andLegree，moreover，wantedaplacetolighthiscigars，andheathiswaterforpunch。Theruddyglareofthecharcoaldisplayedtheconfusedandunpromisingaspectoftheroom，—saddles，bridles，severalsortsofharness，riding-whips，overcoats，andvariousarticlesofclothing，scatteredupanddowntheroominconfusedvariety；andthedogs，ofwhomwehavebeforespoken，hadencampedthemselvesamongthem，tosuittheirowntasteandconvenience。

Legreewasjustmixinghimselfatumblerofpunch，pouringhishotwaterfromacrackedandbroken-nosedpitcher，grumbling，ashedidso，

“PlagueonthatSambo，tokickupthisyerrowbetweenmeandthenewhands！Thefellowwon’tbefittoworkforaweek，now，—rightinthepressoftheseason！”

“Yes，justlikeyou，”saidavoice，behindhischair。ItwasthewomanCassy，whohadstolenuponhissoliloquy。

“Hah！youshe-devil！you’vecomeback，haveyou？”

“Yes，Ihave，”shesaid，coolly；“cometohavemyownway，too！”

“Youlie，youjade！I’llbeuptomyword。Eitherbehaveyourself，orstaydowntothequarters，andfareandworkwiththerest。”

“I’drather，tenthousandtimes，”saidthewoman，“liveinthedirtiestholeatthequarters，thanbeunderyourhoof！”

“Butyouareundermyhoof，forallthat，”saidhe，turninguponher，withasavagegrin；“that’sonecomfort。So，sitdownhereonmyknee，mydear，andheartoreason，”saidhe，layingholdonherwrist。

“SimonLegree，takecare！”saidthewoman，withasharpflashofhereye，aglancesowildandinsaneinitslightastobealmostappalling。“You’reafraidofme，Simon，”shesaid，deliberately；“andyou’vereasontobe！Butbecareful，forI’vegotthedevilinme！”

Thelastwordsshewhisperedinahissingtone，closetohisear。

“Getout！Ibelieve，tomysoul，youhave！”saidLegree，pushingherfromhim，andlookinguncomfortablyather。“Afterall，Cassy，”hesaid，“whycan’tyoubefriendswithme，asyouusedto？”

“Usedto！”saidshe，bitterly。Shestoppedshort，—awordofchokingfeelings，risinginherheart，kepthersilent。

CassyhadalwayskeptoverLegreethekindofinfluencethatastrong，impassionedwomancaneverkeepoverthemostbrutalman；but，oflate，shehadgrownmoreandmoreirritableandrestless，underthehideousyokeofherservitude，andherirritability，attimes，brokeoutintoravinginsanity；andthisliabilitymadeherasortofobjectofdreadtoLegree，whohadthatsuperstitioushorrorofinsanepersonswhichiscommontocoarseanduninstructedminds。WhenLegreebroughtEmmelinetothehouse，allthesmoulderingembersofwomanlyfeelingflashedupinthewornheartofCassy，andshetookpartwiththegirl；andafiercequarrelensuedbetweenherandLegree。Legree，inafury，sworesheshouldbeputtofieldservice，ifshewouldnotbepeaceable。Cassy，withproudscorn，declaredshewouldgotothefield。Andsheworkedthereoneday，aswehavedescribed，toshowhowperfectlyshescornedthethreat。

Legreewassecretlyuneasy，allday；forCassyhadaninfluenceoverhimfromwhichhecouldnotfreehimself。Whenshepresentedherbasketatthescales，hehadhopedforsomeconcession，andaddressedherinasortofhalfconciliatory，halfscornfultone；andshehadansweredwiththebitterestcontempt。

TheoutrageoustreatmentofpoorTomhadrousedherstillmore；andshehadfollowedLegreetothehouse，withnoparticularintention，buttoupbraidhimforhisbrutality。

“Iwish，Cassy，”saidLegree，“you’dbehaveyourselfdecently。”

“Youtalkaboutbehavingdecently！Andwhathaveyoubeendoing？—you，whohaven’tevensenseenoughtokeepfromspoilingoneofyourbesthands，rightinthemostpressingseason，justforyourdevilishtemper！”

“Iwasafool，it’safact，toletanysuchbranglecomeup，”saidLegree；“but，whentheboysetuphiswill，hehadtobebrokein。”

“Ireckonyouwon’tbreakhimin！”

“Won’tI？”saidLegree，rising，passionately。“I’dliketoknowifIwon’t？He’llbethefirstniggerthatevercameitroundme！I’llbreakeveryboneinhisbody，butheshallgiveup！”

Justthenthedooropened，andSamboentered。Hecameforward，bowing，andholdingoutsomethinginapaper。

“What’sthat，youdog？”saidLegree。

“It’sawitchthing，Mas’r！”

“Awhat？”

“Somethingthatniggersgetsfromwitches。Keeps’emfromfeelin’whenthey’sflogged。Hehadittiedroundhisneck，withablackstring。”

Legree，likemostgodlessandcruelmen，wassuperstitious。Hetookthepaper，andopenedituneasily。

Theredroppedoutofitasilverdollar，andalong，shiningcurloffairhair，—hairwhich，likealivingthing，twineditselfroundLegree’sfingers。

“Damnation！”hescreamed，insuddenpassion，stampingonthefloor，andpullingfuriouslyatthehair，asifitburnedhim。“Wheredidthiscomefrom？Takeitoff！—burnitup！—burnitup！”hescreamed，tearingitoff，andthrowingitintothecharcoal。“Whatdidyoubringittomefor？”

Sambostood，withhisheavymouthwideopen，andaghastwithwonder；andCassy，whowaspreparingtoleavetheapartment，stopped，andlookedathiminperfectamazement。

