SelectIncidentofLawfulTrade
“InRamahtherewasavoiceheard，—weeping，andlamentation，andgreatmourning；Rachelweepingforherchildren，andwouldnotbecomforted。”1
Mr。HaleyandTomjoggedonwardintheirwagon，each，foratime，absorbedinhisownreflections。Now，thereflectionsoftwomensittingsidebysideareacuriousthing，—seatedonthesameseat，havingthesameeyes，ears，handsandorgansofallsorts，andhavingpassbeforetheireyesthesameobjects，—itiswonderfulwhatavarietyweshallfindinthesesamereflections！
As，forexample，Mr。Haley:hethoughtfirstofTom’slength，andbreadth，andheight，andwhathewouldsellfor，ifhewaskeptfatandingoodcasetillhegothimintomarket。Hethoughtofhowheshouldmakeouthisgang；hethoughtoftherespectivemarketvalueofcertainsupposititiousmenandwomenandchildrenwhoweretocomposeit，andotherkindredtopicsofthebusiness；thenhethoughtofhimself，andhowhumanehewas，thatwhereasothermenchainedtheir“niggers”handandfootboth，heonlyputfettersonthefeet，andleftTomtheuseofhishands，aslongashebehavedwell；andhesighedtothinkhowungratefulhumannaturewas，sothattherewasevenroomtodoubtwhetherTomappreciatedhismercies。Hehadbeentakeninsoby“niggers”whomhehadfavored；butstillhewasastonishedtoconsiderhowgood-naturedheyetremained！
AstoTom，hewasthinkingoversomewordsofanunfashionableoldbook，whichkeptrunningthroughhishead，againandagain，asfollows:“Wehaveherenocontinuingcity，butweseekonetocome；whereforeGodhimselfisnotashamedtobecalledourGod；forhehathpreparedforusacity。”Thesewordsofanancientvolume，gotupprincipallyby“ignorantandunlearnedmen，”have，throughalltime，keptup，somehow，astrangesortofpoweroverthemindsofpoor，simplefellows，likeTom。Theystirupthesoulfromitsdepths，androuse，aswithtrumpetcall，courage，energy，andenthusiasm，wherebeforewasonlytheblacknessofdespair。
Mr。Haleypulledoutofhispocketsundrynewspapers，andbeganlookingovertheiradvertisements，withabsorbedinterest。Hewasnotaremarkablyfluentreader，andwasinthehabitofreadinginasortofrecitativehalf-aloud，bywayofcallinginhisearstoverifythedeductionsofhiseyes。Inthistoneheslowlyrecitedthefollowingparagraph:
“Executor’sSale，—Negroes！—Agreeablytoorderofcourt，willbesold，onTuesday，February20，beforetheCourt-housedoor，inthetownofWashington，Kentucky，thefollowingnegroes:Hagar，aged60；John，aged30；Ben，aged21；Saul，aged25；Albert，aged14。SoldforthebenefitofthecreditorsandheirsoftheestateofJesseBlutchford，
SamuelMorris，ThomasFlint，Executors。”
“ThisyerImustlookat，”saidhetoTom，forwantofsomebodyelsetotalkto。
“Yesee，I’mgoingtogetupaprimegangtotakedownwithye，Tom；it’llmakeitsociableandpleasantlike，—goodcompanywill，yeknow。WemustdriverighttoWashingtonfirstandforemost，andthenI’llclapyouintojail，whileIdoesthebusiness。”
Tomreceivedthisagreeableintelligencequitemeekly；simplywondering，inhisownheart，howmanyofthesedoomedmenhadwivesandchildren，andwhethertheywouldfeelashedidaboutleavingthem。Itistobeconfessed，too，thatthenaive，off-handinformationthathewastobethrownintojailbynomeansproducedanagreeableimpressiononapoorfellowwhohadalwayspridedhimselfonastrictlyhonestanduprightcourseoflife。Yes，Tom，wemustconfessit，wasratherproudofhishonesty，poorfellow，—nothavingverymuchelsetobeproudof；—ifhehadbelongedtosomeofthehigherwalksofsociety，he，perhaps，wouldneverhavebeenreducedtosuchstraits。However，thedayworeon，andtheeveningsawHaleyandTomcomfortablyaccommodatedinWashington，—theoneinatavern，andtheotherinajail。
Abouteleveno’clockthenextday，amixedthrongwasgatheredaroundthecourt-housesteps，—smoking，chewing，spitting，swearing，andconversing，accordingtotheirrespectivetastesandturns，—waitingfortheauctiontocommence。Themenandwomentobesoldsatinagroupapart，talkinginalowtonetoeachother。ThewomanwhohadbeenadvertisedbythenameofHagarwasaregularAfricaninfeatureandfigure。Shemighthavebeensixty，butwasolderthanthatbyhardworkanddisease，waspartiallyblind，andsomewhatcrippledwithrheumatism。Byhersidestoodheronlyremainingson，Albert，abright-lookinglittlefellowoffourteenyears。Theboywastheonlysurvivorofalargefamily，whohadbeensuccessivelysoldawayfromhertoasouthernmarket。Themotherheldontohimwithbothhershakinghands，andeyedwithintensetrepidationeveryonewhowalkeduptoexaminehim。
“Don’tbefeard，AuntHagar，”saidtheoldestofthemen，“IspoketoMas’rThomas’boutit，andhethoughthemightmanagetosellyouinalotbothtogether。”
“Deyneedn’tcallmewornoutyet，”saidshe，liftinghershakinghands。“Icancookyet，andscrub，andscour，—I’mwuthabuying，ifIdocomecheap；—tellemdatar，—youtellem，”sheadded，earnestly。
Haleyhereforcedhiswayintothegroup，walkeduptotheoldman，pulledhismouthopenandlookedin，feltofhisteeth，madehimstandandstraightenhimself，bendhisback，andperformvariousevolutionstoshowhismuscles；andthenpassedontothenext，andputhimthroughthesametrial。Walkinguplasttotheboy，hefeltofhisarms，straightenedhishands，andlookedathisfingers，andmadehimjump，toshowhisagility。
“Hean’tgwinetobesoldwidoutme！”saidtheoldwoman，withpassionateeagerness；“heandIgoesinalottogether；I’srailstrongyet，Mas’randcandoheapso’work，—heapsonit，Mas’r。”
“Onplantation？”saidHaley，withacontemptuousglance。“Likelystory！”and，asifsatisfiedwithhisexamination，hewalkedoutandlooked，andstoodwithhishandsinhispocket，hiscigarinhismouth，andhishatcockedononeside，readyforaction。
