ShowingtheFeelingsofLivingPropertyonChangingOwners
Mr。andMrs。Shelbyhadretiredtotheirapartmentforthenight。Hewaslounginginalargeeasy-chair，lookingoversomelettersthathadcomeintheafternoonmail，andshewasstandingbeforehermirror，brushingoutthecomplicatedbraidsandcurlsinwhichElizahadarrangedherhair；for，noticingherpalecheeksandhaggardeyes，shehadexcusedherattendancethatnight，andorderedhertobed。Theemployment，naturallyenough，suggestedherconversationwiththegirlinthemorning；andturningtoherhusband，shesaid，carelessly，
“Bytheby，Arthur，whowasthatlow-bredfellowthatyouluggedintoourdinner-tabletoday？”
“Haleyishisname，”saidShelby，turninghimselfratheruneasilyinhischair，andcontinuingwithhiseyesfixedonaletter。
“Haley！Whoishe，andwhatmaybehisbusinesshere，pray？”
“Well，he’samanthatItransactedsomebusinesswith，lasttimeIwasatNatchez，”saidMr。Shelby。
“Andhepresumedonittomakehimselfquiteathome，andcallanddinehere，ay？”
“Why，Iinvitedhim；Ihadsomeaccountswithhim，”saidShelby。
“Isheanegro-trader？”saidMrs。Shelby，noticingacertainembarrassmentinherhusband’smanner。
“Why，mydear，whatputthatintoyourhead？”saidShelby，lookingup。
“Nothing，—onlyElizacameinhere，afterdinner，inagreatworry，cryingandtakingon，andsaidyouweretalkingwithatrader，andthatsheheardhimmakeanofferforherboy—theridiculouslittlegoose！”
“Shedid，hey？”saidMr。Shelby，returningtohispaper，whichheseemedforafewmomentsquiteintentupon，notperceivingthathewasholdingitbottomupwards。
“Itwillhavetocomeout，”saidhe，mentally；“aswellnowasever。”
“ItoldEliza，”saidMrs。Shelby，asshecontinuedbrushingherhair，“thatshewasalittlefoolforherpains，andthatyouneverhadanythingtodowiththatsortofpersons。Ofcourse，Iknewyounevermeanttosellanyofourpeople，—leastofall，tosuchafellow。”
“Well，Emily，”saidherhusband，“soIhavealwaysfeltandsaid；butthefactisthatmybusinessliessothatIcannotgetonwithout。Ishallhavetosellsomeofmyhands。”
“Tothatcreature？Impossible！Mr。Shelby，youcannotbeserious。”
“I’msorrytosaythatIam，”saidMr。Shelby。“I’veagreedtosellTom。”
“What！ourTom？—thatgood，faithfulcreature！—beenyourfaithfulservantfromaboy！O，Mr。Shelby！—andyouhavepromisedhimhisfreedom，too，—youandIhavespokentohimahundredtimesofit。Well，Icanbelieveanythingnow，—IcanbelievenowthatyoucouldselllittleHarry，poorEliza’sonlychild！”saidMrs。Shelby，inatonebetweengriefandindignation。
“Well，sinceyoumustknowall，itisso。IhaveagreedtosellTomandHarryboth；andIdon’tknowwhyIamtoberated，asifIwereamonster，fordoingwhateveryonedoeseveryday。”
“Butwhy，ofallothers，choosethese？”saidMrs。Shelby。“Whysellthem，ofallontheplace，ifyoumustsellatall？”
“Becausetheywillbringthehighestsumofany，—that’swhy。Icouldchooseanother，ifyousayso。ThefellowmademeahighbidonEliza，ifthatwouldsuityouanybetter，”saidMr。Shelby。
“Thewretch！”saidMrs。Shelby，vehemently。
“Well，Ididn’tlistentoit，amoment，—outofregardtoyourfeelings，Iwouldn’t；—sogivemesomecredit。”
“Mydear，”saidMrs。Shelby，recollectingherself，“forgiveme。Ihavebeenhasty。Iwassurprised，andentirelyunpreparedforthis；—butsurelyyouwillallowmetointercedeforthesepoorcreatures。Tomisanoble-hearted，faithfulfellow，ifheisblack。Idobelieve，Mr。Shelby，thatifhewereputtoit，hewouldlaydownhislifeforyou。”
“Iknowit，—Idaresay；—butwhat’stheuseofallthis？—Ican’thelpmyself。”
“Whynotmakeapecuniarysacrifice？I’mwillingtobearmypartoftheinconvenience。O，Mr。Shelby，Ihavetried—triedmostfaithfully，asaChristianwomanshould—todomydutytothesepoor，simple，dependentcreatures。Ihavecaredforthem，instructedthem，watchedoverthem，andknowalltheirlittlecaresandjoys，foryears；andhowcanIeverholdupmyheadagainamongthem，if，forthesakeofalittlepaltrygain，wesellsuchafaithful，excellent，confidingcreatureaspoorTom，andtearfromhiminamomentallwehavetaughthimtoloveandvalue？Ihavetaughtthemthedutiesofthefamily，ofparentandchild，andhusbandandwife；andhowcanIbeartohavethisopenacknowledgmentthatwecarefornotie，noduty，norelation，howeversacred，comparedwithmoney？IhavetalkedwithElizaaboutherboy—herdutytohimasaChristianmother，towatchoverhim，prayforhim，andbringhimupinaChristianway；andnowwhatcanIsay，ifyoutearhimaway，andsellhim，soulandbody，toaprofane，unprincipledman，justtosavealittlemoney？Ihavetoldherthatonesoulisworthmorethanallthemoneyintheworld；andhowwillshebelievemewhensheseesusturnroundandsellherchild？—sellhim，perhaps，tocertainruinofbodyandsoul！”
“I’msorryyoufeelsoaboutit，—indeedIam，”saidMr。Shelby；“andIrespectyourfeelings，too，thoughIdon’tpretendtosharethemtotheirfullextent；butItellyounow，solemnly，it’sofnouse—Ican’thelpmyself。Ididn’tmeantotellyouthisEmily；but，inplainwords，thereisnochoicebetweensellingthesetwoandsellingeverything。Eithertheymustgo，orallmust。Haleyhascomeintopossessionofamortgage，which，ifIdon’tclearoffwithhimdirectly，willtakeeverythingbeforeit。I’veraked，andscraped，andborrowed，andallbutbegged，—andthepriceofthesetwowasneededtomakeupthebalance，andIhadtogivethemup。Haleyfanciedthechild；heagreedtosettlethematterthatway，andnoother。Iwasinhispower，andhadtodoit。Ifyoufeelsotohavethemsold，woulditbeanybettertohaveallsold？”
Mrs。Shelbystoodlikeonestricken。Finally，turningtohertoilet，sherestedherfaceinherhands，andgaveasortofgroan。
“ThisisGod’scurseonslavery！—abitter，bitter，mostaccursedthing！—acursetothemasterandacursetotheslave！IwasafooltothinkIcouldmakeanythinggoodoutofsuchadeadlyevil。Itisasintoholdaslaveunderlawslikeours，—Ialwaysfeltitwas，—IalwaysthoughtsowhenIwasagirl，—IthoughtsostillmoreafterIjoinedthechurch；butIthoughtIcouldgilditover，—Ithought，bykindness，andcare，andinstruction，Icouldmaketheconditionofminebetterthanfreedom—foolthatIwas！”
“Why，wife，youaregettingtobeanabolitionist，quite。”
“Abolitionist！iftheyknewallIknowaboutslavery，theymighttalk！Wedon’tneedthemtotellus；youknowIneverthoughtthatslaverywasright—neverfeltwillingtoownslaves。”
“Well，thereinyoudifferfrommanywiseandpiousmen，”saidMr。Shelby。“YourememberMr。B。’ssermon，theotherSunday？”
“Idon’twanttohearsuchsermons；IneverwishtohearMr。B。inourchurchagain。Ministerscan’thelptheevil，perhaps，—can’tcureit，anymorethanwecan，—butdefendit！—italwayswentagainstmycommonsense。AndIthinkyoudidn’tthinkmuchofthatsermon，either。”
“Well，”saidShelby，“Imustsaytheseministerssometimescarrymattersfurtherthanwepoorsinnerswouldexactlydaretodo。Wemenoftheworldmustwinkprettyhardatvariousthings，andgetusedtoadealthatisn’ttheexactthing。Butwedon’tquitefancy，whenwomenandministerscomeoutbroadandsquare，andgobeyondusinmattersofeithermodestyormorals，that’safact。Butnow，mydear，Itrustyouseethenecessityofthething，andyouseethatIhavedonetheverybestthatcircumstanceswouldallow。”
“Oyes，yes！”saidMrs。Shelby，hurriedlyandabstractedlyfingeringhergoldwatch，—“Ihaven’tanyjewelryofanyamount，”sheadded，thoughtfully；“butwouldnotthiswatchdosomething？—itwasanexpensiveone，whenitwasbought。IfIcouldonlyatleastsaveEliza’schild，IwouldsacrificeanythingIhave。”
“I’msorry，verysorry，Emily，”saidMr。Shelby，“I’msorrythistakesholdofyouso；butitwilldonogood。Thefactis，Emily，thething’sdone；thebillsofsalearealreadysigned，andinHaley’shands；andyoumustbethankfulitisnoworse。Thatmanhashaditinhispowertoruinusall，—andnowheisfairlyoff。IfyouknewthemanasIdo，you’dthinkthatwehadhadanarrowescape。”
“Ishesohard，then？”