“Don’tyoubringmeanymoreofyourdevilishthings！”saidhe，shakinghisfistatSambo，whoretreatedhastilytowardsthedoor；and，pickingupthesilverdollar，hesentitsmashingthroughthewindow-pane，outintothedarkness。

Sambowasgladtomakehisescape。Whenhewasgone，Legreeseemedalittleashamedofhisfitofalarm。Hesatdoggedlydowninhischair，andbegansullenlysippinghistumblerofpunch。

Cassypreparedherselfforgoingout，unobservedbyhim；andslippedawaytoministertopoorTom，aswehavealreadyrelated。

AndwhatwasthematterwithLegree？andwhatwasthereinasimplecurloffairhairtoappallthatbrutalman，familiarwitheveryformofcruelty？Toanswerthis，wemustcarrythereaderbackwardinhishistory。Hardandreprobateasthegodlessmanseemednow，therehadbeenatimewhenhehadbeenrockedonthebosomofamother，—cradledwithprayersandpioushymns，—hisnowsearedbrowbedewedwiththewatersofholybaptism。Inearlychildhood，afair-hairedwomanhadledhim，atthesoundofSabbathbell，toworshipandtopray。FarinNewEnglandthatmotherhadtrainedheronlyson，withlong，unweariedlove，andpatientprayers。Bornofahard-temperedsire，onwhomthatgentlewomanhadwastedaworldofunvaluedlove，Legreehadfollowedinthestepsofhisfather。Boisterous，unruly，andtyrannical，hedespisedallhercounsel，andwouldnoneofherreproof；and，atanearlyage，brokefromher，toseekhisfortunesatsea。Henevercamehomebutonce，after；andthen，hismother，withtheyearningofaheartthatmustlovesomething，andhasnothingelsetolove，clungtohim，andsought，withpassionateprayersandentreaties，towinhimfromalifeofsin，tohissoul’seternalgood。

ThatwasLegree’sdayofgrace；thengoodangelscalledhim；thenhewasalmostpersuaded，andmercyheldhimbythehand。Hisheartinlyrelented，—therewasaconflict，—butsingotthevictory，andhesetalltheforceofhisroughnatureagainsttheconvictionofhisconscience。Hedrankandswore，—waswilderandmorebrutalthanever。And，onenight，whenhismother，inthelastagonyofherdespair，kneltathisfeet，hespurnedherfromhim，—threwhersenselessonthefloor，and，withbrutalcurses，fledtohisship。ThenextLegreeheardofhismotherwas，when，onenight，ashewascarousingamongdrunkencompanions，aletterwasputintohishand。Heopenedit，andalockoflong，curlinghairfellfromit，andtwinedabouthisfingers。Thelettertoldhimhismotherwasdead，andthat，dying，sheblestandforgavehim。

Thereisadread，unhallowednecromancyofevil，thatturnsthingssweetestandholiesttophantomsofhorrorandaffright。Thatpale，lovingmother，—herdyingprayers，herforgivinglove，—wroughtinthatdemoniacheartofsinonlyasadamningsentence，bringingwithitafearfullookingforofjudgmentandfieryindignation。Legreeburnedthehair，andburnedtheletter；andwhenhesawthemhissingandcracklingintheflame，inlyshudderedashethoughtofeverlastingfires。Hetriedtodrink，andrevel，andswearawaythememory；butoften，inthedeepnight，whosesolemnstillnessarraignsthebadsoulinforcedcommunionwithherself，hehadseenthatpalemotherrisingbyhisbedside，andfeltthesofttwiningofthathairaroundhisfingers，tillthecoldsweatwouldrolldownhisface，andhewouldspringfromhisbedinhorror。Yewhohavewonderedtohear，inthesameevangel，thatGodislove，andthatGodisaconsumingfire，seeyenothow，tothesoulresolvedinevil，perfectloveisthemostfearfultorture，thesealandsentenceofthedirestdespair？

“Blastit！”saidLegreetohimself，ashesippedhisliquor；“wheredidhegetthat？Ifitdidn’tlookjustlike—whoo！IthoughtI’dforgotthat。Curseme，ifIthinkthere’sanysuchthingasforgettinganything，anyhow，—hangit！I’mlonesome！ImeantocallEm。Shehatesme—themonkey！Idon’tcare，—I’llmakehercome！”

Legreesteppedoutintoalargeentry，whichwentupstairs，bywhathadformerlybeenasuperbwindingstaircase；butthepassage-waywasdirtyanddreary，encumberedwithboxesandunsightlylitter。Thestairs，uncarpeted，seemedwindingup，inthegloom，tonobodyknewwhere！Thepalemoonlightstreamedthroughashatteredfanlightoverthedoor；theairwasunwholesomeandchilly，likethatofavault。

Legreestoppedatthefootofthestairs，andheardavoicesinging。Itseemedstrangeandghostlikeinthatdrearyoldhouse，perhapsbecauseofthealreadytremulousstateofhisnerves。Hark！whatisit？

Awild，patheticvoice，chantsahymncommonamongtheslaves:

“Othere’llbemourning，mourning，mourning，

Othere’llbemourning，atthejudgment-seatofChrist！”

“Blastthegirl！”saidLegree。“I’llchokeher。—Em！Em！”hecalled，harshly；butonlyamockingechofromthewallsansweredhim。Thesweetvoicestillsungon:

“Parentsandchildrenthereshallpart！

Parentsandchildrenthereshallpart！

Shallparttomeetnomore！”

Andclearandloudswelledthroughtheemptyhallstherefrain，

“Othere’llbemourning，mourning，mourning，

Othere’llbemourning，atthejudgment-seatofChrist！”