“Whatthinkof’em？”saidamanwhohadbeenfollowingHaley’sexamination，asiftomakeuphisownmindfromit。
“Wal，”saidHaley，spitting，“Ishallputin，Ithink，fortheyoungerlyonesandtheboy。”
“Theywanttoselltheboyandtheoldwomantogether，”saidtheman。
“Finditatightpull；—why，she’sanoldracko’bones，—notworthhersalt。”
“Youwouldn’tthen？”saidtheman。
“Anybody’dbeafool’twould。She’shalfblind，crookedwithrheumatis，andfoolishtoboot。”
“Somebuysuptheseyeroldcritturs，andsesthere’sasightmorewearin’emthanabody’dthink，”saidtheman，reflectively。
“Nogo，’tall，”saidHaley；“wouldn’ttakeherforapresent，—fact，—I’veseen，now。”
“Wal，’tiskinderpity，now，nottobuyherwithherson，—herheartseemssosotonhim，—s’posetheyflingherincheap。”
“Themthat’sgotmoneytospendthatarway，it’sallwellenough。Ishallbidoffonthatarboyforaplantation-hand；—wouldn’tbebotheredwithher，noway，notifthey’dgivehertome，”saidHaley。
“She’lltakeondesp’t，”saidtheman。
“Nat’lly，shewill，”saidthetrader，coolly。
Theconversationwashereinterruptedbyabusyhumintheaudience；andtheauctioneer，ashort，bustling，importantfellow，elbowedhiswayintothecrowd。Theoldwomandrewinherbreath，andcaughtinstinctivelyatherson。
“Keepclosetoyermammy，Albert，—close，—dey’llputusuptogedder，”shesaid。
“O，mammy，I’mfeardtheywon’t，”saidtheboy。
“Deymust，child；Ican’tlive，noways，iftheydon’t”saidtheoldcreature，vehemently。
Thestentoriantonesoftheauctioneer，callingouttocleartheway，nowannouncedthatthesalewasabouttocommence。Aplacewascleared，andthebiddingbegan。Thedifferentmenonthelistweresoonknockedoffatpriceswhichshowedaprettybriskdemandinthemarket；twoofthemfelltoHaley。
“Come，now，youngun，”saidtheauctioneer，givingtheboyatouchwithhishammer，“beupandshowyoursprings，now。”
“Putustwouptogedder，togedder，—doplease，Mas’r，”saidtheoldwoman，holdingfasttoherboy。
“Beoff，”saidtheman，gruffly，pushingherhandsaway；“youcomelast。Now，darkey，spring；”and，withtheword，hepushedtheboytowardtheblock，whileadeep，heavygroanrosebehindhim。Theboypaused，andlookedback；buttherewasnotimetostay，and，dashingthetearsfromhislarge，brighteyes，hewasupinamoment。
Hisfinefigure，alertlimbs，andbrightface，raisedaninstantcompetition，andhalfadozenbidssimultaneouslymettheearoftheauctioneer。Anxious，half-frightened，helookedfromsidetoside，asheheardtheclatterofcontendingbids，—nowhere，nowthere，—tillthehammerfell。Haleyhadgothim。Hewaspushedfromtheblocktowardhisnewmaster，butstoppedonemoment，andlookedback，whenhispooroldmother，tremblingineverylimb，heldouthershakinghandstowardhim。
“Buymetoo，Mas’r，fordedearLord’ssake！—buyme，—Ishalldieifyoudon’t！”
“You’lldieifIdo，that’sthekinkofit，”saidHaley，—“no！”Andheturnedonhisheel。
Thebiddingforthepooroldcreaturewassummary。ThemanwhohadaddressedHaley，andwhoseemednotdestituteofcompassion，boughtherforatrifle，andthespectatorsbegantodisperse。
Thepoorvictimsofthesale，whohadbeenbroughtupinoneplacetogetherforyears，gatheredroundthedespairingoldmother，whoseagonywaspitifultosee。
“Couldn’tdeyleavemeone？Mas’rallerssaidIshouldhaveone，—hedid，”sherepeatedoverandover，inheart-brokentones。
“TrustintheLord，AuntHagar，”saidtheoldestofthemen，sorrowfully。
“Whatgoodwillitdo？”saidshe，sobbingpassionately。
“Mother，mother，—don’t！don’t！”saidtheboy。“Theysayyou’sgotagoodmaster。”
“Idon’tcare，—Idon’tcare。O，Albert！oh，myboy！you’smylastbaby。Lord，howkenI？”
“Come，takeheroff，can’tsomeofye？”saidHaley，dryly；“don’tdonogoodforhertogoonthatarway。”
Theoldmenofthecompany，partlybypersuasionandpartlybyforce，loosedthepoorcreature’slastdespairinghold，and，astheyledherofftohernewmaster’swagon，strovetocomforther。
“Now！”saidHaley，pushinghisthreepurchasestogether，andproducingabundleofhandcuffs，whichheproceededtoputontheirwrists；andfasteningeachhandcufftoalongchain，hedrovethembeforehimtothejail。
AfewdayssawHaley，withhispossessions，safelydepositedononeoftheOhioboats。Itwasthecommencementofhisgang，tobeaugmented，astheboatmovedon，byvariousothermerchandiseofthesamekind，whichhe，orhisagent，hadstoredforhiminvariouspointsalongshore。
TheLaBelleRiviere，asbraveandbeautifulaboataseverwalkedthewatersofhernamesakeriver，wasfloatinggaylydownthestream，underabrilliantsky，thestripesandstarsoffreeAmericawavingandflutteringoverhead；theguardscrowdedwithwell-dressedladiesandgentlemenwalkingandenjoyingthedelightfulday。Allwasfulloflife，buoyantandrejoicing；—allbutHaley’sgang，whowerestored，withotherfreight，onthelowerdeck，andwho，somehow，didnotseemtoappreciatetheirvariousprivileges，astheysatinaknot，talkingtoeachotherinlowtones。
“Boys，”saidHaley，comingup，briskly，“Ihopeyoukeepupgoodheart，andarecheerful。Now，nosulks，yesee；keepstiffupperlip，boys；dowellbyme，andI’lldowellbyyou。”
Theboysaddressedrespondedtheinvariable“Yes，Mas’r，”foragesthewatchwordofpoorAfrica；butit’stobeownedtheydidnotlookparticularlycheerful；theyhadtheirvariouslittleprejudicesinfavorofwives，mothers，sisters，andchildren，seenforthelasttime，—andthough“theythatwastedthemrequiredofthemmirth，”itwasnotinstantlyforthcoming。