“Why，notacruelman，exactly，butamanofleather，—amanalivetonothingbuttradeandprofit，—cool，andunhesitating，andunrelenting，asdeathandthegrave。He’dsellhisownmotheratagoodpercentage—notwishingtheoldwomananyharm，either。”
“Andthiswretchownsthatgood，faithfulTom，andEliza’schild！”
“Well，mydear，thefactisthatthisgoesratherhardwithme；it’sathingIhatetothinkof。Haleywantstodrivematters，andtakepossessiontomorrow。I’mgoingtogetoutmyhorsebrightandearly，andbeoff。Ican’tseeTom，that’safact；andyouhadbetterarrangeadrivesomewhere，andcarryElizaoff。Letthethingbedonewhensheisoutofsight。”
“No，no，”saidMrs。Shelby；“I’llbeinnosenseaccompliceorhelpinthiscruelbusiness。I’llgoandseepooroldTom，Godhelphim，inhisdistress！Theyshallsee，atanyrate，thattheirmistresscanfeelforandwiththem。AstoEliza，Idarenotthinkaboutit。TheLordforgiveus！Whathavewedone，thatthiscruelnecessityshouldcomeonus？”
TherewasonelistenertothisconversationwhomMr。andMrs。Shelbylittlesuspected。
Communicatingwiththeirapartmentwasalargecloset，openingbyadoorintotheouterpassage。WhenMrs。ShelbyhaddismissedElizaforthenight，herfeverishandexcitedmindhadsuggestedtheideaofthiscloset；andshehadhiddenherselfthere，and，withherearpressedcloseagainstthecrackofthedoor，hadlostnotawordoftheconversation。
Whenthevoicesdiedintosilence，sheroseandcreptstealthilyaway。Pale，shivering，withrigidfeaturesandcompressedlips，shelookedanentirelyalteredbeingfromthesoftandtimidcreatureshehadbeenhitherto。Shemovedcautiouslyalongtheentry，pausedonemomentathermistress’door，andraisedherhandsinmuteappealtoHeaven，andthenturnedandglidedintoherownroom。Itwasaquiet，neatapartment，onthesamefloorwithhermistress。Therewasapleasantsunnywindow，whereshehadoftensatsingingathersewing；therealittlecaseofbooks，andvariouslittlefancyarticles，rangedbythem，thegiftsofChristmasholidays；therewashersimplewardrobeintheclosetandinthedrawers:—herewas，inshort，herhome；and，onthewhole，ahappyoneithadbeentoher。Butthere，onthebed，layherslumberingboy，hislongcurlsfallingnegligentlyaroundhisunconsciousface，hisrosymouthhalfopen，hislittlefathandsthrownoutoverthebedclothes，andasmilespreadlikeasunbeamoverhiswholeface。
“Poorboy！poorfellow！”saidEliza；“theyhavesoldyou！butyourmotherwillsaveyouyet！”
Noteardroppedoverthatpillow；insuchstraitsasthese，thehearthasnotearstogive，—itdropsonlyblood，bleedingitselfawayinsilence。Shetookapieceofpaperandapencil，andwrote，hastily，
“O，Missis！dearMissis！don’tthinkmeungrateful，—don’tthinkhardofme，anyway，—Iheardallyouandmastersaidtonight。Iamgoingtotrytosavemyboy—youwillnotblameme！Godblessandrewardyouforallyourkindness！”
Hastilyfoldinganddirectingthis，shewenttoadrawerandmadeupalittlepackageofclothingforherboy，whichshetiedwithahandkerchieffirmlyroundherwaist；and，sofondisamother’sremembrance，that，evenintheterrorsofthathour，shedidnotforgettoputinthelittlepackageoneortwoofhisfavoritetoys，reservingagaylypaintedparrottoamusehim，whensheshouldbecalledontoawakenhim。Itwassometroubletoarousethelittlesleeper；but，aftersomeeffort，hesatup，andwasplayingwithhisbird，whilehismotherwasputtingonherbonnetandshawl。
“Whereareyougoing，mother？”saidhe，asshedrewnearthebed，withhislittlecoatandcap。
Hismotherdrewnear，andlookedsoearnestlyintohiseyes，thatheatoncedivinedthatsomethingunusualwasthematter。
“Hush，Harry，”shesaid；“mustn’tspeakloud，ortheywillhearus。AwickedmanwascomingtotakelittleHarryawayfromhismother，andcarryhim’wayoffinthedark；butmotherwon’tlethim—she’sgoingtoputonherlittleboy’scapandcoat，andrunoffwithhim，sotheuglymancan’tcatchhim。”
Sayingthesewords，shehadtiedandbuttonedonthechild’ssimpleoutfit，and，takinghiminherarms，shewhisperedtohimtobeverystill；and，openingadoorinherroomwhichledintotheouterverandah，sheglidednoiselesslyout。
Itwasasparkling，frosty，starlightnight，andthemotherwrappedtheshawlcloseroundherchild，as，perfectlyquietwithvagueterror，heclungroundherneck。
OldBruno，agreatNewfoundland，whosleptattheendoftheporch，rose，withalowgrowl，asshecamenear。Shegentlyspokehisname，andtheanimal，anoldpetandplaymateofhers，instantly，wagginghistail，preparedtofollowher，thoughapparentlyrevolvingmuch，inthissimpledog’shead，whatsuchanindiscreetmidnightpromenademightmean。Somedimideasofimprudenceorimproprietyinthemeasureseemedtoembarrasshimconsiderably；forheoftenstopped，asElizaglidedforward，andlookedwistfully，firstatherandthenatthehouse，andthen，asifreassuredbyreflection，hepatteredalongafterheragain。AfewminutesbroughtthemtothewindowofUncleTom’scottage，andElizastopping，tappedlightlyonthewindow-pane。
Theprayer-meetingatUncleTom’shad，intheorderofhymn-singing，beenprotractedtoaverylatehour；and，asUncleTomhadindulgedhimselfinafewlengthysolosafterwards，theconsequencewas，that，althoughitwasnowbetweentwelveandoneo’clock，heandhisworthyhelpmeetwerenotyetasleep。
“GoodLord！what’sthat？”saidAuntChloe，startingupandhastilydrawingthecurtain。“Mysakesalive，ifitan’tLizy！Getonyourclothes，oldman，quick！—there’soldBruno，too，apawinround；whatonairth！I’mgwinetoopenthedoor。”
Andsuitingtheactiontotheword，thedoorflewopen，andthelightofthetallowcandle，whichTomhadhastilylighted，fellonthehaggardfaceanddark，wildeyesofthefugitive。
“Lordblessyou！—I’mskeeredtolookatye，Lizy！Areyetucksick，orwhat’scomeoverye？”
“I’mrunningaway—UncleTomandAuntChloe—carryingoffmychild—Mastersoldhim！”
“Soldhim？”echoedboth，liftinguptheirhandsindismay。
“Yes，soldhim！”saidEliza，firmly；“IcreptintotheclosetbyMistress’doortonight，andIheardMastertellMissisthathehadsoldmyHarry，andyou，UncleTom，both，toatrader；andthathewasgoingoffthismorningonhishorse，andthatthemanwastotakepossessiontoday。”
Tomhadstood，duringthisspeech，withhishandsraised，andhiseyesdilated，likeamaninadream。Slowlyandgradually，asitsmeaningcameoverhim，hecollapsed，ratherthanseatedhimself，onhisoldchair，andsunkhisheaddownuponhisknees。
“ThegoodLordhavepityonus！”saidAuntChloe。“O！itdon’tseemasifitwastrue！Whathashedone，thatMas’rshouldsellhim？”
“Hehasn’tdoneanything，—itisn’tforthat。Masterdon’twanttosell，andMississhe’salwaysgood。Iheardherpleadandbegforus；buthetoldher’twasnouse；thathewasinthisman’sdebt，andthatthismanhadgotthepoweroverhim；andthatifhedidn’tpayhimoffclear，itwouldendinhishavingtoselltheplaceandallthepeople，andmoveoff。Yes，Iheardhimsaytherewasnochoicebetweensellingthesetwoandsellingall，themanwasdrivinghimsohard。Mastersaidhewassorry；butoh，Missis—yououghttohaveheardhertalk！Ifshean’taChristianandanangel，thereneverwasone。I’mawickedgirltoleaveherso；but，then，Ican’thelpit。Shesaid，herself，onesoulwasworthmorethantheworld；andthisboyhasasoul，andifIlethimbecarriedoff，whoknowswhat’llbecomeofit？Itmustberight:but，ifitan’tright，theLordforgiveme，forIcan’thelpdoingit！”
“Well，oldman！”saidAuntChloe，“whydon’tyougo，too？Willyouwaittobetoteddownriver，wheretheykillniggerswithhardworkandstarving？I’daheapratherdiethangothere，anyday！There’stimeforye，—beoffwithLizy，—you’vegotapasstocomeandgoanytime。Come，bustleup，andI’llgetyourthingstogether。”
Tomslowlyraisedhishead，andlookedsorrowfullybutquietlyaround，andsaid，
“No，no—Ian’tgoing。LetElizago—it’sherright！Iwouldn’tbetheonetosayno—’tan’tinnaturforhertostay；butyouheardwhatshesaid！IfImustbesold，orallthepeopleontheplace，andeverythinggotorack，why，letmebesold。Is’poseIcanb’aritaswellasanyon’em，”headded，whilesomethinglikeasobandasighshookhisbroad，roughchestconvulsively。“Mas’ralwaysfoundmeonthespot—healwayswill。Ineverhavebroketrust，norusedmypassnowayscontrarytomyword，andIneverwill。It’sbetterformealonetogo，thantobreakuptheplaceandsellall。Mas’ran’ttoblame，Chloe，andhe’lltakecareofyouandthepoor—”