Legreestopped。Hewouldhavebeenashamedtotellofit，butlargedropsofsweatstoodonhisforehead，hisheartbeatheavyandthickwithfear；heeventhoughthesawsomethingwhiterisingandglimmeringinthegloombeforehim，andshudderedtothinkwhatiftheformofhisdeadmothershouldsuddenlyappeartohim。

“Iknowonething，”hesaidtohimself，ashestumbledbackinthesitting-room，andsatdown；“I’llletthatfellowalone，afterthis！WhatdidIwantofhiscussedpaper？Ib’lieveIambewitched，sureenough！I’vebeenshiveringandsweating，eversince！Wheredidhegetthathair？Itcouldn’thavebeenthat！Iburntthatup，IknowIdid！Itwouldbeajoke，ifhaircouldrisefromthedead！”

Ah，Legree！thatgoldentresswascharmed；eachhairhadinitaspellofterrorandremorseforthee，andwasusedbyamightierpowertobindthycruelhandsfrominflictinguttermostevilonthehelpless！

“Isay，”saidLegree，stampingandwhistlingtothedogs，“wakeup，someofyou，andkeepmecompany！”butthedogsonlyopenedoneeyeathim，sleepily，andcloseditagain。

“I’llhaveSamboandQuimbouphere，tosinganddanceoneoftheirhelldances，andkeepoffthesehorridnotions，”saidLegree；and，puttingonhishat，hewentontotheverandah，andblewahorn，withwhichhecommonlysummonedhistwosabledrivers。

Legreewasoftenwont，wheninagracioushumor，togetthesetwoworthiesintohissitting-room，and，afterwarmingthemupwithwhiskey，amusehimselfbysettingthemtosinging，dancingorfighting，asthehumortookhim。

Itwasbetweenoneandtwoo’clockatnight，asCassywasreturningfromherministrationstopoorTom，thatsheheardthesoundofwildshrieking，whooping，halloing，andsinging，fromthesitting-room，mingledwiththebarkingofdogs，andothersymptomsofgeneraluproar。

Shecameupontheverandahsteps，andlookedin。Legreeandboththedrivers，inastateoffuriousintoxication，weresinging，whooping，upsettingchairs，andmakingallmannerofludicrousandhorridgrimacesateachother。

Sherestedhersmall，slenderhandonthewindow-blind，andlookedfixedlyatthem；—therewasaworldofanguish，scorn，andfiercebitterness，inherblackeyes，asshedidso。“Woulditbeasintoridtheworldofsuchawretch？”shesaidtoherself。

Sheturnedhurriedlyaway，and，passingroundtoabackdoor，glidedupstairs，andtappedatEmmeline’sdoor。

EmmelineandCassy

Cassyenteredtheroom，andfoundEmmelinesitting，palewithfear，inthefurthestcornerofit。Asshecamein，thegirlstartedupnervously；but，onseeingwhoitwas，rushedforward，andcatchingherarm，said，“OCassy，isityou？I’msogladyou’vecome！Iwasafraiditwas—。O，youdon’tknowwhatahorridnoisetherehasbeen，downstairs，allthisevening！”

“Ioughttoknow，”saidCassy，dryly。“I’vehearditoftenenough。”

“OCassy！dotellme，—couldn’twegetawayfromthisplace？Idon’tcarewhere，—intotheswampamongthesnakes，—anywhere！Couldn’twegetsomewhereawayfromhere？”

“Nowhere，butintoourgraves，”saidCassy。

“Didyouevertry？”

“I’veseenenoughoftryingandwhatcomesofit，”saidCassy。

“I’dbewillingtoliveintheswamps，andgnawthebarkfromtrees。Ian’tafraidofsnakes！I’dratherhaveonenearmethanhim，”saidEmmeline，eagerly。

“Therehavebeenagoodmanyhereofyouropinion，”saidCassy；“butyoucouldn’tstayintheswamps，—you’dbetrackedbythedogs，andbroughtback，andthen—then—”

“Whatwouldhedo？”saidthegirl，looking，withbreathlessinterest，intoherface。

“Whatwouldn’thedo，you’dbetterask，”saidCassy。“He’slearnedhistradewell，amongthepiratesintheWestIndies。Youwouldn’tsleepmuch，ifIshouldtellyouthingsI’veseen，—thingsthathetellsof，sometimes，forgoodjokes。I’veheardscreamsherethatIhaven’tbeenabletogetoutofmyheadforweeksandweeks。There’saplacewayoutdownbythequarters，whereyoucanseeablack，blastedtree，andthegroundallcoveredwithblackashes。Askanyonewhatwasdonethere，andseeiftheywilldaretotellyou。”

“O！whatdoyoumean？”

“Iwon’ttellyou。Ihatetothinkofit。AndItellyou，theLordonlyknowswhatwemayseetomorrow，ifthatpoorfellowholdsoutashe’sbegun。”

“Horrid！”saidEmmeline，everydropofbloodrecedingfromhercheeks。“O，Cassy，dotellmewhatIshalldo！”

“WhatI’vedone。Dothebestyoucan，—dowhatyoumust，—andmakeitupinhatingandcursing。”

“Hewantedtomakemedrinksomeofhishatefulbrandy，”saidEmmeline；“andIhateitso—”

“You’dbetterdrink，”saidCassy。“Ihatedit，too；andnowIcan’tlivewithoutit。Onemusthavesomething；—thingsdon’tlooksodreadful，whenyoutakethat。”