“I’vegotawife，”spokeoutthearticleenumeratedas“John，agedthirty，”andhelaidhischainedhandonTom’sknee，—“andshedon’tknowawordaboutthis，poorgirl！”
“Wheredoesshelive？”saidTom。
“Inatavernapiecedownhere，”saidJohn；“Iwish，now，Icouldseeheroncemoreinthisworld，”headded。
PoorJohn！Itwasrathernatural；andthetearsthatfell，ashespoke，cameasnaturallyasifhehadbeenawhiteman。Tomdrewalongbreathfromasoreheart，andtried，inhispoorway，tocomforthim。
Andoverhead，inthecabin，satfathersandmothers，husbandsandwives；andmerry，dancingchildrenmovedroundamongthem，likesomanylittlebutterflies，andeverythingwasgoingonquiteeasyandcomfortable。
“O，mamma，”saidaboy，whohadjustcomeupfrombelow，“there’sanegrotraderonboard，andhe’sbroughtfourorfiveslavesdownthere。”
“Poorcreatures！”saidthemother，inatonebetweengriefandindignation。
“What’sthat？”saidanotherlady。
“Somepoorslavesbelow，”saidthemother。
“Andthey’vegotchainson，”saidtheboy。
“Whatashametoourcountrythatsuchsightsaretobeseen！”saidanotherlady。
“O，there’sagreatdealtobesaidonbothsidesofthesubject，”saidagenteelwoman，whosatatherstate-roomdoorsewing，whileherlittlegirlandboywereplayingroundher。“I’vebeensouth，andImustsayIthinkthenegroesarebetteroffthantheywouldbetobefree。”
“Insomerespects，someofthemarewelloff，Igrant，”saidtheladytowhoseremarkshehadanswered。“Themostdreadfulpartofslavery，tomymind，isitsoutragesonthefeelingsandaffections，—theseparatingoffamilies，forexample。”
“Thatisabadthing，certainly，”saidtheotherlady，holdingupababy’sdressshehadjustcompleted，andlookingintentlyonitstrimmings；“butthen，Ifancy，itdon’toccuroften。”
“O，itdoes，”saidthefirstlady，eagerly；“I’velivedmanyyearsinKentuckyandVirginiaboth，andI’veseenenoughtomakeanyone’sheartsick。Suppose，ma’am，yourtwochildren，there，shouldbetakenfromyou，andsold？”
“Wecan’treasonfromourfeelingstothoseofthisclassofpersons，”saidtheotherlady，sortingoutsomeworstedsonherlap。
“Indeed，ma’am，youcanknownothingofthem，ifyousayso，”answeredthefirstlady，warmly。“Iwasbornandbroughtupamongthem。Iknowtheydofeel，justaskeenly，—evenmoreso，perhaps，—aswedo。”
Theladysaid“Indeed！”yawned，andlookedoutthecabinwindow，andfinallyrepeated，forafinale，theremarkwithwhichshehadbegun，—“Afterall，Ithinktheyarebetteroffthantheywouldbetobefree。”
“It’sundoubtedlytheintentionofProvidencethattheAfricanraceshouldbeservants，—keptinalowcondition，”saidagrave-lookinggentlemaninblack，aclergyman，seatedbythecabindoor。“‘CursedbeCanaan；aservantofservantsshallhebe，’thescripturesays。”2
“Isay，stranger，isthatarwhatthattextmeans？”saidatallman，standingby。
“Undoubtedly。ItpleasedProvidence，forsomeinscrutablereason，todoomtheracetobondage，agesago；andwemustnotsetupouropinionagainstthat。”
“Well，then，we’llallgoaheadandbuyupniggers，”saidtheman，“ifthat’sthewayofProvidence，—won’twe，Squire？”saidhe，turningtoHaley，whohadbeenstanding，withhishandsinhispockets，bythestoveandintentlylisteningtotheconversation。
“Yes，”continuedthetallman，“wemustallberesignedtothedecreesofProvidence。Niggersmustbesold，andtruckedround，andkeptunder；it’swhatthey’smadefor。’Pearslikethisyerview’squiterefreshing，an’tit，stranger？”saidhetoHaley。
“Ineverthoughton’t，”saidHaley，“Icouldn’thavesaidasmuch，myself；Iha’ntnolarning。Itookupthetradejusttomakealiving；if’tan’tright，Icalculatedto’penton’tintime，yeknow。”
“Andnowyou’llsaveyerselfthetrouble，won’tye？”saidthetallman。“Seewhat’tis，now，toknowscripture。Ifye’donlystudiedyerBible，likethisyergoodman，yemighthaveknow’ditbefore，andsavedyeaheapo’trouble。Yecouldjisthavesaid，‘Cussedbe’—what’shisname？—‘and’twouldallhavecomeright。’”Andthestranger，whowasnootherthanthehonestdroverwhomweintroducedtoourreadersintheKentuckytavern，satdown，andbegansmoking，withacurioussmileonhislong，dryface。
Atall，slenderyoungman，withafaceexpressiveofgreatfeelingandintelligence，herebrokein，andrepeatedthewords，“‘Allthingswhatsoeveryewouldthatmenshoulddountoyou，doyeevensountothem。’Isuppose，”headded，“thatisscripture，asmuchas‘CursedbeCanaan。’”
“Wal，itseemsquiteasplainatext，stranger，”saidJohnthedrover，“topoorfellowslikeus，now；”andJohnsmokedonlikeavolcano。
Theyoungmanpaused，lookedasifhewasgoingtosaymore，whensuddenlytheboatstopped，andthecompanymadetheusualsteamboatrush，toseewheretheywerelanding。
“Boththemarchapsparsons？”saidJohntooneofthemen，astheyweregoingout。
Themannodded。
Astheboatstopped，ablackwomancamerunningwildlyuptheplank，dartedintothecrowd，flewuptowheretheslavegangsat，andthrewherarmsroundthatunfortunatepieceofmerchandisebeforeenumerate—“John，agedthirty，”andwithsobsandtearsbemoanedhimasherhusband。
Butwhatneedstellthestory，toldtoooft，—everydaytold，—ofheart-stringsrentandbroken，—theweakbrokenandtornfortheprofitandconvenienceofthestrong！Itneedsnottobetold；—everydayistellingit，—tellingit，too，intheearofOnewhoisnotdeaf，thoughhebelongsilent。
TheyoungmanwhohadspokenforthecauseofhumanityandGodbeforestoodwithfoldedarms，lookingonthisscene。Heturned，andHaleywasstandingathisside。“Myfriend，”hesaid，speakingwiththickutterance，“howcanyou，howdareyou，carryonatradelikethis？Lookatthosepoorcreatures！HereIam，rejoicinginmyheartthatIamgoinghometomywifeandchild；andthesamebellwhichisasignaltocarrymeonwardtowardsthemwillpartthispoormanandhiswifeforever。Dependuponit，Godwillbringyouintojudgmentforthis。”