Hereheturnedtotheroughtrundlebedfulloflittlewoollyheads，andbrokefairlydown。Heleanedoverthebackofthechair，andcoveredhisfacewithhislargehands。Sobs，heavy，hoarseandloud，shookthechair，andgreattearsfellthroughhisfingersonthefloor；justsuchtears，sir，asyoudroppedintothecoffinwherelayyourfirst-bornson；suchtears，woman，asyoushedwhenyouheardthecriesofyourdyingbabe。For，sir，hewasaman，—andyouarebutanotherman。And，woman，thoughdressedinsilkandjewels，youarebutawoman，and，inlife’sgreatstraitsandmightygriefs，yefeelbutonesorrow！
“Andnow，”saidEliza，asshestoodinthedoor，“Isawmyhusbandonlythisafternoon，andIlittleknewthenwhatwastocome。Theyhavepushedhimtotheverylaststandingplace，andhetoldme，today，thathewasgoingtorunaway。Dotry，ifyoucan，togetwordtohim。TellhimhowIwent，andwhyIwent；andtellhimI’mgoingtotryandfindCanada。Youmustgivemylovetohim，andtellhim，ifIneverseehimagain，”sheturnedaway，andstoodwithherbacktothemforamoment，andthenadded，inahuskyvoice，“tellhimtobeasgoodashecan，andtryandmeetmeinthekingdomofheaven。”
“CallBrunointhere，”sheadded。“Shutthedooronhim，poorbeast！Hemustn’tgowithme！”
Afewlastwordsandtears，afewsimpleadieusandblessings，andclaspingherwonderingandaffrightedchildinherarms，sheglidednoiselesslyaway。
Discovery
Mr。andMrs。Shelby，aftertheirprotracteddiscussionofthenightbefore，didnotreadilysinktorepose，and，inconsequence，sleptsomewhatlaterthanusual，theensuingmorning。
“IwonderwhatkeepsEliza，”saidMrs。Shelby，aftergivingherbellrepeatedpulls，tonopurpose。
Mr。Shelbywasstandingbeforehisdressing-glass，sharpeninghisrazor；andjustthenthedooropened，andacoloredboyentered，withhisshaving-water。
“Andy，”saidhismistress，“steptoEliza’sdoor，andtellherIhaverungforherthreetimes。Poorthing！”sheadded，toherself，withasigh。
Andysoonreturned，witheyesverywideinastonishment。
“Lor，Missis！Lizy’sdrawersisallopen，andherthingsalllyingeverywhichway；andIbelieveshe’sjustdoneclaredout！”
ThetruthflasheduponMr。Shelbyandhiswifeatthesamemoment。Heexclaimed，
“Thenshesuspectedit，andshe’soff！”
“TheLordbethanked！”saidMrs。Shelby。“Itrustsheis。”
“Wife，youtalklikeafool！Really，itwillbesomethingprettyawkwardforme，ifsheis。HaleysawthatIhesitatedaboutsellingthischild，andhe’llthinkIconnivedatit，togethimoutoftheway。Ittouchesmyhonor！”AndMr。Shelbylefttheroomhastily。
Therewasgreatrunningandejaculating，andopeningandshuttingofdoors，andappearanceoffacesinallshadesofcolorindifferentplaces，foraboutaquarterofanhour。Onepersononly，whomighthaveshedsomelightonthematter，wasentirelysilent，andthatwastheheadcook，AuntChloe。Silently，andwithaheavycloudsettleddownoverheroncejoyousface，sheproceededmakingoutherbreakfastbiscuits，asifsheheardandsawnothingoftheexcitementaroundher。
Verysoon，aboutadozenyoungimpswereroosting，likesomanycrows，ontheverandahrailings，eachonedeterminedtobethefirstonetoapprizethestrangeMas’rofhisillluck。
“He’llberaelmad，I’llbebound，”saidAndy。
“Won’theswar！”saidlittleblackJake。
“Yes，forhedoesswar，”saidwoolly-headedMandy。“Ihearnhimyesterday，atdinner。Ihearnallaboutitthen，’causeIgotintotheclosetwhereMissiskeepsthegreatjugs，andIhearneveryword。”AndMandy，whohadneverinherlifethoughtofthemeaningofawordshehadheard，morethanablackcat，nowtookairsofsuperiorwisdom，andstruttedabout，forgettingtostatethat，thoughactuallycoiledupamongthejugsatthetimespecified，shehadbeenfastasleepallthetime。
When，atlast，Haleyappeared，bootedandspurred，hewassalutedwiththebadtidingsoneveryhand。Theyoungimpsontheverandahwerenotdisappointedintheirhopeofhearinghim“swar，”whichhedidwithafluencyandfervencywhichdelightedthemallamazingly，astheyduckedanddodgedhitherandthither，tobeoutofthereachofhisriding-whip；and，allwhoopingofftogether，theytumbled，inapileofimmeasurablegiggle，onthewitheredturfundertheverandah，wheretheykickeduptheirheelsandshoutedtotheirfullsatisfaction。
“IfIhadthelittledevils！”mutteredHaley，betweenhisteeth。
“Butyouha’ntgot’em，though！”saidAndy，withatriumphantflourish，andmakingastringofindescribablemouthsattheunfortunatetrader’sback，whenhewasfairlybeyondhearing。
“Isaynow，Shelby，thisyer’samostextro’rnarybusiness！”saidHaley，asheabruptlyenteredtheparlor。“Itseemsthatgal’soff，withheryoungun。”
“Mr。Haley，Mrs。Shelbyispresent，”saidMr。Shelby。
“Ibegpardon，ma’am，”saidHaley，bowingslightly，withastillloweringbrow；“butstillIsay，asIsaidbefore，thisyer’sasing’larreport。Isittrue，sir？”
“Sir，”saidMr。Shelby，“ifyouwishtocommunicatewithme，youmustobservesomethingofthedecorumofagentleman。Andy，takeMr。Haley’shatandriding-whip。Takeaseat，sir。Yes，sir；Iregrettosaythattheyoungwoman，excitedbyoverhearing，orhavingreportedtoher，somethingofthisbusiness，hastakenherchildinthenight，andmadeoff。”
“Ididexpectfairdealinginthismatter，Iconfess，”saidHaley。
“Well，sir，”saidMr。Shelby，turningsharplyrounduponhim，“whatamItounderstandbythatremark？Ifanymancallsmyhonorinquestion，Ihavebutoneanswerforhim。”
Thetradercoweredatthis，andinasomewhatlowertonesaidthat“itwasplaguyhardonafellow，thathadmadeafairbargain，tobegulledthatway。”
“Mr。Haley，”saidMr。Shelby，“ifIdidnotthinkyouhadsomecausefordisappointment，Ishouldnothavebornefromyoutherudeandunceremoniousstyleofyourentranceintomyparlorthismorning。Isaythusmuch，however，sinceappearancescallforit，thatIshallallowofnoinsinuationscastuponme，asifIwereatallpartnertoanyunfairnessinthismatter。Moreover，Ishallfeelboundtogiveyoueveryassistance，intheuseofhorses，servants，&c。，intherecoveryofyourproperty。So，inshort，Haley，”saidhe，suddenlydroppingfromthetoneofdignifiedcoolnesstohisordinaryoneofeasyfrankness，“thebestwayforyouistokeepgood-naturedandeatsomebreakfast，andwewillthenseewhatistobedone。”
Mrs。Shelbynowrose，andsaidherengagementswouldpreventherbeingatthebreakfast-tablethatmorning；and，deputingaveryrespectablemulattowomantoattendtothegentlemen’scoffeeattheside-board，shelefttheroom。
“Oldladydon’tlikeyourhumbleservant，overandabove，”saidHaley，withanuneasyefforttobeveryfamiliar。
“Iamnotaccustomedtohearmywifespokenofwithsuchfreedom，”saidMr。Shelby，dryly。
“Begpardon；ofcourse，onlyajoke，youknow，”saidHaley，forcingalaugh。
“Somejokesarelessagreeablethanothers，”rejoinedShelby。
“Devilishfree，nowI’vesignedthosepapers，cusshim！”mutteredHaleytohimself；“quitegrand，sinceyesterday！”
NeverdidfallofanyprimeministeratcourtoccasionwidersurgesofsensationthanthereportofTom’sfateamonghiscompeersontheplace。Itwasthetopicineverymouth，everywhere；andnothingwasdoneinthehouseorinthefield，buttodiscussitsprobableresults。Eliza’sflight—anunprecedentedeventontheplace—wasalsoagreataccessoryinstimulatingthegeneralexcitement。
BlackSam，ashewascommonlycalled，fromhisbeingaboutthreeshadesblackerthananyothersonofebonyontheplace，wasrevolvingthematterprofoundlyinallitsphasesandbearings，withacomprehensivenessofvisionandastrictlookouttohisownpersonalwell-being，thatwouldhavedonecredittoanywhitepatriotinWashington。
“It’sanillwinddatblownowhar，—datarafact，”saidSam，sententiously，givinganadditionalhoisttohispantaloons，andadroitlysubstitutingalongnailinplaceofamissingsuspender-button，withwhicheffortofmechanicalgeniusheseemedhighlydelighted。