“Motherusedtotellmenevertotouchanysuchthing，”saidEmmeline。

“Mothertoldyou！”saidCassy，withathrillingandbitteremphasisonthewordmother。“Whatuseisitformotherstosayanything？Youarealltobeboughtandpaidfor，andyoursoulsbelongtowhoevergetsyou。That’sthewayitgoes。Isay，drinkbrandy；drinkallyoucan，andit’llmakethingscomeeasier。”

“O，Cassy！dopityme！”

“Pityyou！—don’tI？Haven’tIadaughter，—Lordknowswheresheis，andwhosesheis，now，—goingthewayhermotherwent，beforeher，Isuppose，andthatherchildrenmustgo，afterher！There’snoendtothecurse—forever！”

“IwishI’dneverbeenborn！”saidEmmeline，wringingherhands。

“That’sanoldwishwithme，”saidCassy。“I’vegotusedtowishingthat。I’ddie，ifIdaredto，”shesaid，lookingoutintothedarkness，withthatstill，fixeddespairwhichwasthehabitualexpressionofherfacewhenatrest。

“Itwouldbewickedtokillone’sself，”saidEmmeline。

“Idon’tknowwhy，—nowickederthanthingsweliveanddo，dayafterday。Butthesisterstoldmethings，whenIwasintheconvent，thatmakemeafraidtodie。Ifitwouldonlybetheendofus，why，then—”

Emmelineturnedaway，andhidherfaceinherhands。

Whilethisconversationwaspassinginthechamber，Legree，overcomewithhiscarouse，hadsunktosleepintheroombelow。Legreewasnotanhabitualdrunkard。Hiscoarse，strongnaturecraved，andcouldendure，acontinualstimulation，thatwouldhaveutterlywreckedandcrazedafinerone。Butadeep，underlyingspiritofcautiousnesspreventedhisoftenyieldingtoappetiteinsuchmeasureastolosecontrolofhimself

Thisnight，however，inhisfeverisheffortstobanishfromhismindthosefearfulelementsofwoeandremorsewhichwokewithinhim，hehadindulgedmorethancommon；sothat，whenhehaddischargedhissableattendants，hefellheavilyonasettleintheroom，andwassoundasleep。

O！howdaresthebadsoultoentertheshadowyworldofsleep？—thatlandwhosedimoutlinesliesofearfullyneartothemysticsceneofretribution！Legreedreamed。Inhisheavyandfeverishsleep，aveiledformstoodbesidehim，andlaidacold，softhanduponhim。Hethoughtheknewwhoitwas；andshuddered，withcreepinghorror，thoughthefacewasveiled。Thenhethoughthefeltthathairtwiningroundhisfingers；andthen，thatitslidsmoothlyroundhisneck，andtightenedandtightened，andhecouldnotdrawhisbreath；andthenhethoughtvoiceswhisperedtohim，—whispersthatchilledhimwithhorror。Thenitseemedtohimhewasontheedgeofafrightfulabyss，holdingonandstrugglinginmortalfear，whiledarkhandsstretchedup，andwerepullinghimover；andCassycamebehindhimlaughing，andpushedhim。Andthenroseupthatsolemnveiledfigure，anddrewasidetheveil。Itwashismother；andsheturnedawayfromhim，andhefelldown，down，down，amidaconfusednoiseofshrieks，andgroans，andshoutsofdemonlaughter，—andLegreeawoke。

Calmlytherosyhueofdawnwasstealingintotheroom。Themorningstarstood，withitssolemn，holyeyeoflight，lookingdownonthemanofsin，fromoutthebrighteningsky。O，withwhatfreshness，whatsolemnityandbeauty，iseachnewdayborn；asiftosaytoinsensateman，“Behold！thouhastonemorechance！Striveforimmortalglory！”Thereisnospeechnorlanguagewherethisvoiceisnotheard；butthebold，badmanhearditnot。Hewokewithanoathandacurse。Whattohimwasthegoldandpurple，thedailymiracleofmorning！WhattohimthesanctityofthestarwhichtheSonofGodhashallowedashisownemblem？Brute-like，hesawwithoutperceiving；and，stumblingforward，pouredoutatumblerofbrandy，anddrankhalfofit。

“I’vehadah—lofanight！”hesaidtoCassy，whojustthenenteredfromanoppositedoor。

“You’llgetplentyofthesamesort，byandby，”saidshe，dryly。

“Whatdoyoumean，youminx？”

“You’llfindout，oneofthesedays，”returnedCassy，inthesametone。“NowSimon，I’veonepieceofadvicetogiveyou。”

“Thedevil，youhave！”

“Myadviceis，”saidCassy，steadily，asshebeganadjustingsomethingsabouttheroom，“thatyouletTomalone。”

“Whatbusinessis’tofyours？”

“What？Tobesure，Idon’tknowwhatitshouldbe。Ifyouwanttopaytwelvehundredforafellow，andusehimrightupinthepressoftheseason，justtoserveyourownspite，it’snobusinessofmine，I’vedonewhatIcouldforhim。”

“Youhave？Whatbusinesshaveyoumeddlinginmymatters？”

“None，tobesure。I’vesavedyousomethousandsofdollars，atdifferenttimes，bytakingcareofyourhands，—that’sallthethanksIget。Ifyourcropcomesshorterintomarketthananyoftheirs，youwon’tloseyourbet，Isuppose？Tompkinswon’tlorditoveryou，Isuppose，—andyou’llpaydownyourmoneylikealady，won’tyou？IthinkIseeyoudoingit！”

Legree，likemanyotherplanters，hadbutoneformofambition，—tohaveintheheaviestcropoftheseason，—andhehadseveralbetsonthisverypresentseasonpendinginthenexttown。Cassy，therefore，withwoman’stact，touchedtheonlystringthatcouldbemadetovibrate。