Thetraderturnedawayinsilence。
“Isay，now，”saidthedrover，touchinghiselbow，“there’sdifferencesinparsons，an’tthere？‘CussedbeCanaan’don’tseemtogodownwiththis’un，doesit？”
Haleygaveanuneasygrowl。
“Andthataran’ttheworston’t，”saidJohn；“mabbeeitwon’tgodownwiththeLord，neither，whenyecometosettlewithHim，oneo’thesedays，asallonusmust，Ireckon。”
Haleywalkedreflectivelytotheotherendoftheboat。
“IfImakeprettyhandsomelyononeortwonextgangs，”hethought，“IreckonI’llstopoffthisyer；it’sreallygettingdangerous。”Andhetookouthispocket-book，andbeganaddingoverhisaccounts，—aprocesswhichmanygentlemenbesidesMr。Haleyhavefoundaspecificforanuneasyconscience。
Theboatsweptproudlyawayfromtheshore，andallwentonmerrily，asbefore。Mentalked，andloafed，andread，andsmoked。Womensewed，andchildrenplayed，andtheboatpassedonherway。
Oneday，whenshelaytoforawhileatasmalltowninKentucky，Haleywentupintotheplaceonalittlematterofbusiness。
Tom，whosefettersdidnotpreventhistakingamoderatecircuit，haddrawnnearthesideoftheboat，andstoodlistlesslygazingovertherailing。Afteratime，hesawthetraderreturning，withanalertstep，incompanywithacoloredwoman，bearinginherarmsayoungchild。Shewasdressedquiterespectably，andacoloredmanfollowedher，bringingalongasmalltrunk。Thewomancamecheerfullyonward，talking，asshecame，withthemanwhoborehertrunk，andsopasseduptheplankintotheboat。Thebellrung，thesteamerwhizzed，theenginegroanedandcoughed，andawayswepttheboatdowntheriver。
Thewomanwalkedforwardamongtheboxesandbalesofthelowerdeck，and，sittingdown，busiedherselfwithchirrupingtoherbaby。
Haleymadeaturnortwoabouttheboat，andthen，comingup，seatedhimselfnearher，andbegansayingsomethingtoherinanindifferentundertone。
Tomsoonnoticedaheavycloudpassingoverthewoman’sbrow；andthatsheansweredrapidly，andwithgreatvehemence。
“Idon’tbelieveit，—Iwon’tbelieveit！”heheardhersay。“You’rejistafoolinwithme。”
“Ifyouwon’tbelieveit，lookhere！”saidtheman，drawingoutapaper；“thisyer’sthebillofsale，andthere’syourmaster’snametoit；andIpaiddowngoodsolidcashforit，too，Icantellyou，—so，now！”
“Idon’tbelieveMas’rwouldcheatmeso；itcan’tbetrue！”saidthewoman，withincreasingagitation。
“Youcanaskanyofthesemenhere，thatcanreadwriting。Here！”hesaid，toamanthatwaspassingby，“jistreadthisyer，won’tyou！Thisyergalwon’tbelieveme，whenItellherwhat’tis。”
“Why，it’sabillofsale，signedbyJohnFosdick，”saidtheman，“makingovertoyouthegirlLucyandherchild。It’sallstraightenough，foraughtIsee。”
Thewoman’spassionateexclamationscollectedacrowdaroundher，andthetraderbrieflyexplainedtothemthecauseoftheagitation。
“HetoldmethatIwasgoingdowntoLouisville，tohireoutascooktothesametavernwheremyhusbandworks，—that’swhatMas’rtoldme，hisownself；andIcan’tbelievehe’dlietome，”saidthewoman。
“Buthehassoldyou，mypoorwoman，there’snodoubtaboutit，”saidagood-naturedlookingman，whohadbeenexaminingthepapers；“hehasdoneit，andnomistake。”
“Thenit’snoaccounttalking，”saidthewoman，suddenlygrowingquitecalm；and，claspingherchildtighterinherarms，shesatdownonherbox，turnedherbackround，andgazedlistlesslyintotheriver。
“Goingtotakeiteasy，afterall！”saidthetrader。“Gal’sgotgrit，Isee。”
Thewomanlookedcalm，astheboatwenton；andabeautifulsoftsummerbreezepassedlikeacompassionatespiritoverherhead，—thegentlebreeze，thatneverinquireswhetherthebrowisduskyorfairthatitfans。Andshesawsunshinesparklingonthewater，ingoldenripples，andheardgayvoices，fullofeaseandpleasure，talkingaroundhereverywhere；butherheartlayasifagreatstonehadfallenonit。Herbabyraisedhimselfupagainsther，andstrokedhercheekswithhislittlehands；and，springingupanddown，crowingandchatting，seemeddeterminedtoarouseher。Shestrainedhimsuddenlyandtightlyinherarms，andslowlyonetearafteranotherfellonhiswondering，unconsciousface；andgraduallysheseemed，andlittlebylittle，togrowcalmer，andbusiedherselfwithtendingandnursinghim。
Thechild，aboyoftenmonths，wasuncommonlylargeandstrongofhisage，andveryvigorousinhislimbs。Never，foramoment，still，hekepthismotherconstantlybusyinholdinghim，andguardinghisspringingactivity。
“That’safinechap！”saidaman，suddenlystoppingoppositetohim，withhishandsinhispockets。“Howoldishe？”
“Tenmonthsandahalf，”saidthemother。
Themanwhistledtotheboy，andofferedhimpartofastickofcandy，whichheeagerlygrabbedat，andverysoonhaditinababy’sgeneraldepository，towit，hismouth。
“Rumfellow！”saidtheman“Knowswhat’swhat！”andhewhistled，andwalkedon。Whenhehadgottotheothersideoftheboat，hecameacrossHaley，whowassmokingontopofapileofboxes。
Thestrangerproducedamatch，andlightedacigar，saying，ashedidso，
“Decentishkindo’wenchyou’vegotroundthere，stranger。”
“Why，Ireckonsheistol’ablefair，”saidHaley，blowingthesmokeoutofhismouth。
“Takingherdownsouth？”saidtheman。
Haleynodded，andsmokedon。
“Plantationhand？”saidtheman。
“Wal，”saidHaley，“I’mfillin’outanorderforaplantation，andIthinkIshallputherin。Theytelledmeshewasagoodcook；andtheycanuseherforthat，orsetheratthecotton-picking。She’sgottherightfingersforthat；Ilookedat’em。Sellwell，eitherway；”andHaleyresumedhiscigar。