“Yes，it’sanillwindblowsnowhar，”herepeated。“Now，dar，Tom’sdown—wal，courseder’sroomforsomeniggertobeup—andwhynotdisnigger？—dat’sdeidee。Tom，aridin’rounddecountry—bootsblacked—passinhispocket—allgrandasCuffee—butwhohe？Now，whyshouldn’tSam？—dat’swhatIwanttoknow。”
“Halloo，Sam—OSam！Mas’rwantsyoutocotchBillandJerry，”saidAndy，cuttingshortSam’ssoliloquy。
“High！what’safootnow，youngun？”
“Why，youdon’tknow，Is’pose，thatLizy’scutstick，andclaredout，withheryoungun？”
“Youteachyourgranny！”saidSam，withinfinitecontempt；“knoweditaheapsightsoonerthanyoudid；thisniggeran’tsogreen，now！”
Well，anyhow，Mas’rwantsBillandJerrygearedrightup；andyouandI’stogowithMas’rHaley，tolookarterher。”
“Good，now！dat’sdetimeo’day！”saidSam。“It’sSamdat’scalledforindeseyertimes。He’sdenigger。SeeifIdon’tcotchher，now；Mas’r’llseewhatSamcando！”
“Ah！but，Sam，”saidAndy，“you’dbetterthinktwice；forMissisdon’twanthercotched，andshe’llbeinyerwool。”
“High！”saidSam，openinghiseyes。“Howyouknowdat？”
“Heardhersayso，myownself，disblessedmornin’，whenIbringinMas’r’sshaving-water。ShesentmetoseewhyLizydidn’tcometodressher；andwhenItelledhershewasoff，shejestrisup，andsesshe，‘TheLordbepraised；’andMas’r，heseemedraelmad，andseshe，‘Wife，youtalklikeafool。’ButLor！she’llbringhimto！Iknowswellenoughhowthat’llbe，—it’sallersbesttostandMissis’sidethefence，nowItellyer。”
BlackSam，uponthis，scratchedhiswoollypate，which，ifitdidnotcontainveryprofoundwisdom，stillcontainedagreatdealofaparticularspeciesmuchindemandamongpoliticiansofallcomplexionsandcountries，andvulgarlydenominated“knowingwhichsidethebreadisbuttered；”so，stoppingwithgraveconsideration，heagaingaveahitchtohispantaloons，whichwashisregularlyorganizedmethodofassistinghismentalperplexities。
“Deran’tnosaying’—never—’boutnokindo’thingindisyerworld，”hesaid，atlast。Samspokelikeaphilosopher，emphasizingthis—asifhehadhadalargeexperienceindifferentsortsofworlds，andthereforehadcometohisconclusionsadvisedly。
“Now，sartinI’dasaidthatMissiswouldascouredthevarsalworldafterLizy，”addedSam，thoughtfully。
“Soshewould，”saidAndy；“butcan’tyeseethroughaladder，yeblacknigger？Missisdon’twantdisyerMas’rHaleytogetLizy’sboy；dat’sdego！”
“High！”saidSam，withanindescribableintonation，knownonlytothosewhohavehearditamongthenegroes。
“AndI’lltellyermore’nall，”saidAndy；“Ispecsyou’dbetterbemakingtracksfordemhosses，—mightysudden，too，—-forIhearnMissis’quirin’arteryer，—soyou’vestoodfoolin’longenough。”
Sam，uponthis，begantobestirhimselfinrealearnest，andafterawhileappeared，bearingdowngloriouslytowardsthehouse，withBillandJerryinafullcanter，andadroitlythrowinghimselfoffbeforetheyhadanyideaofstopping，hebroughtthemupalongsideofthehorse-postlikeatornado。Haley’shorse，whichwasaskittishyoungcolt，winced，andbounced，andpulledhardathishalter。
“Ho，ho！”saidSam，“skeery，arye？”andhisblackvisagelightedupwithacurious，mischievousgleam。“I’llfixyenow！”saidhe。
Therewasalargebeech-treeovershadowingtheplace，andthesmall，sharp，triangularbeech-nutslayscatteredthicklyontheground。Withoneoftheseinhisfingers，Samapproachedthecolt，strokedandpatted，andseemedapparentlybusyinsoothinghisagitation。Onpretenceofadjustingthesaddle，headroitlyslippedunderitthesharplittlenut，insuchamannerthattheleastweightbroughtuponthesaddlewouldannoythenervoussensibilitiesoftheanimal，withoutleavinganyperceptiblegrazeorwound。
“Dar！”hesaid，rollinghiseyeswithanapprovinggrin；“mefix’em！”
AtthismomentMrs。Shelbyappearedonthebalcony，beckoningtohim。SamapproachedwithasgoodadeterminationtopaycourtasdideversuitorafteravacantplaceatSt。James’orWashington。
“Whyhaveyoubeenloiteringso，Sam？IsentAndytotellyoutohurry。”
“Lordblessyou，Missis！”saidSam，“horseswon’tbecotchedallinamimit；they’ddoneclaredoutwaydowntothesouthpasture，andtheLordknowswhar！”
“Sam，howoftenmustItellyounottosay‘Lordblessyou，andtheLordknows，’andsuchthings？It’swicked。”
“O，Lordblessmysoul！Idoneforgot，Missis！Iwon’tsaynothingofdesortnomore。”
“Why，Sam，youjusthavesaiditagain。”
“DidI？O，Lord！Imean—Ididn’tgofurtosayit。”
“Youmustbecareful，Sam。”
“Justletmegetmybreath，Missis，andI’llstartfair。I’llbeberycareful。”
“Well，Sam，youaretogowithMr。Haley，toshowhimtheroad，andhelphim。Becarefulofthehorses，Sam；youknowJerrywasalittlelamelastweek；don’tridethemtoofast。”
Mrs。Shelbyspokethelastwordswithalowvoice，andstrongemphasis。
“Letdischildalonefordat！”saidSam，rollinguphiseyeswithavolumeofmeaning。“Lordknows！High！Didn’tsaydat！”saidhe，suddenlycatchinghisbreath，withaludicrousflourishofapprehension，whichmadehismistresslaugh，spiteofherself。“Yes，Missis，I’lllookoutfordehosses！”
“Now，Andy，”saidSam，returningtohisstandunderthebeech-trees，“youseeIwouldn’tbe’tallsurprisedifdatargen’lman’scritturshouldgibafling，byandby，whenhecomestobeagettin’up。Youknow，Andy，critturswilldosuchthings；”andtherewithSampokedAndyintheside，inahighlysuggestivemanner。
“High！”saidAndy，withanairofinstantappreciation。
“Yes，yousee，Andy，Missiswantstomaketime，—datar’sclartodermostor’nary’bserver。Ijismakealittleforher。Now，yousee，getalldeseyerhossesloose，caperin’permiscusrounddisyerlotanddowntodewooddar，andIspecMas’rwon’tbeoffinahurry。”
Andygrinned。
“Yersee，”saidSam，“yersee，Andy，ifanysuchthingshouldhappenasthatMas’rHaley’shorseshouldbegintoactcontrary，andcutup，youandIjistletsgoofour’ntohelphim，andwe’llhelphim—ohyes！”AndSamandAndylaidtheirheadsbackontheirshoulders，andbrokeintoalow，immoderatelaugh，snappingtheirfingersandflourishingtheirheelswithexquisitedelight。
Atthisinstant，Haleyappearedontheverandah。Somewhatmollifiedbycertaincupsofverygoodcoffee，hecameoutsmilingandtalking，intolerablyrestoredhumor。SamandAndy，clawingforcertainfragmentarypalm-leaves，whichtheywereinthehabitofconsideringashats，flewtothehorseposts，tobereadyto“helpMas’r。”
Sam’spalm-leafhadbeeningeniouslydisentangledfromallpretensionstobraid，asrespectsitsbrim；andthesliversstartingapart，andstandingupright，gaveitablazingairoffreedomanddefiance，quiteequaltothatofanyFejeechief；whilethewholebrimofAndy’sbeingdepartedbodily，herappedthecrownonhisheadwithadexterousthump，andlookedaboutwellpleased，asiftosay，“WhosaysIhaven’tgotahat？”
“Well，boys，”saidHaley，“lookalivenow；wemustlosenotime。”
“Notabitofhim，Mas’r！”saidSam，puttingHaley’sreininhishand，andholdinghisstirrup，whileAndywasuntyingtheothertwohorses。
TheinstantHaleytouchedthesaddle，themettlesomecreatureboundedfromtheearthwithasuddenspring，thatthrewhismastersprawling，somefeetoff，onthesoft，dryturf。Sam，withfranticejaculations，madeadiveatthereins，butonlysucceededinbrushingtheblazingpalm-leafafore-namedintothehorse’seyes，whichbynomeanstendedtoallaytheconfusionofhisnerves。So，withgreatvehemence，heoverturnedSam，and，givingtwoorthreecontemptuoussnorts，flourishedhisheelsvigorouslyintheair，andwassoonprancingawaytowardsthelowerendofthelawn，followedbyBillandJerry，whomAndyhadnotfailedtoletloose，accordingtocontract，speedingthemoffwithvariousdirefulejaculations。Andnowensuedamiscellaneoussceneofconfusion。SamandAndyranandshouted，—dogsbarkedhereandthere，—andMike，Mose，Mandy，Fanny，andallthesmallerspecimensontheplace，bothmaleandfemale，raced，clappedhands，whooped，andshouted，withoutrageousofficiousnessanduntiringzeal。