“Well，I’lllethimoffatwhathe’sgot，”saidLegree；“butheshallbegmypardon，andpromisebetterfashions。”

“Thathewon’tdo，”saidCassy。

“Won’t，—eh？”

“No，hewon’t，”saidCassy。

“I’dliketoknowwhy，Mistress，”saidLegree，intheextremeofscorn。

“Becausehe’sdoneright，andheknowsit，andwon’tsayhe’sdonewrong。”

“Whoacusscareswhatheknows？TheniggershallsaywhatIplease，or—”

“Or，you’llloseyourbetonthecottoncrop，bykeepinghimoutofthefield，justatthisverypress。”

“Buthewillgiveup，—course，hewill；don’tIknowwhatniggersis？He’llbeglikeadog，thismorning。”

Hewon’t，Simon；youdon’tknowthiskind。Youmaykillhimbyinches，—youwon’tgetthefirstwordofconfessionoutofhim。”

“We’llsee，—whereishe？”saidLegree，goingout。

“Inthewaste-roomofthegin-house，”saidCassy。

Legree，thoughhetalkedsostoutlytoCassy，stillsalliedforthfromthehousewithadegreeofmisgivingwhichwasnotcommonwithhim。Hisdreamsofthepastnight，mingledwithCassy’sprudentialsuggestions，considerablyaffectedhismind。HeresolvedthatnobodyshouldbewitnessofhisencounterwithTom；anddetermined，ifhecouldnotsubduehimbybullying，todeferhisvengeance，tobewreakedinamoreconvenientseason。

Thesolemnlightofdawn—theangelicgloryofthemorning-star—hadlookedinthroughtherudewindowoftheshedwhereTomwaslying；and，asifdescendingonthatstar-beam，camethesolemnwords，“IamtherootandoffspringofDavid，andthebrightandmorningstar。”ThemysteriouswarningsandintimationsofCassy，sofarfromdiscouraginghissoul，intheendhadrouseditaswithaheavenlycall。Hedidnotknowbutthatthedayofhisdeathwasdawninginthesky；andhisheartthrobbedwithsolemnthroesofjoyanddesire，ashethoughtthatthewondrousall，ofwhichhehadoftenpondered，—thegreatwhitethrone，withitseverradiantrainbow；thewhite-robedmultitude，withvoicesasmanywaters；thecrowns，thepalms，theharps，—mightallbreakuponhisvisionbeforethatsunshouldsetagain。And，therefore，withoutshudderingortrembling，heheardthevoiceofhispersecutor，ashedrewnear。

“Well，myboy，”saidLegree，withacontemptuouskick，“howdoyoufindyourself？Didn’tItellyerIcouldlarnyerathingortwo？Howdoyerlikeit—eh？

Howdidyerwhalingagreewithyer，Tom？An’tquitesocrankasyewaslastnight。Yecouldn’ttreatapoorsinner，now，toabitofsermon，couldye，—eh？”

Tomanswerednothing。

“Getup，youbeast！”saidLegree，kickinghimagain。

Thiswasadifficultmatterforonesobruisedandfaint；and，asTommadeeffortstodoso，Legreelaughedbrutally。

“Whatmakesyesospry，thismorning，Tom？Cotchedcold，maybe，lastnight。”

Tombythistimehadgainedhisfeet，andwasconfrontinghismasterwithasteady，unmovedfront。

“Thedevil，youcan！”saidLegree，lookinghimover。“Ibelieveyouhaven’tgotenoughyet。Now，Tom，getrightdownonyerkneesandbegmypardon，foryershineslastnight。”

Tomdidnotmove。

“Down，youdog！”saidLegree，strikinghimwithhisriding-whip。

“Mas’rLegree，”saidTom，“Ican’tdoit。IdidonlywhatIthoughtwasright。Ishalldojustsoagain，ifeverthetimecomes。Ineverwilldoacruelthing，comewhatmay。”

“Yes，butyedon’tknowwhatmaycome，MasterTom。Yethinkwhatyou’vegotissomething。Itellyou’tan’tanything，—nothing’tall。Howwouldyeliketobetiedtoatree，andhaveaslowfirelituparoundye；—wouldn’tthatbepleasant，—eh，Tom？”

“Mas’r，”saidTom，“Iknowyecandodreadfulthings；but，”—hestretchedhimselfupwardandclaspedhishands，—“but，afterye’vekilledthebody，therean’tnomoreyecando。AndO，there’sallETERNITYtocome，afterthat！”

ETERNITY，—thewordthrilledthroughtheblackman’ssoulwithlightandpower，ashespoke；itthrilledthroughthesinner’ssoul，too，likethebiteofascorpion。Legreegnashedonhimwithhisteeth，butragekepthimsilent；andTom，likeamandisenthralled，spoke，inaclearandcheerfulvoice，

“Mas’rLegree，asyeboughtme，I’llbeatrueandfaithfulservanttoye。I’llgiveyealltheworkofmyhands，allmytime，allmystrength；butmysoulIwon’tgiveuptomortalman。IwillholdontotheLord，andputhiscommandsbeforeall，—dieorlive；youmaybesureon’t。Mas’rLegree，Iain’tagrainafeardtodie。I’dassoondieasnot。Yemaywhipme，starveme，burnme，—it’llonlysendmesoonerwhereIwanttogo。”

“I’llmakeyegiveout，though，’foreI’vedone！”saidLegree，inarage。

“Ishallhavehelp，”saidTom；“you’llneverdoit。”