“Theywon’twanttheyoung’unontheplantation，”saidtheman。
“Ishallsellhim，firstchanceIfind，”saidHaley，lightinganothercigar。
“S’poseyou’dbesellinghimtol’ablecheap，”saidthestranger，mountingthepileofboxes，andsittingdowncomfortably。
“Don’tknow’boutthat，”saidHaley；“he’saprettysmartyoung’un，straight，fat，strong；fleshashardasabrick！”
“Verytrue，butthenthere’sthebotherandexpenseofraisin’。”
“Nonsense！”saidHaley；“theyisraisedaseasyasanykindofcritterthereisgoing；theyan’tabitmoretroublethanpups。Thisyerchapwillberunningallaround，inamonth。”
“I’vegotagoodplaceforraisin’，andIthoughtoftakin’inalittlemorestock，”saidtheman。“Onecooklostayoung’unlastweek，—gotdrowndedinawashtub，whileshewasahangin’outtheclothes，—andIreckonitwouldbewellenoughtosethertoraisin’thisyer。”
Haleyandthestrangersmokedawhileinsilence，neitherseemingwillingtobroachthetestquestionoftheinterview。Atlastthemanresumed:
“Youwouldn’tthinkofwantin’morethantendollarsforthatarchap，seeingyoumustgethimoffyerhand，anyhow？”
Haleyshookhishead，andspitimpressively。
“Thatwon’tdo，noways，”hesaid，andbeganhissmokingagain。
“Well，stranger，whatwillyoutake？”
“Well，now，”saidHaley，“Icouldraisethatarchapmyself，orgethimraised；he’soncommonlikelyandhealthy，andhe’dfetchahundreddollars，sixmonthshence；and，inayearortwo，he’dbringtwohundred，ifIhadhimintherightspot；Ishan’ttakeacentlessnorfiftyforhimnow。”
“O，stranger！that’srediculous，altogether，”saidtheman。
“Fact！”saidHaley，withadecisivenodofhishead。
“I’llgivethirtyforhim，”saidthestranger，“butnotacentmore。”
“Now，I’lltellyewhatIwilldo，”saidHaley，spittingagain，withreneweddecision。“I’llsplitthedifference，andsayforty-five；andthat’sthemostIwilldo。”
“Well，agreed！”saidtheman，afteraninterval。
“Done！”saidHaley。“Wheredoyouland？”
“AtLouisville，”saidtheman。
“Louisville，”saidHaley。“Veryfair，wegetthereaboutdusk。Chapwillbeasleep，—allfair，—gethimoffquietly，andnoscreaming，—happensbeautiful，—Iliketodoeverythingquietly，—Ihatesallkindofagitationandfluster。”Andso，afteratransferofcertainbillshadpassedfromtheman’spocket-booktothetrader’s，heresumedhiscigar。
Itwasabright，tranquileveningwhentheboatstoppedatthewharfatLouisville。Thewomanhadbeensittingwithherbabyinherarms，nowwrappedinaheavysleep。Whensheheardthenameoftheplacecalledout，shehastilylaidthechilddowninalittlecradleformedbythehollowamongtheboxes，firstcarefullyspreadingunderithercloak；andthenshesprungtothesideoftheboat，inhopesthat，amongthevarioushotel-waiterswhothrongedthewharf，shemightseeherhusband。Inthishope，shepressedforwardtothefrontrails，and，stretchingfaroverthem，strainedhereyesintentlyonthemovingheadsontheshore，andthecrowdpressedinbetweenherandthechild。
“Now’syourtime，”saidHaley，takingthesleepingchildup，andhandinghimtothestranger。“Don’twakehimup，andsethimtocrying，now；itwouldmakeadevilofafusswiththegal。”Themantookthebundlecarefully，andwassoonlostinthecrowdthatwentupthewharf。
Whentheboat，creaking，andgroaning，andpuffing，hadloosedfromthewharf，andwasbeginningslowlytostrainherselfalong，thewomanreturnedtoheroldseat。Thetraderwassittingthere，—thechildwasgone！
“Why，why，—where？”shebegan，inbewilderedsurprise。
“Lucy，”saidthetrader，“yourchild’sgone；youmayaswellknowitfirstaslast。Yousee，Iknow’dyoucouldn’ttakehimdownsouth；andIgotachancetosellhimtoafirst-ratefamily，that’llraisehimbetterthanyoucan。”
ThetraderhadarrivedatthatstageofChristianandpoliticalperfectionwhichhasbeenrecommendedbysomepreachersandpoliticiansofthenorth，lately，inwhichhehadcompletelyovercomeeveryhumaneweaknessandprejudice。Hisheartwasexactlywhereyours，sir，andminecouldbebrought，withpropereffortandcultivation。Thewildlookofanguishandutterdespairthatthewomancastonhimmighthavedisturbedonelesspractised；buthewasusedtoit。Hehadseenthatsamelookhundredsoftimes。Youcangetusedtosuchthings，too，myfriend；anditisthegreatobjectofrecenteffortstomakeourwholenortherncommunityusedtothem，forthegloryoftheUnion。Sothetraderonlyregardedthemortalanguishwhichhesawworkinginthosedarkfeatures，thoseclenchedhands，andsuffocatingbreathings，asnecessaryincidentsofthetrade，andmerelycalculatedwhethershewasgoingtoscream，andgetupacommotionontheboat；for，likeothersupportersofourpeculiarinstitution，hedecidedlydislikedagitation。
Butthewomandidnotscream。Theshothadpassedtoostraightanddirectthroughtheheart，forcryortear。
Dizzilyshesatdown。Herslackhandsfelllifelessbyherside。Hereyeslookedstraightforward，butshesawnothing。Allthenoiseandhumoftheboat，thegroaningofthemachinery，mingleddreamilytoherbewilderedear；andthepoor，dumb-strickenhearthadneithercrynotteartoshowforitsuttermisery。Shewasquitecalm。
Thetrader，who，consideringhisadvantages，wasalmostashumaneassomeofourpoliticians，seemedtofeelcalledontoadministersuchconsolationasthecaseadmittedof。
“Iknowthisyercomeskinderhard，atfirst，Lucy，”saidhe；“butsuchasmart，sensiblegalasyouare，won’tgivewaytoit。Youseeit’snecessary，andcan’tbehelped！”
“O！don’t，Mas’r，don’t！”saidthewoman，withavoicelikeonethatissmothering。
“You’reasmartwench，Lucy，”hepersisted；“Imeantodowellbyye，andgetyeaniceplacedownriver；andyou’llsoongetanotherhusband，—suchalikelygalasyou—”