Haley’shorse，whichwasawhiteone，andveryfleetandspirited，appearedtoenterintothespiritofthescenewithgreatgusto；andhavingforhiscoursinggroundalawnofnearlyhalfamileinextent，gentlyslopingdownoneverysideintoindefinitewoodland，heappearedtotakeinfinitedelightinseeinghownearhecouldallowhispursuerstoapproachhim，andthen，whenwithinahand’sbreadth，whiskoffwithastartandasnort，likeamischievousbeastashewasandcareerfardownintosomealleyofthewood-lot。NothingwasfurtherfromSam’smindthantohaveanyoneofthetrooptakenuntilsuchseasonasshouldseemtohimmostbefitting，—andtheexertionsthathemadewerecertainlymostheroic。LiketheswordofCoeurDeLion，whichalwaysblazedinthefrontandthickestofthebattle，Sam’spalm-leafwastobeseeneverywherewhentherewastheleastdangerthatahorsecouldbecaught；therehewouldbeardownfulltilt，shouting，“Nowforit！cotchhim！cotchhim！”inawaythatwouldseteverythingtoindiscriminateroutinamoment。
Haleyranupanddown，andcursedandsworeandstampedmiscellaneously。Mr。Shelbyinvaintriedtoshoutdirectionsfromthebalcony，andMrs。Shelbyfromherchamberwindowalternatelylaughedandwondered，—notwithoutsomeinklingofwhatlayatthebottomofallthisconfusion。
Atlast，abouttwelveo’clock，Samappearedtriumphant，mountedonJerry，withHaley’shorsebyhisside，reekingwithsweat，butwithflashingeyesanddilatednostrils，showingthatthespiritoffreedomhadnotyetentirelysubsided。
“He’scotched！”heexclaimed，triumphantly。“If’thadn’tbeenforme，theymightabustthemselves，allon’em；butIcotchedhim！”
“You！”growledHaley，innoamiablemood。“Ifithadn’tbeenforyou，thisneverwouldhavehappened。”
“Lordblessus，Mas’r，”saidSam，inatoneofthedeepestconcern，“andmethathasbeenracin’andchasin’tillthesweatjestpoursoffme！”
“Well，well！”saidHaley，“you’velostmenearthreehours，withyourcursednonsense。Nowlet’sbeoff，andhavenomorefooling。”
“Why，Mas’r，”saidSam，inadeprecatingtone，“Ibelieveyoumeantokillusallclar，horsesandall。Herewearealljustreadytodropdown，andthecrittersallinareekofsweat。Why，Mas’rwon’tthinkofstartin’onnowtillarterdinner。Mas’rs’hosswantsrubbendown；seehowhesplashedhisself；andJerrylimpstoo；don’tthinkMissiswouldbewillin’tohaveusstartdisyerway，nohow。Lordblessyou，Mas’r，wecanketchup，ifwedostop。Lizyneverwasnogreatofawalker。”
Mrs。Shelby，who，greatlytoheramusement，hadoverheardthisconversationfromtheverandah，nowresolvedtodoherpart。Shecameforward，and，courteouslyexpressingherconcernforHaley’saccident，pressedhimtostaytodinner，sayingthatthecookshouldbringitonthetableimmediately。
Thus，allthingsconsidered，Haley，withratheranequivocalgrace，proceededtotheparlor，whileSam，rollinghiseyesafterhimwithunutterablemeaning，proceededgravelywiththehorsestothestable-yard。
“Didyerseehim，Andy？didyerseehim？andSam，whenhehadgotfairlybeyondtheshelterofthebarn，andfastenedthehorsetoapost。“O，Lor，ifitwarn’tasgoodasameetin’，now，toseehimadancin’andkickin’andswarin’atus。Didn’tIhearhim？Swaraway，olefellow(saysItomyself)；willyerhaveyerhossnow，orwaittillyoucotchhim？(saysI)。Lor，Andy，IthinkIcanseehimnow。”AndSamandAndyleanedupagainstthebarnandlaughedtotheirhearts’content。
“Yeroughterseenhowmadhelooked，whenIbroughtthehossup。Lord，he’dakilledme，ifhedurs’to；andthereIwasastandin’asinnercentandashumble。”
“Lor，Iseedyou，”saidAndy；“an’tyouanoldhoss，Sam？”
“RatherspecksIam，”saidSam；“didyerseeMissisupstarsatthewinder？Iseedherlaughin’。”
“I’msure，Iwasracin’so，Ididn’tseenothing，”saidAndy。
“Well，yersee，”saidSam，proceedinggravelytowashdownHaley’spony，“I’se’quiredwhatyermaycallahabito’bobservation，Andy。It’savery’portanthabit，Andy；andI’commendyertobecultivatin’it，nowyeryoung。Histupthathindfoot，Andy。Yersee，Andy，it’sbobservationmakesalldedifferenceinniggers。Didn’tIseewhichwaythewindblewdisyermornin’？Didn’tIseewhatMissiswanted，thoughsheneverleton？Datar’sbobservation，Andy。I’spectsit’swhatyoumaycallafaculty。Facultiesisdifferentindifferentpeoples，butcultivationof’emgoesagreatway。”
“IguessifIhadn’thelpedyourbobservationdismornin’，yerwouldn’thaveseenyourwaysosmart，”saidAndy。
“Andy，”saidSam，“you’sapromisin’child，deran’tnomannero’doubt。Ithinkslotsofyer，Andy；andIdon’tfeelnowaysashamedtotakeideesfromyou。Weoughtenteroverlooknobody，Andy，causethesmartestonusgetstrippedupsometimes。Andso，Andy，let’sgouptothehousenow。I’llbeboun’Missis’llgiveusanuncommongoodbite，disyertime。”
TheMother’sStruggle
ItisimpossibletoconceiveofahumancreaturemorewhollydesolateandforlornthanEliza，whensheturnedherfootstepsfromUncleTom’scabin。
Herhusband’ssufferinganddangers，andthedangerofherchild，allblendedinhermind，withaconfusedandstunningsenseoftheriskshewasrunning，inleavingtheonlyhomeshehadeverknown，andcuttingloosefromtheprotectionofafriendwhomshelovedandrevered。Thentherewasthepartingfromeveryfamiliarobject，—theplacewhereshehadgrownup，thetreesunderwhichshehadplayed，thegroveswhereshehadwalkedmanyaneveninginhappierdays，bythesideofheryounghusband，—everything，asitlayintheclear，frostystarlight，seemedtospeakreproachfullytoher，andaskherwhithercouldshegofromahomelikethat？
Butstrongerthanallwasmaternallove，wroughtintoaparoxysmoffrenzybythenearapproachofafearfuldanger。Herboywasoldenoughtohavewalkedbyherside，and，inanindifferentcase，shewouldonlyhaveledhimbythehand；butnowthebarethoughtofputtinghimoutofherarmsmadehershudder，andshestrainedhimtoherbosomwithaconvulsivegrasp，asshewentrapidlyforward。
Thefrostygroundcreakedbeneathherfeet，andshetrembledatthesound；everyquakingleafandflutteringshadowsentthebloodbackwardtoherheart，andquickenedherfootsteps。Shewonderedwithinherselfatthestrengththatseemedtobecomeuponher；forshefelttheweightofherboyasifithadbeenafeather，andeveryflutteroffearseemedtoincreasethesupernaturalpowerthatboreheron，whilefromherpalelipsburstforth，infrequentejaculations，theprayertoaFriendabove—“Lord，help！Lord，saveme！”
IfitwereyourHarry，mother，oryourWillie，thatweregoingtobetornfromyoubyabrutaltrader，tomorrowmorning，—ifyouhadseentheman，andheardthatthepapersweresignedanddelivered，andyouhadonlyfromtwelveo’clocktillmorningtomakegoodyourescape，—howfastcouldyouwalk？Howmanymilescouldyoumakeinthosefewbriefhours，withthedarlingatyourbosom，—thelittlesleepyheadonyourshoulder，—thesmall，softarmstrustinglyholdingontoyourneck？
Forthechildslept。Atfirst，thenoveltyandalarmkepthimwaking；buthismothersohurriedlyrepressedeverybreathorsound，andsoassuredhimthatifhewereonlystillshewouldcertainlysavehim，thatheclungquietlyroundherneck，onlyasking，ashefoundhimselfsinkingtosleep，
“Mother，Idon’tneedtokeepawake，doI？”
“No，mydarling；sleep，ifyouwantto。”
“But，mother，ifIdogetasleep，youwon’tlethimgetme？”
“No！somayGodhelpme！”saidhismother，withapalercheek，andabrighterlightinherlargedarkeyes。
“You’resure，an’tyou，mother？”
“Yes，sure！”saidthemother，inavoicethatstartledherself；foritseemedtohertocomefromaspiritwithin，thatwasnopartofher；andtheboydroppedhislitlewearyheadonhershoulder，andwassoonasleep。Howthetouchofthosewarmarms，thegentlebreathingsthatcameinherneck，seemedtoaddfireandspirittohermovements！Itseemedtoherasifstrengthpouredintoherinelectricstreams，fromeverygentletouchandmovementofthesleeping，confidingchild。Sublimeisthedominionofthemindoverthebody，that，foratime，canmakefleshandnerveimpregnable，andstringthesinewslikesteel，sothattheweakbecomesomighty。