“Whothedevil’sgoingtohelpyou？”saidLegree，scornfully。

“TheLordAlmighty，”saidTom。

“D—nyou！”saidLegree，aswithoneblowofhisfisthefelledTomtotheearth。

AcoldsofthandfellonLegree’satthismoment。Heturned，—itwasCassy’s；butthecoldsofttouchrecalledhisdreamofthenightbefore，and，flashingthroughthechambersofhisbrain，cameallthefearfulimagesofthenight-watches，withaportionofthehorrorthataccompaniedthem。

“Willyoubeafool？”saidCassy，inFrench。“Lethimgo！Letmealonetogethimfittobeinthefieldagain。Isn’titjustasItoldyou？”

Theysaythealligator，therhinoceros，thoughenclosedinbullet-proofmail，haveeachaspotwheretheyarevulnerable；andfierce，reckless，unbelievingreprobates，havecommonlythispointinsuperstitiousdread。

Legreeturnedaway，determinedtoletthepointgoforthetime。

“Well，haveityourownway，”hesaid，doggedly，toCassy。

“Hark，ye！”hesaidtoTom；“Iwon’tdealwithyenow，becausethebusinessispressing，andIwantallmyhands；butIneverforget。I’llscoreitagainstye，andsometimeI’llhavemypayouto’yeroldblackhide，—mindye！”

Legreeturned，andwentout。

“Thereyougo，”saidCassy，lookingdarklyafterhim；“yourreckoning’stocome，yet！—Mypoorfellow，howareyou？”

“TheLordGodhathsenthisangel，andshutthelion’smouth，forthistime，”saidTom。

“Forthistime，tobesure，”saidCassy；“butnowyou’vegothisillwilluponyou，tofollowyoudayin，dayout，hanginglikeadogonyourthroat，—suckingyourblood，bleedingawayyourlife，dropbydrop。Iknowtheman。”

Liberty

“Nomatterwithwhatsolemnitieshemayhavebeendevoteduponthealtarofslavery，themomenthetouchesthesacredsoilofBritain，thealtarandtheGodsinktogetherinthedust，andhestandsredeemed，regenerated，anddisenthralled，bytheirresistiblegeniusofuniversalemancipation。”Curran。1

AwhilewemustleaveTominthehandsofhispersecutors，whileweturntopursuethefortunesofGeorgeandhiswife，whomweleftinfriendlyhands，inafarmhouseontheroad-side。

TomLokerweleftgroaningandtouzlinginamostimmaculatelycleanQuakerbed，underthemotherlysupervisionofAuntDorcas，whofoundhimtothefullastractableapatientasasickbison。

Imagineatall，dignified，spiritualwoman，whoseclearmuslincapshadeswavesofsilveryhair，partedonabroad，clearforehead，whichoverarchesthoughtfulgrayeyes。Asnowyhandkerchiefoflissecrapeisfoldedneatlyacrossherbosom；herglossybrownsilkdressrustlespeacefully，assheglidesupanddownthechamber。

“Thedevil！”saysTomLoker，givingagreatthrowtothebedclothes。

“Imustrequestthee，Thomas，nottousesuchlanguage，”saysAuntDorcas，asshequietlyrearrangedthebed。

“Well，Iwon’t，granny，ifIcanhelpit，”saysTom；“butitisenoughtomakeafellowswear，—socursedlyhot！”

Dorcasremovedacomforterfromthebed，straightenedtheclothesagain，andtuckedthemintillTomlookedsomethinglikeachrysalis；remarking，asshedidso，

“Iwish，friend，theewouldleaveoffcursingandswearing，andthinkuponthyways。”

“Whatthedevil，”saidTom，“shouldIthinkofthemfor？thingeverIwanttothinkof—hangitall！”AndTomflouncedover，untuckinganddisarrangingeverything，inamannerfrightfultobehold。

“Thatfellowandgalarehere，I’spose，”saidhe，sullenly，afterapause。

“Theyareso，”saidDorcas。

“They’dbetterbeoffuptothelake，”saidTom；“thequickerthebetter。”

“Probablytheywilldoso，”saidAuntDorcas，knittingpeacefully。

“Andharkye，”saidTom；“we’vegotcorrespondentsinSandusky，thatwatchtheboatsforus。Idon’tcareifItell，now。Ihopetheywillgetaway，justtospiteMarks，—thecursedpuppy！—d—nhim！”

“Thomas！”saidDorcas。

“Itellyou，granny，ifyoubottleafellowuptootight，Ishallsplit，”saidTom。“Butaboutthegal，—tell’emtodressherupsomeway，so’stoalterher。Herdescription’soutinSandusky。”

“Wewillattendtothatmatter，”saidDorcas，withcharacteristiccomposure。

AsweatthisplacetakeleaveofTomLoker，wemayaswellsay，that，havinglainthreeweeksattheQuakerdwelling，sickwitharheumaticfever，whichsetin，incompanywithhisotherafflictions，Tomarosefromhisbedasomewhatsadderandwiserman；and，inplaceofslave-catching，betookhimselftolifeinoneofthenewsettlements，wherehistalentsdevelopedthemselvesmorehappilyintrappingbears，wolves，andotherinhabitantsoftheforest，inwhichhemadehimselfquiteanameintheland。TomalwaysspokereverentlyoftheQuakers。“Nicepeople，”hewouldsay；“wantedtoconvertme，butcouldn’tcomeit，exactly。But，tellyewhat，stranger，theydofixupasickfellowfirstrate，—nomistake。Makejistthetallestkindo’brothandknicknacks。”

AsTomhadinformedthemthattheirpartywouldbelookedforinSandusky，itwasthoughtprudenttodividethem。Jim，withhisoldmother，wasforwardedseparately；andanightortwoafter，GeorgeandEliza，withtheirchild，weredrivenprivatelyintoSandusky，andlodgedbeneathahospitalroof，preparatorytotakingtheirlastpassageonthelake。