“O！Mas’r，ifyouonlywon’ttalktomenow，”saidthewoman，inavoiceofsuchquickandlivinganguishthatthetraderfeltthattherewassomethingatpresentinthecasebeyondhisstyleofoperation。Hegotup，andthewomanturnedaway，andburiedherheadinhercloak。
Thetraderwalkedupanddownforatime，andoccasionallystoppedandlookedather。
“Takesithard，rather，”hesoliloquized，“butquiet，tho’；—lethersweatawhile；she’llcomeright，byandby！”
Tomhadwatchedthewholetransactionfromfirsttolast，andhadaperfectunderstandingofitsresults。Tohim，itlookedlikesomethingunutterablyhorribleandcruel，because，poor，ignorantblacksoul！hehadnotlearnedtogeneralize，andtotakeenlargedviews。IfhehadonlybeeninstructedbycertainministersofChristianity，hemighthavethoughtbetterofit，andseeninitanevery-dayincidentofalawfultrade；atradewhichisthevitalsuportofaninstitutionwhichanAmericandivine3tellsushas“noevilsbutsuchasareinseparablefromanyotherrelationsinsocialanddomesticlife。”ButTom，aswesee，beingapoor，ignorantfellow，whosereadinghadbeenconfinedentirelytotheNewTestament，couldnotcomfortandsolacehimselfwithviewslikethese。Hisverysoulbledwithinhimforwhatseemedtohimthewrongsofthepoorsufferingthingthatlaylikeacrushedreedontheboxes；thefeeling，living，bleeding，yetimmortalthing，whichAmericanstatelawcoollyclasseswiththebundles，andbales，andboxes，amongwhichsheislying。
Tomdrewnear，andtriedtosaysomething；butsheonlygroaned。Honestly，andwithtearsrunningdownhisowncheeks，hespokeofaheartofloveintheskies，ofapityingJesus，andaneternalhome；buttheearwasdeafwithanguish，andthepalsiedheartcouldnotfeel。
Nightcameon，—nightcalm，unmoved，andglorious，shiningdownwithherinnumerableandsolemnangeleyes，twinkling，beautiful，butsilent。Therewasnospeechnorlanguage，nopityingvoiceorhelpinghand，fromthatdistantsky。Oneafteranother，thevoicesofbusinessorpleasurediedaway；allontheboatweresleeping，andtheripplesattheprowwereplainlyheard。Tomstretchedhimselfoutonabox，andthere，ashelay，heheard，everandanon，asmotheredsoborcryfromtheprostratecreature，—“O！whatshallIdo？OLord！OgoodLord，dohelpme！”andso，everandanon，untilthemurmurdiedawayinsilence。
Atmidnight，Tomwaked，withasuddenstart。Somethingblackpassedquicklybyhimtothesideoftheboat，andheheardasplashinthewater。Nooneelsesaworheardanything。Heraisedhishead，—thewoman’splacewasvacant！Hegotup，andsoughtabouthiminvain。Thepoorbleedingheartwasstill，atlast，andtheriverrippledanddimpledjustasbrightlyasifithadnotclosedaboveit。
Patience！patience！yewhoseheartsswellindignantatwrongslikethese。Notonethrobofanguish，notonetearoftheoppressed，isforgottenbytheManofSorrows，theLordofGlory。Inhispatient，generousbosomhebearstheanguishofaworld。Bearthou，likehim，inpatience，andlaborinlove；forsureasheisGod，“theyearofhisredeemedshallcome。”
Thetraderwakedupbrightandearly，andcameouttoseetohislivestock。Itwasnowhisturntolookaboutinperplexity。
“Wherealiveisthatgal？”hesaidtoTom。
Tom，whohadlearnedthewisdomofkeepingcounsel，didnotfeelcalledupontostatehisobservationsandsuspicions，butsaidhedidnotknow。
“Shesurelycouldn’thavegotoffinthenightatanyofthelandings，forIwasawake，andonthelookout，whenevertheboatstopped。Inevertrusttheseyerthingstootherfolks。”
ThisspeechwasaddressedtoTomquiteconfidentially，asifitwassomethingthatwouldbespeciallyinterestingtohim。Tommadenoanswer。
Thetradersearchedtheboatfromstemtostern，amongboxes，balesandbarrels，aroundthemachinery，bythechimneys，invain。
“Now，Isay，Tom，befairaboutthisyer，”hesaid，when，afterafruitlesssearch，hecamewhereTomwasstanding。“Youknowsomethingaboutit，now。Don’ttellme，—Iknowyoudo。Isawthegalstretchedouthereaboutteno’clock，andag’inattwelve，andag’inbetweenoneandtwo；andthenatfourshewasgone，andyouwasasleepingrightthereallthetime。Now，youknowsomething，—youcan’thelpit。”
“Well，Mas’r，”saidTom，“towardsmorningsomethingbrushedbyme，andIkinderhalfwoke；andthenIhearnagreatsplash，andthenIclarewokeup，andthegalwasgone。That’sallIknowon’t。”
Thetraderwasnotshockednoramazed；because，aswesaidbefore，hewasusedtoagreatmanythingsthatyouarenotusedto。EventheawfulpresenceofDeathstrucknosolemnchilluponhim。HehadseenDeathmanytimes，—methiminthewayoftrade，andgotacquaintedwithhim，—andheonlythoughtofhimasahardcustomer，thatembarrassedhispropertyoperationsveryunfairly；andsoheonlysworethatthegalwasabaggage，andthathewasdevilishunlucky，andthat，ifthingswentoninthisway，heshouldnotmakeacentonthetrip。Inshort，heseemedtoconsiderhimselfanill-usedman，decidedly；buttherewasnohelpforit，asthewomanhadescapedintoastatewhichneverwillgiveupafugitive，—notevenatthedemandofthewholegloriousUnion。Thetrader，therefore，satdiscontentedlydown，withhislittleaccount-book，andputdownthemissingbodyandsoulundertheheadoflosses！
“He’sashockingcreature，isn’the，—thistrader？sounfeeling！It’sdreadful，really！”
“O，butnobodythinksanythingofthesetraders！Theyareuniversallydespised，—neverreceivedintoanydecentsociety。”
Butwho，sir，makesthetrader？Whoismosttoblame？Theenlightened，cultivated，intelligentman，whosupportsthesystemofwhichthetraderistheinevitableresult，orthepoortraderhimself？Youmakethepublicstatementthatcallsforhistrade，thatdebauchesanddepraveshim，tillhefeelsnoshameinit；andinwhatareyoubetterthanhe？