Theboundariesofthefarm，thegrove，thewood-lot，passedbyherdizzily，asshewalkedon；andstillshewent，leavingonefamiliarobjectafteranother，slackingnot，pausingnot，tillreddeningdaylightfoundhermanyalongmilefromalltracesofanyfamiliarobjectsupontheopenhighway。
Shehadoftenbeen，withhermistress，tovisitsomeconnections，inthelittlevillageofT——，notfarfromtheOhioriver，andknewtheroadwell。Togothither，toescapeacrosstheOhioriver，werethefirsthurriedoutlinesofherplanofescape；beyondthat，shecouldonlyhopeinGod。
Whenhorsesandvehiclesbegantomovealongthehighway，withthatalertperceptionpeculiartoastateofexcitement，andwhichseemstobeasortofinspiration，shebecameawarethatherheadlongpaceanddistractedairmightbringonherremarkandsuspicion。Shethereforeputtheboyontheground，and，adjustingherdressandbonnet，shewalkedonatasrapidapaceasshethoughtconsistentwiththepreservationofappearances。Inherlittlebundleshehadprovidedastoreofcakesandapples，whichsheusedasexpedientsforquickeningthespeedofthechild，rollingtheapplesomeyardsbeforethem，whentheboywouldrunwithallhismightafterit；andthisruse，oftenrepeated，carriedthemovermanyahalf-mile。
Afterawhile，theycametoathickpatchofwoodland，throughwhichmurmuredaclearbrook。Asthechildcomplainedofhungerandthirst，sheclimbedoverthefencewithhim；and，sittingdownbehindalargerockwhichconcealedthemfromtheroad，shegavehimabreakfastoutofherlittlepackage。Theboywonderedandgrievedthatshecouldnoteat；andwhen，puttinghisarmsroundherneck，hetriedtowedgesomeofhiscakeintohermouth，itseemedtoherthattherisinginherthroatwouldchokeher。
“No，no，Harrydarling！mothercan’teattillyouaresafe！Wemustgoon—on—tillwecometotheriver！”Andshehurriedagainintotheroad，andagainconstrainedherselftowalkregularlyandcomposedlyforward。
Shewasmanymilespastanyneighborhoodwhereshewaspersonallyknown。Ifsheshouldchancetomeetanywhoknewher，shereflectedthatthewell-knownkindnessofthefamilywouldbeofitselfablindtosuspicion，asmakingitanunlikelysuppositionthatshecouldbeafugitive。Asshewasalsosowhiteasnottobeknownasofcoloredlineage，withoutacriticalsurvey，andherchildwaswhitealso，itwasmucheasierforhertopassonunsuspected。
Onthispresumption，shestoppedatnoonataneatfarmhouse，torestherself，andbuysomedinnerforherchildandself；for，asthedangerdecreasedwiththedistance，thesupernaturaltensionofthenervoussystemlessened，andshefoundherselfbothwearyandhungry。
Thegoodwoman，kindlyandgossipping，seemedratherpleasedthanotherwisewithhavingsomebodycomeintotalkwith；andaccepted，withoutexamination，Eliza’sstatement，thatshe“wasgoingonalittlepiece，tospendaweekwithherfriends，”—allwhichshehopedinherheartmightprovestrictlytrue。
Anhourbeforesunset，sheenteredthevillageofT——，bytheOhioriver，wearyandfoot-sore，butstillstronginheart。Herfirstglancewasattheriver，whichlay，likeJordan，betweenherandtheCanaanoflibertyontheotherside。
Itwasnowearlyspring，andtheriverwasswollenandturbulent；greatcakesoffloatingicewereswingingheavilytoandfrointheturbidwaters。OwingtothepeculiarformoftheshoreontheKentuckyside，thelandbendingfaroutintothewater，theicehadbeenlodgedanddetainedingreatquantities，andthenarrowchannelwhichsweptroundthebendwasfullofice，piledonecakeoveranother，thusformingatemporarybarriertothedescendingice，whichlodged，andformedagreat，undulatingraft，fillingupthewholeriver，andextendingalmosttotheKentuckyshore。
Elizastood，foramoment，contemplatingthisunfavorableaspectofthings，whichshesawatoncemustpreventtheusualferry-boatfromrunning，andthenturnedintoasmallpublichouseonthebank，tomakeafewinquiries。
Thehostess，whowasbusyinvariousfizzingandstewingoperationsoverthefire，preparatorytotheeveningmeal，stopped，withaforkinherhand，asEliza’ssweetandplaintivevoicearrestedher。
“Whatisit？”shesaid。
“Isn’tthereanyferryorboat，thattakespeopleovertoB——，now？”shesaid。
“No，indeed！”saidthewoman；“theboatshasstoppedrunning。”
Eliza’slookofdismayanddisappointmentstruckthewoman，andshesaid，inquiringly，
“Maybeyou’rewantingtogetover？—anybodysick？Yeseemmightyanxious？”
“I’vegotachildthat’sverydangerous，”saidEliza。“Ineverheardofittilllastnight，andI’vewalkedquiteapiecetoday，inhopestogettotheferry。”
“Well，now，that’sonlucky，”saidthewoman，whosemotherlysympathiesweremucharoused；I’mre’llyconsarnedforye。Solomon！”shecalled，fromthewindow，towardsasmallbackbuilding。Aman，inleatherapronandverydirtyhands，appearedatthedoor。
“Isay，Sol，”saidthewoman，“isthatarmangoingtototethembar’lsovertonight？”
“Hesaidheshouldtry，if’twasanywayprudent，”saidtheman。
“There’samanapiecedownhere，that’sgoingoverwithsometruckthisevening，ifhedurs’to；he’llbeinheretosuppertonight，soyou’dbettersetdownandwait。That’sasweetlittlefellow，”addedthewoman，offeringhimacake。
Butthechild，whollyexhausted，criedwithweariness。
“Poorfellow！heisn’tusedtowalking，andI’vehurriedhimonso，”saidEliza。
“Well，takehimintothisroom，”saidthewoman，openingintoasmallbed-room，wherestoodacomfortablebed。Elizalaidthewearyboyuponit，andheldhishandsinherstillhewasfastasleep。Forhertherewasnorest。Asafireinherbones，thethoughtofthepursuerurgedheron；andshegazedwithlongingeyesonthesullen，surgingwatersthatlaybetweenherandliberty。
Herewemusttakeourleaveofherforthepresent，tofollowthecourseofherpursuers。
ThoughMrs。Shelbyhadpromisedthatthedinnershouldbehurriedontable，yetitwassoonseen，asthethinghasoftenbeenseenbefore，thatitrequiredmorethanonetomakeabargain。So，althoughtheorderwasfairlygivenoutinHaley’shearing，andcarriedtoAuntChloebyatleasthalfadozenjuvenilemessengers，thatdignitaryonlygavecertainverygruffsnorts，andtossesofherhead，andwentonwitheveryoperationinanunusuallyleisurelyandcircumstantialmanner。
Forsomesingularreason，animpressionseemedtoreignamongtheservantsgenerallythatMissiswouldnotbeparticularlydisobligedbydelay；anditwaswonderfulwhatanumberofcounteraccidentsoccurredconstantly，toretardthecourseofthings。Onelucklesswightcontrivedtoupsetthegravy；andthengravyhadtobegotupdenovo，withduecareandformality，AuntChloewatchingandstirringwithdoggedprecision，answeringshortly，toallsuggestionsofhaste，thatshe“warn’tagoingtohaverawgravyonthetable，tohelpnobody’scatchings。”Onetumbleddownwiththewater，andhadtogotothespringformore；andanotherprecipitatedthebutterintothepathofevents；andtherewasfromtimetotimegigglingnewsbroughtintothekitchenthat“Mas’rHaleywasmightyoneasy，andthathecouldn’tsitinhischeernoways，butwasawalkin’andstalkin’tothewindersandthroughtheporch。”
“Sarveshimright！”saidAuntChloe，indignantly。He’llgetwusnoroneasy，oneofthesedays，ifhedon’tmendhisways。Hismaster’llbesendingforhim，andthenseehowhe’lllook！”
“He’llgototorment，andnomistake，”saidlittleJake。
“Hedesarvesit！”saidAuntChloe，grimly；“he’sbrokeamany，many，manyhearts，—Itellyeall！”shesaid，stopping，withaforkupliftedinherhands；“it’slikewhatMas’rGeorgereadsinRavelations，—soulsacallin’underthealtar！andacallin’ontheLordforvengeanceonsich！—andbyandbytheLordhe’llhear’em—sohewill！”
AuntChloe，whowasmuchreveredinthekitchen，waslistenedtowithopenmouth；and，thedinnerbeingnowfairlysentin，thewholekitchenwasatleisuretogossipwithher，andtolistentoherremarks。
“Sich’llbeburntupforever，andnomistake；won’tther？”saidAndy。
“I’dbegladtoseeit，I’llbeboun’，”saidlittleJake。