Theirnightwasnowfarspent，andthemorningstaroflibertyrosefairbeforethem！—electricword！Whatisit？Isthereanythingmoreinitthananame—arhetoricalflourish？Why，menandwomenofAmerica，doesyourheart’sbloodthrillatthatword，forwhichyourfathersbled，andyourbravermotherswerewillingthattheirnoblestandbestshoulddie？

Isthereanythinginitgloriousanddearforanation，thatisnotalsogloriousanddearforaman？Whatisfreedomtoanation，butfreedomtotheindividualsinit？Whatisfreedomtothatyoungman，whositsthere，withhisarmsfoldedoverhisbroadchest，thetintofAfricanbloodinhischeek，itsdarkfiresinhiseyes，—whatisfreedomtoGeorgeHarris？Toyourfathers，freedomwastherightofanationtobeanation。Tohim，itistherightofamantobeaman，andnotabrute；therighttocallthewifeofhisbosomiswife，andtoprotectherfromlawlessviolence；therighttoprotectandeducatehischild；therighttohaveahomeofhisown，areligionofhisown，acharacterofhisown，unsubjecttothewillofanother。AllthesethoughtswererollingandseethinginGeorge’sbreast，ashewaspensivelyleaninghisheadonhishand，watchinghiswife，asshewasadaptingtoherslenderandprettyformthearticlesofman’sattire，inwhichitwasdeemedsafestsheshouldmakeherescape。

“Nowforit，”saidshe，asshestoodbeforetheglass，andshookdownhersilkyabundanceofblackcurlyhair。“Isay，George，it’salmostapity，isn’tit，”shesaid，assheheldupsomeofit，playfully，—“pityit’sallgottocomeoff？”

Georgesmiledsadly，andmadenoanswer。

Elizaturnedtotheglass，andthescissorsglitteredasonelonglockafteranotherwasdetachedfromherhead。

“There，now，that’lldo，”shesaid，takingupahair-brush；“nowforafewfancytouches。”

“There，an’tIaprettyyoungfellow？”shesaid，turningaroundtoherhusband，laughingandblushingatthesametime。

“Youalwayswillbepretty，dowhatyouwill，”saidGeorge。

“Whatdoesmakeyousosober？”saidEliza，kneelingononeknee，andlayingherhandonhis。“Weareonlywithintwenty-fourhoursofCanada，theysay。Onlyadayandanightonthelake，andthen—oh，then！—”

“O，Eliza！”saidGeorge，drawinghertowardshim；“thatisit！Nowmyfateisallnarrowingdowntoapoint。Tocomesonear，tobealmostinsight，andthenloseall。Ishouldneverliveunderit，Eliza。”

“Don’tfear，”saidhiswife，hopefully。“ThegoodLordwouldnothavebroughtussofar，ifhedidn’tmeantocarryusthrough。Iseemtofeelhimwithus，George。”

“Youareablessedwoman，Eliza！”saidGeorge，claspingherwithaconvulsivegrasp。“But，—oh，tellme！canthisgreatmercybeforus？Willtheseyearsandyearsofmiserycometoanend？—shallwebefree？

“Iamsureofit，George，”saidEliza，lookingupward，whiletearsofhopeandenthusiasmshoneonherlong，darklashes。“Ifeelitinme，thatGodisgoingtobringusoutofbondage，thisveryday。”

“Iwillbelieveyou，Eliza，”saidGeorge，risingsuddenlyup，“Iwillbelieve，—comelet’sbeoff。Well，indeed，”saidhe，holdingheroffatarm’slength，andlookingadmiringlyather，“youareaprettylittlefellow。Thatcropoflittle，shortcurls，isquitebecoming。Putonyourcap。So—alittletooneside。Ineversawyoulookquitesopretty。But，it’salmosttimeforthecarriage；—IwonderifMrs。SmythhasgotHarryrigged？”

Thedooropened，andarespectable，middle-agedwomanentered，leadinglittleHarry，dressedingirl’sclothes。

“Whataprettygirlhemakes，”saidEliza，turninghimround。“WecallhimHarriet，yousee；—don’tthenamecomenicely？”

Thechildstoodgravelyregardinghismotherinhernewandstrangeattire，observingaprofoundsilence，andoccasionallydrawingdeepsighs，andpeepingatherfromunderhisdarkcurls。

“DoesHarryknowmamma？”saidEliza，stretchingherhandstowardhim。

Thechildclungshylytothewoman。

“ComeEliza，whydoyoutrytocoaxhim，whenyouknowthathehasgottobekeptawayfromyou？”

“Iknowit’sfoolish，”saidEliza；“yet，Ican’tbeartohavehimturnawayfromme。Butcome，—where’smycloak？Here，—howisitmenputoncloaks，George？”

“Youmustwearitso，”saidherhusband，throwingitoverhisshoulders。

“So，then，”saidEliza，imitatingthemotion，—“andImuststamp，andtakelongsteps，andtrytolooksaucy。”

“Don’texertyourself，”saidGeorge。“Thereis，nowandthen，amodestyoungman；andIthinkitwouldbeeasierforyoutoactthatcharacter。”

“Andthesegloves！mercyuponus！”saidEliza；“why，myhandsarelostinthem。”

“Iadviseyoutokeepthemonprettystrictly，”saidGeorge。“Yourslenderpawmightbringusallout。Now，Mrs。Smyth，youaretogounderourcharge，andbeouraunty，—youmind。”

“I’veheard，”saidMrs。Smyth，“thattherehavebeenmendown，warningallthepacketcaptainsagainstamanandwoman，withalittleboy。”