Areyoueducatedandheignorant，youhighandhelow，yourefinedandhecoarse，youtalentedandhesimple？
Inthedayofafuturejudgment，theseveryconsiderationsmaymakeitmoretolerableforhimthanforyou。
Inconcludingtheselittleincidentsoflawfultrade，wemustbegtheworldnottothinkthatAmericanlegislatorsareentirelydestituteofhumanity，asmight，perhaps，beunfairlyinferredfromthegreateffortsmadeinournationalbodytoprotectandperpetuatethisspeciesoftraffic。
Whodoesnotknowhowourgreatmenareoutdoingthemselves，indeclaimingagainsttheforeignslave-trade。ThereareaperfecthostofClarksonsandWilberforces4risenupamongusonthatsubject，mostedifyingtohearandbehold。TradingnegroesfromAfrica，dearreader，issohorrid！Itisnottobethoughtof！ButtradingthemfromKentucky，—that’squiteanotherthing！
1Jer。31:15。
2Gen。9:25。ThisiswhatNoahsayswhenhewakesoutofdrunkennessandrealizesthathisyoungestson，Ham，fatherofCanaan，hasseenhimnaked。
3Dr。JoelParkerofPhiladelphia。[Mrs。Stowe’snote。]Presbyterianclergyman(1799-1873)，afriendoftheBeecherfamily。Mrs。Stoweattemptedunsuccessfullytohavethisidentifyingnoteremovedfromthestereotype-plateofthefirstedition。
4ThomasClarkson(1760-1846)andWilliamWilberforce(1759-1833)，Englishphilanthropistsandanti-slaveryagitatorswhohelpedtosecurepassageoftheEmancipationBillbyParliamentin1833。
TheQuakerSettlement
Aquietscenenowrisesbeforeus。Alarge，roomy，neatly-paintedkitchen，itsyellowfloorglossyandsmooth，andwithoutaparticleofdust；aneat，well-blackedcooking-stove；rowsofshiningtin，suggestiveofunmentionablegoodthingstotheappetite；glossygreenwoodchairs，oldandfirm；asmallflag-bottomedrocking-chair，withapatch-workcushioninit，neatlycontrivedoutofsmallpiecesofdifferentcoloredwoollengoods，andalargersizedone，motherlyandold，whosewidearmsbreathedhospitableinvitation，secondedbythesolicitationofitsfeathercushions，—arealcomfortable，persuasiveoldchair，andworth，inthewayofhonest，homelyenjoyment，adozenofyourplushorbrochetelledrawing-roomgentry；andinthechair，gentlyswayingbackandforward，hereyesbentonsomefinesewing，satourfineoldfriendEliza。Yes，theresheis，palerandthinnerthaninherKentuckyhome，withaworldofquietsorrowlyingundertheshadowofherlongeyelashes，andmarkingtheoutlineofhergentlemouth！Itwasplaintoseehowoldandfirmthegirlishheartwasgrownunderthedisciplineofheavysorrow；andwhen，anon，herlargedarkeyewasraisedtofollowthegambolsofherlittleHarry，whowassporting，likesometropicalbutterfly，hitherandthitheroverthefloor，sheshowedadepthoffirmnessandsteadyresolvethatwasneverthereinherearlierandhappierdays。
Byhersidesatawomanwithabrighttinpaninherlap，intowhichshewascarefullysortingsomedriedpeaches。Shemightbefifty-fiveorsixty；butherswasoneofthosefacesthattimeseemstotouchonlytobrightenandadorn。Thesnowyfissecrapecap，madeafterthestraitQuakerpattern，—theplainwhitemuslinhandkerchief，lyinginplacidfoldsacrossherbosom，—thedrabshawlanddress，—showedatoncethecommunitytowhichshebelonged。Herfacewasroundandrosy，withahealthfuldownysoftness，suggestiveofaripepeach。Herhair，partiallysilveredbyage，waspartedsmoothlybackfromahighplacidforehead，onwhichtimehadwrittennoinscription，exceptpeaceonearth，goodwilltomen，andbeneathshonealargepairofclear，honest，lovingbrowneyes；youonlyneededtolookstraightintothem，tofeelthatyousawtothebottomofaheartasgoodandtrueaseverthrobbedinwoman’sbosom。Somuchhasbeensaidandsungofbeautifulyounggirls，whydon’tsomebodywakeuptothebeautyofoldwomen？Ifanywanttogetupaninspirationunderthishead，wereferthemtoourgoodfriendRachelHalliday，justasshesitsthereinherlittlerocking-chair。Ithadaturnforquackingandsqueaking，—thatchairhad，—eitherfromhavingtakencoldinearlylife，orfromsomeasthmaticaffection，orperhapsfromnervousderangement；but，asshegentlyswungbackwardandforward，thechairkeptupakindofsubdued“creechycrawchy，”thatwouldhavebeenintolerableinanyotherchair。ButoldSimeonHallidayoftendeclareditwasasgoodasanymusictohim，andthechildrenallavowedthattheywouldn’tmissofhearingmother’schairforanythingintheworld。Forwhy？fortwentyyearsormore，nothingbutlovingwords，andgentlemoralities，andmotherlylovingkindness，hadcomefromthatchair；—head-achesandheart-achesinnumerablehadbeencuredthere，—difficultiesspiritualandtemporalsolvedthere，—allbyonegood，lovingwoman，Godblessher！
“AndsotheestillthinksofgoingtoCanada，Eliza？”shesaid，asshewasquietlylookingoverherpeaches。
“Yes，ma’am，”saidEliza，firmly。“Imustgoonward。Idarenotstop。”
“Andwhat’lltheedo，whentheegetsthere？Theemustthinkaboutthat，mydaughter。”
“Mydaughter”camenaturallyfromthelipsofRachelHalliday；forherswasjustthefaceandformthatmade“mother”seemthemostnaturalwordintheworld。
Eliza’shandstrembled，andsometearsfellonherfinework；butsheanswered，firmly，
“Ishalldo—anythingIcanfind。IhopeIcanfindsomething。”
“Theeknowstheecanstayhere，aslongastheepleases，”saidRachel。
“O，thankyou，”saidEliza，“but”—shepointedtoHarry—“Ican’tsleepnights；Ican’trest。nightIdreamedIsawthatmancomingintotheyard，”shesaid，shuddering。
“Poorchild！”saidRachel，wipinghereyes；“buttheemustn’tfeelso。TheLordhathordereditsothatneverhathafugitivebeenstolenfromourvillage。Itrustthinewillnotbethefirst。”