“Chil’en！”saidavoice，thatmadethemallstart。ItwasUncleTom，whohadcomein，andstoodlisteningtotheconversationatthedoor。
“Chil’en！”hesaid，“I’mafeardyoudon’tknowwhatye’resayin’。Foreverisadre’fulword，chil’en；it’sawfultothinkon’t。Yououghtenterwishthatartoanyhumancrittur。”
“Wewouldn’ttoanybodybutthesoul-drivers，”saidAndy；“nobodycanhelpwishingittothem，they’ssoawfulwicked。”
“Don’tnaturherselfkindercryouton’em？”saidAuntChloe。“Don’tdeyteardersuckin’babyrightoffhismother’sbreast，andsellhim，andderlittlechildrenasiscryingandholdingonbyherclothes，—don’tdeypull’emoffandsells’em？Don’tdeytearwifeandhusbandapart？”saidAuntChloe，beginningtocry，“whenit’sjesttakin’theverylifeon’em？—andallthewhiledoestheyfeelonebit，don’tdeydrinkandsmoke，andtakeitoncommoneasy？Lor，ifthedevildon’tgetthem，what’shegoodfor？”AndAuntChloecoveredherfacewithhercheckedapron，andbegantosobingoodearnest。
“Prayforthemthat’spitefullyuseyou，thegoodbooksays，”saysTom。
“Prayfor’em！”saidAuntChloe；“Lor，it’stootough！Ican’tprayfor’em。”
“It’snatur，Chloe，andnatur’sstrong，”saidTom，“buttheLord’sgraceisstronger；besides，yououghterthinkwhatanawfulstateapoorcrittur’ssoul’sinthat’lldothemarthings，—yououghterthankGodthatyouan’tlikehim，Chloe。I’msureI’dratherbesold，tenthousandtimesover，thantohaveallthatarpoorcrittur’sgottoanswerfor。”
“So’dI，aheap，”saidJake。“Lor，shouldn’twecotchit，Andy？”
Andyshruggedhisshoulders，andgaveanacquiescentwhistle。
“I’mgladMas’rdidn’tgooffthismorning，ashelookedto，”saidTom；“thatarhurtmemorethansellin’，itdid。Mebbeitmighthavebeennaturalforhim，but’twouldhavecomedesp’thardonme，ashasknownhimfromababy；butI’veseenMas’r，andIbeginterfeelsorto’reconciledtotheLord’swillnow。Mas’rcouldn’thelphisself；hedidright，butI’mfearedthingswillbekindergoin’torack，whenI’mgoneMas’rcan’tbespectedtobeapryin’roundeverywhar，asI’vedone，akeepin’upalltheends。Theboysallmeanswell，butthey’spowerfulcar’less。Thatartroublesme。”
Thebellhererang，andTomwassummonedtotheparlor。
“Tom，”saidhismaster，kindly，“IwantyoutonoticethatIgivethisgentlemanbondstoforfeitathousanddollarsifyouarenotonthespotwhenhewantsyou；he’sgoingtodaytolookafterhisotherbusiness，andyoucanhavethedaytoyourself。Goanywhereyoulike，boy。”
“Thankyou，Mas’r，”saidTom。
“Andmindyourself，”saidthetrader，“anddon’tcomeitoveryourmasterwithanyo’yerniggertricks；forI’lltakeeverycentoutofhim，ifyouan’tthar。Ifhe’dheartome，hewouldn’ttrustanyonye—slipperyaseels！”
“Mas’r，”saidTom，—andhestoodverystraight，—“IwasjisteightyearsoldwhenoleMissisputyouintomyarms，andyouwasn’tayearold。‘Thar，’saysshe，‘Tom，that’stobeyouryoungMas’r；takegoodcareonhim，’saysshe。AndnowIjistaskyou，Mas’r，haveIeverbrokewordtoyou，orgonecontrarytoyou，’speciallysinceIwasaChristian？”
Mr。Shelbywasfairlyovercome，andthetearsrosetohiseyes。
“Mygoodboy，”saidhe，“theLordknowsyousaybutthetruth；andifIwasabletohelpit，alltheworldshouldn’tbuyyou。”
“AndsureasIamaChristianwoman，”saidMrs。Shelby，“youshallberedeemedassoonasIcananybringtogethermeans。Sir，”shesaidtoHaley，“takegoodaccountofwhoyousellhimto，andletmeknow。”
“Lor，yes，forthatmatter，”saidthetrader，“Imaybringhimupinayear，notmuchthewussforwear，andtradehimback。”
“I’lltradewithyouthen，andmakeitforyouradvantage，”saidMrs。Shelby。
“Ofcourse，”saidthetrader，“all’sequalwithme；li’vestrade’emupasdown，soIdoesagoodbusiness。AllIwantisalivin’，youknow，ma’am；that’sallanyonuswants，I，s’pose。”
Mr。andMrs。Shelbybothfeltannoyedanddegradedbythefamiliarimpudenceofthetrader，andyetbothsawtheabsolutenecessityofputtingaconstraintontheirfeelings。Themorehopelesslysordidandinsensibleheappeared，thegreaterbecameMrs。Shelby’sdreadofhissucceedinginrecapturingElizaandherchild，andofcoursethegreaterhermotivefordetaininghimbyeveryfemaleartifice。Shethereforegraciouslysmiled，assented，chattedfamiliarly，anddidallshecouldtomaketimepassimperceptibly。
Attwoo’clockSamandAndybroughtthehorsesuptotheposts，apparentlygreatlyrefreshedandinvigoratedbythescamperofthemorning。
Samwastherenewoiledfromdinner，withanabundanceofzealousandreadyofficiousness。AsHaleyapproached，hewasboasting，inflourishingstyle，toAndy，oftheevidentandeminentsuccessoftheoperation，nowthathehad“farlycometoit。”
“Yourmaster，Is’pose，don’tkeepnodogs，”saidHaley，thoughtfully，ashepreparedtomount。
“Heapson’em，”saidSam，triumphantly；“thar’sBruno—he’saroarer！and，besidesthat，’bouteveryniggerofuskeepsapupofsomenaturoruther。”
“Poh！”saidHaley，—andhesaidsomethingelse，too，withregardtothesaiddogs，atwhichSammuttered，
“Idon’tseenousecussin’on’em，noway。”
“Butyourmasterdon’tkeepnodogs(Iprettymuchknowhedon’t)fortrackin’outniggers。”
Samknewexactlywhathemeant，buthekeptonalookofearnestanddesperatesimplicity。
“Ourdogsallsmellsroundconsidablesharp。Ispectthey’sthekind，thoughtheyhan’tneverhadnopractice。They’sfardogs，though，atmostanything，ifyou’dget’emstarted。Here，Bruno，”hecalled，whistlingtothelumberingNewfoundland，whocamepitchingtumultuouslytowardthem。
“Yougohang！”saidHaley，gettingup。“Come，tumbleupnow。”
Samtumbledupaccordingly，dexterouslycontrivingtotickleAndyashedidso，whichoccasionedAndytosplitoutintoalaugh，greatlytoHaley’sindignation，whomadeacutathimwithhisriding-whip。
“I’s’stonishedatyer，Andy，”saidSam，withawfulgravity。“Thisyer’saserisbisness，Andy。Yermustn’tbeamakin’game。Thisyeran’tnowaytohelpMas’r。”
“Ishalltakethestraightroadtotheriver，”saidHaley，decidedly，aftertheyhadcometotheboundariesoftheestate。“Iknowthewayofallof’em，—theymakestracksfortheunderground。”
“Sartin，”saidSam，“dat’sdeidee。Mas’rHaleyhitsdethingrightindemiddle。Now，der’stworoadstoderiver，—dedirtroadandderpike，—whichMas’rmeantotake？”
AndylookedupinnocentlyatSam，surprisedathearingthisnewgeographicalfact，butinstantlyconfirmedwhathesaid，byavehementreiteration。
“Cause，”saidSam，“I’dratherbe’clinedto’maginethatLizy’dtakededirtroad，bein’it’stheleasttravelled。”
Haley，notwithstandingthathewasaveryoldbird，andnaturallyinclinedtobesuspiciousofchaff，wasratherbroughtupbythisviewofthecase。
“Ifyerwarn’tbothonyersuchcussedliars，now！”hesaid，contemplativelyasheponderedamoment。
Thepensive，reflectivetoneinwhichthiswasspokenappearedtoamuseAndyprodigiously，andhedrewalittlebehind，andshooksoasapparentlytorunagreatriskoffailingoffhishorse，whileSam’sfacewasimmovablycomposedintothemostdolefulgravity。
“Course，”saidSam，“Mas’rcandoashe’druther，godestraightroad，ifMas’rthinksbest，—it’sallonetous。Now，whenIstudy’ponit，Ithinkdestraightroaddebest，deridedly。”
“Shewouldnaturallygoalonesomeway，”saidHaley，thinkingaloud，andnotmindingSam’sremark。
“Daran’tnosayin’，”saidSam；“galsispecular；theyneverdoesnothin’yethinkstheywill；mosegen’llythecontrary。Galsisnat’llymadecontrary；andso，ifyouthinksthey’vegoneoneroad，itissartinyou’dbettergot’other，andthenyou’llbesuretofind’em。Now，myprivate’pinionis，Lizytookderroad；soIthinkwe’dbettertakedestraightone。”
ThisprofoundgenericviewofthefemalesexdidnotseemtodisposeHaleyparticularlytothestraightroad，andheannounceddecidedlythatheshouldgotheother，andaskedSamwhentheyshouldcometoit。
“Alittlepieceahead，”saidSam，givingawinktoAndywiththeeyewhichwasonAndy’ssideofthehead；andheadded，gravely，“butI’vestuddedondematter，andI’mquiteclarweoughtnottogodatarway。Inebberbeenoveritnoway。It’sdespitlonesome，andwemightloseourway，—wharwe’dcometo，deLordonlyknows。”