“Theyhave！”saidGeorge。“Well，ifweseeanysuchpeople，wecantellthem。”

Ahacknowdrovetothedoor，andthefriendlyfamilywhohadreceivedthefugitivescrowdedaroundthemwithfarewellgreetings。

ThedisguisesthepartyhadassumedwereinaccordancewiththehintsofTomLoker。Mrs。Smyth，arespectablewomanfromthesettlementinCanada，whithertheywerefleeing，beingfortunatelyaboutcrossingthelaketoreturnthither，hadconsentedtoappearastheauntoflittleHarry；and，inordertoattachhimtoher，hehadbeenallowedtoremain，thetwolastdays，underhersolecharge；andanextraamountofpetting，jointedtoanindefiniteamountofseed-cakesandcandy，hadcementedaverycloseattachmentonthepartoftheyounggentleman。

Thehackdrovetothewharf。Thetwoyoungmen，astheyappeared，walkeduptheplankintotheboat，ElizagallantlygivingherarmtoMrs。Smyth，andGeorgeattendingtotheirbaggage。

Georgewasstandingatthecaptain’soffice，settlingforhisparty，whenheoverheardtwomentalkingbyhisside。

“I’vewatchedeveryonethatcameonboard，”saidone，“andIknowthey’renotonthisboat。”

Thevoicewasthatoftheclerkoftheboat。ThespeakerwhomheaddressedwasoursometimefriendMarks，who，withthatvaluableperservancewhichcharacterizedhim，hadcomeontoSandusky，seekingwhomhemightdevour。

“Youwouldscarcelyknowthewomanfromawhiteone，”saidMarks。“Themanisaverylightmulatto；hehasabrandinoneofhishands。”

ThehandwithwhichGeorgewastakingtheticketsandchangetrembledalittle；butheturnedcoollyaround，fixedanunconcernedglanceonthefaceofthespeaker，andwalkedleisurelytowardanotherpartoftheboat，whereElizastoodwaitingforhim。

Mrs。Smyth，withlittleHarry，soughttheseclusionoftheladies’cabin，wherethedarkbeautyofthesupposedlittlegirldrewmanyflatteringcommentsfromthepassengers。

Georgehadthesatisfaction，asthebellrangoutitsfarewellpeal，toseeMarkswalkdowntheplanktotheshore；anddrewalongsighofrelief，whentheboathadputareturnlessdistancebetweenthem。

Itwasasuperbday。ThebluewavesofLakeEriedanced，ripplingandsparkling，inthesun-light。Afreshbreezeblewfromtheshore，andthelordlyboatploughedherwayrightgallantlyonward。

O，whatanuntoldworldthereisinonehumanheart！Whothought，asGeorgewalkedcalmlyupanddownthedeckofthesteamer，withhisshycompanionathisside，ofallthatwasburninginhisbosom？Themightygoodthatseemedapproachingseemedtoogood，toofair，eventobeareality；andhefeltajealousdread，everymomentoftheday，thatsomethingwouldrisetosnatchitfromhim。

Buttheboatswepton。Hoursfleeted，and，atlast，clearandfullrosetheblessedEnglishshores；shorescharmedbyamightyspell，—withonetouchtodissolveeveryincantationofslavery，nomatterinwhatlanguagepronounced，orbywhatnationalpowerconfirmed。

Georgeandhiswifestoodarminarm，astheboatnearedthesmalltownofAmherstberg，inCanada。Hisbreathgrewthickandshort；amistgatheredbeforehiseyes；hesilentlypressedthelittlehandthatlaytremblingonhisarm。Thebellrang；theboatstopped。Scarcelyseeingwhathedid，helookedouthisbaggage，andgatheredhislittleparty。Thelittlecompanywerelandedontheshore。Theystoodstilltilltheboathadcleared；andthen，withtearsandembracings，thehusbandandwife，withtheirwonderingchildintheirarms，kneltdownandlifteduptheirheartstoGod！

“’Twassomethingliketheburstfromdeathtolife；

Fromthegrave’scerementstotherobesofheaven；

Fromsin’sdominion，andfrompassion’sstrife，

Tothepurefreedomofasoulforgiven；

Whereallthebondsofdeathandhellareriven，

Andmortalputsonimmortality，

WhenMercy’shandhathturnedthegoldenkey，

AndMercy’svoicehathsaid，Rejoice，thysoulisfree。”

Thelittlepartyweresoonguided，byMrs。Smyth，tothehospitableabodeofagoodmissionary，whomChristiancharityhasplacedhereasashepherdtotheoutcastandwandering，whoareconstantlyfindinganasylumonthisshore。

Whocanspeaktheblessednessofthatfirstdayoffreedom？Isnotthesenseoflibertyahigherandafineronethananyofthefive？Tomove，speakandbreathe，—gooutandcomeinunwatched，andfreefromdanger！Whocanspeaktheblessingsofthatrestwhichcomesdownonthefreeman’spillow，underlawswhichinsuretohimtherightsthatGodhasgiventoman？Howfairandprecioustothatmotherwasthatsleepingchild’sface，endearedbythememoryofathousanddangers！Howimpossiblewasittosleep，intheexuberantposessionofsuchblessedness！Andyet，thesetwohadnotoneacreofground，—notaroofthattheycouldcalltheirown，—theyhadspenttheirall，tothelastdollar。Theyhadnothingmorethanthebirdsoftheair，ortheflowersofthefield，—yettheycouldnotsleepforjoy。“O，yewhotakefreedomfromman，withwhatwordsshallyeanswerittoGod？”

1JohnPhilpotCurran(1750-1817)，IrishoratorandjudgewhoworkedforCatholicemancipation。