“Nevertheless，”saidHaley，“Ishallgothatway。”
“NowIthinkon’t，IthinkIhearn’emtellthatdatarroadwasallfencedupanddownbydercreek，andthar，an’tit，Andy？”
Andywasn’tcertain；he’donly“hearntell”aboutthatroad，butneverbeenoverit。Inshort，hewasstrictlynoncommittal。
Haley，accustomedtostrikethebalanceofprobabilitiesbetweenliesofgreaterorlessermagnitude，thoughtthatitlayinfavorofthedirtroadaforesaid。ThementionofthethinghethoughtheperceivedwasinvoluntaryonSam’spartatfirst，andhisconfusedattemptstodissuadehimhesetdowntoadesperatelyingonsecondthoughts，asbeingunwillingtoimplicateLiza。
When，therefore，Samindicatedtheroad，Haleyplungedbrisklyintoit，followedbySamandAndy。
Now，theroad，infact，wasanoldone，thathadformerlybeenathoroughfaretotheriver，butabandonedformanyyearsafterthelayingofthenewpike。Itwasopenforaboutanhour’sride，andafterthatitwascutacrossbyvariousfarmsandfences。Samknewthisfactperfectlywell，—indeed，theroadhadbeensolongclosedup，thatAndyhadneverheardofit。Hethereforerodealongwithanairofdutifulsubmission，onlygroaningandvociferatingoccasionallythat’twas“desp’trough，andbadforJerry’sfoot。”
“Now，Ijestgiveyerwarning，”saidHaley，“Iknowyer；yerwon’tgetmetoturnoffthisroad，withallyerfussin’—soyoushetup！”
“Mas’rwillgohisownway！”saidSam，withruefulsubmission，atthesametimewinkingmostPortentouslytoAndy，whosedelightwasnowveryneartheexplosivepoint。
Samwasinwonderfulspirits，—professedtokeepaverybrisklookout，—atonetimeexclaimingthathesaw“agal’sbonnet”onthetopofsomedistanteminence，orcallingtoAndy“ifthattharwasn’t‘Lizy’downinthehollow；”alwaysmakingtheseexclamationsinsomeroughorcraggypartoftheroad，wherethesuddenquickeningofspeedwasaspecialinconveniencetoallpartiesconcerned，andthuskeepingHaleyinastateofconstantcommotion。
Afterridingaboutanhourinthisway，thewholepartymadeaprecipitateandtumultuousdescentintoabarn-yardbelongingtoalargefarmingestablishment。Notasoulwasinsight，allthehandsbeingemployedinthefields；but，asthebarnstoodconspicuouslyandplainlysquareacrosstheroad，itwasevidentthattheirjourneyinthatdirectionhadreachedadecidedfinale。
“Wan’tdatarwhatItelledMas’r？”saidSam，withanairofinjuredinnocence。“Howdoesstrangegentlemanspecttoknowmoreaboutacountrydandenativesbornandraised？”
“Yourascal！”saidHaley，“youknewallaboutthis。”
“Didn’tItellyerIknowd，andyerwouldn’tbelieveme？ItelledMas’r’twasallshetup，andfencedup，andIdidn’tspectwecouldgetthrough，—Andyheardme。”
Itwasalltootruetobedisputed，andtheunluckymanhadtopockethiswrathwiththebestgracehewasable，andallthreefacedtotherightabout，andtookuptheirlineofmarchforthehighway。
Inconsequenceofallthevariousdelays，itwasaboutthree-quartersofanhourafterElizahadlaidherchildtosleepinthevillagetavernthatthepartycameridingintothesameplace。Elizawasstandingbythewindow，lookingoutinanotherdirection，whenSam’squickeyecaughtaglimpseofher。HaleyandAndyweretwoyardsbehind。Atthiscrisis，Samcontrivedtohavehishatblownoff，andutteredaloudandcharacteristicejaculation，whichstartledheratonce；shedrewsuddenlyback；thewholetrainsweptbythewindow，roundtothefrontdoor。
AthousandlivesseemedtobeconcentratedinthatonemomenttoEliza。Herroomopenedbyasidedoortotheriver。Shecaughtherchild，andsprangdownthestepstowardsit。Thetradercaughtafullglimpseofherjustasshewasdisappearingdownthebank；andthrowinghimselffromhishorse，andcallingloudlyonSamandAndy，hewasafterherlikeahoundafteradeer。Inthatdizzymomentherfeettoherscarceseemedtotouchtheground，andamomentbroughthertothewater’sedge。Rightonbehindtheycame；and，nervedwithstrengthsuchasGodgivesonlytothedesperate，withonewildcryandflyingleap，shevaultedsheerovertheturbidcurrentbytheshore，ontotheraftoficebeyond。Itwasadesperateleap—impossibletoanythingbutmadnessanddespair；andHaley，Sam，andAndy，instinctivelycriedout，andlifteduptheirhands，asshedidit。
Thehugegreenfragmentoficeonwhichshealightedpitchedandcreakedasherweightcameonit，butshestaidtherenotamoment。Withwildcriesanddesperateenergysheleapedtoanotherandstillanothercake；stumbling—leaping—slipping—springingupwardsagain！Hershoesaregone—herstockingscutfromherfeet—whilebloodmarkedeverystep；butshesawnothing，feltnothing，tilldimly，asinadream，shesawtheOhioside，andamanhelpingherupthebank。
“Yerabravegal，now，whoeveryear！”saidtheman，withanoath。
Elizarecognizedthevoiceandfaceforamanwhoownedafarmnotfarfromheroldhome。
“O，Mr。Symmes！—saveme—dosaveme—dohideme！”saidElia。
“Why，what’sthis？”saidtheman。“Why，if’tan’tShelby’sgal！”
“Mychild！—thisboy！—he’dsoldhim！ThereishisMas’r，”saidshe，pointingtotheKentuckyshore。“O，Mr。Symmes，you’vegotalittleboy！”
“SoIhave，”saidtheman，asheroughly，butkindly，drewherupthesteepbank。“Besides，you’rearightbravegal。Ilikegrit，whereverIseeit。”
Whentheyhadgainedthetopofthebank，themanpaused。
“I’dbegladtodosomethingforye，”saidhe；“butthenthere’snowharIcouldtakeye。ThebestIcandoistotellyetogothar，”saidhe，pointingtoalargewhitehousewhichstoodbyitself，offthemainstreetofthevillage。“Gothar；they’rekindfolks。Thar’snokindo’dangerbutthey’llhelpyou，—they’reuptoallthatsorto’thing。”
“TheLordblessyou！”saidEliza，earnestly。
“No’casion，no’casionintheworld，”saidtheman。“WhatI’vedone’sofno’count。”
“And，oh，surely，sir，youwon’ttellanyone！”
“Gotothunder，gal！Whatdoyoutakeafellerfor？Incoursenot，”saidtheman。“Come，now，goalonglikealikely，sensiblegal，asyouare。You’vearntyourliberty，andyoushallhaveit，forallme。”
Thewomanfoldedherchildtoherbosom，andwalkedfirmlyandswiftlyaway。Themanstoodandlookedafterher。
“Shelby，now，mebbewon’tthinkthisyerthemostneighborlythingintheworld；butwhat’safellertodo？Ifhecatchesoneofmygalsinthesamefix，he’swelcometopayback。SomehowInevercouldseenokindo’critterastrivin’andpantin’，andtryingtoclartheirselves，withthedogsarter’emandgoagin’em。Besides，Idon’tseenokindof’casionformetobehunterandcatcherforotherfolks，neither。”
Sospokethispoor，heathenishKentuckian，whohadnotbeeninstructedinhisconstitutionalrelations，andconsequentlywasbetrayedintoactinginasortofChristianizedmanner，which，ifhehadbeenbettersituatedandmoreenlightened，hewouldnothavebeenlefttodo。
Haleyhadstoodaperfectlyamazedspectatorofthescene，tillElizahaddisappearedupthebank，whenheturnedablank，inquiringlookonSamandAndy。
“Thatarwasatolablefairstrokeofbusiness，”saidSam。
“Thegal’sgotsevendevilsinher，Ibelieve！”saidHaley。“Howlikeawildcatshejumped！”
“Wal，now，”saidSam，scratchinghishead，“IhopeMas’r’ll’scuseustryingdatarroad。Don’tthinkIfeelspryenoughfordatar，noway！”andSamgaveahoarsechuckle。
“Youlaugh！”saidthetrader，withagrowl。
“Lordblessyou，Mas’r，Icouldn’thelpitnow，”saidSam，givingwaytothelongpent-updelightofhissoul。“Shelookedsocuri’s，aleapin’andspringin’—iceacrackin’—andonlytohearher，—plump！kerchunk！kersplash！Spring！Lord！howshegoesit！”andSamandAndylaughedtillthetearsrolleddowntheircheeks。
“I’llmakeyelaught’othersideyermouths！”saidthetrader，layingabouttheirheadswithhisriding-whip。
Bothducked，andranshoutingupthebank，andwereontheirhorsesbeforehewasup。
“Good-evening，Mas’r！”saidSam，withmuchgravity。“IberrymuchspectMissisbeanxious’boutJerry。Mas’rHaleywon’twantusnolonger。Missiswouldn’thearofourridin’thecrittersoverLizy’sbridgetonight；”and，withafacetiouspokeintoAndy’sribs，hestartedoff，followedbythelatter，atfullspeed，—theirshoutsoflaughtercomingfaintlyonthewind。