Thedoorhereopened，andalittleshort，round，pin-cushionywomanstoodatthedoor，withacheery，bloomingface，likearipeapple。Shewasdressed，likeRachel，insobergray，withthemuslinfoldedneatlyacrossherround，plumplittlechest。
“RuthStedman，”saidRachel，comingjoyfullyforward；“howisthee，Ruth？shesaid，heartilytakingbothherhands。
“Nicely，”saidRuth，takingoffherlittledrabbonnet，anddustingitwithherhandkerchief，displaying，asshedidso，aroundlittlehead，onwhichtheQuakercapsatwithasortofjauntyair，despiteallthestrokingandpattingofthesmallfathands，whichwerebusilyappliedtoarrangingit。Certainstraylocksofdecidedlycurlyhair，too，hadescapedhereandthere，andhadtobecoaxedandcajoledintotheirplaceagain；andthenthenewcomer，whomighthavebeenfive-and-twenty，turnedfromthesmalllooking-glass，beforewhichshehadbeenmakingthesearrangements，andlookedwellpleased，—asmostpeoplewholookedathermighthavebeen，—forshewasdecidedlyawholesome，whole-hearted，chirrupinglittlewoman，asevergladdenedman’sheartwithal。
“Ruth，thisfriendisElizaHarris；andthisisthelittleboyItoldtheeof。”
“Iamgladtoseethee，Eliza，—very，”saidRuth，shakinghands，asifElizawereanoldfriendshehadlongbeenexpecting；“andthisisthydearboy，—Ibroughtacakeforhim，”shesaid，holdingoutalittlehearttotheboy，whocameup，gazingthroughhiscurls，andaccepteditshyly。
“Where’sthybaby，Ruth？”saidRachel。
“O，he’scoming；butthyMarycaughthimasIcamein，andranoffwithhimtothebarn，toshowhimtothechildren。”
Atthismoment，thedooropened，andMary，anhonest，rosy-lookinggirl，withlargebrowneyes，likehermother’s，cameinwiththebaby。
“Ah！ha！”saidRachel，comingup，andtakingthegreat，white，fatfellowinherarms，“howgoodhelooks，andhowhedoesgrow！”
“Tobesure，hedoes，”saidlittlebustlingRuth，asshetookthechild，andbegantakingoffalittlebluesilkhood，andvariouslayersandwrappersofoutergarments；andhavinggivenatwitchhere，andapullthere，andvariouslyadjustedandarrangedhim，andkissedhimheartily，shesethimonthefloortocollecthisthoughts。Babyseemedquiteusedtothismodeofproceeding，forheputhisthumbinhismouth(asifitwerequiteathingofcourse)，andseemedsoonabsorbedinhisownreflections，whilethemotherseatedherself，andtakingoutalongstockingofmixedblueandwhiteyarn，begantoknitwithbriskness。
“Mary，thee’dbetterfillthekettle，hadn’tthee？”gentlysuggestedthemother。
Marytookthekettletothewell，andsoonreappearing，placeditoverthestove，whereitwassoonpurringandsteaming，asortofcenserofhospitalityandgoodcheer。Thepeaches，moreover，inobediencetoafewgentlewhispersfromRachel，weresoondeposited，bythesamehand，inastew-panoverthefire。
Rachelnowtookdownasnowymoulding-board，and，tyingonanapron，proceededquietlytomakingupsomebiscuits，firstsayingtoMary，—“Mary，hadn’ttheebettertellJohntogetachickenready？”andMarydisappearedaccordingly。
“AndhowisAbigailPeters？”saidRachel，asshewentonwithherbiscuits。
“O，she’sbetter，”saidRuth；“Iwasin，thismorning；madethebed，tidiedupthehouse。LeahHillswentin，thisafternoon，andbakedbreadandpiesenoughtolastsomedays；andIengagedtogobacktogetherup，thisevening。”
“Iwillgointomorrow，anddoanycleaningtheremaybe，andlookoverthemending，”saidRachel。
“Ah！thatiswell，”saidRuth。“I’veheard，”sheadded，“thatHannahStanwoodissick。Johnwasupthere，lastnight，—Imustgotheretomorrow。”
“Johncancomeinheretohismeals，iftheeneedstostayallday，”suggestedRachel。
“Thankthee，Rachel；willsee，tomorrow；but，herecomesSimeon。”
SimeonHalliday，atall，straight，muscularman，indrabcoatandpantaloons，andbroad-brimmedhat，nowentered。
“Howisthee，Ruth？”hesaid，warmly，ashespreadhisbroadopenhandforherlittlefatpalm；“andhowisJohn？”
“O！Johniswell，andalltherestofourfolks，”saidRuth，cheerily。
“Anynews，father？”saidRachel，asshewasputtingherbiscuitsintotheoven。
“PeterStebbinstoldmethattheyshouldbealongtonight，withfriends，”saidSimeon，significantly，ashewaswashinghishandsataneatsink，inalittlebackporch。
“Indeed！”saidRachel，lookingthoughtfully，andglancingatEliza。
“DidtheesaythynamewasHarris？”saidSimeontoEliza，ashereentered。
Rachelglancedquicklyatherhusband，asElizatremulouslyanswered“yes；”herfears，everuppermost，suggestingthatpossiblytheremightbeadvertisementsoutforher。
“Mother！”saidSimeon，standingintheporch，andcallingRachelout。
“Whatdoestheewant，father？”saidRachel，rubbingherflouryhands，asshewentintotheporch。
“Thischild’shusbandisinthesettlement，andwillbeheretonight，”saidSimeon。
“Now，theedoesn’tsaythat，father？”saidRachel，allherfaceradiantwithjoy。
“It’sreallytrue。Peterwasdownyesterday，withthewagon，totheotherstand，andtherehefoundanoldwomanandtwomen；andonesaidhisnamewasGeorgeHarris；andfromwhathetoldofhishistory，Iamcertainwhoheis。Heisabright，likelyfellow，too。”
“Shallwetellhernow？”saidSimeon。
“Let’stellRuth，”saidRachel。“Here，Ruth，—comehere。”
Ruthlaiddownherknitting-work，andwasinthebackporchinamoment。
“Ruth，whatdoestheethink？”saidRachel。“FathersaysEliza’shusbandisinthelastcompany，andwillbeheretonight。”
AburstofjoyfromthelittleQuakeressinterruptedthespeech。Shegavesuchaboundfromthefloor，assheclappedherlittlehands，thattwostraycurlsfellfromunderherQuakercap，andlaybrightlyonherwhiteneckerchief。
“Hushthee，dear！”saidRachel，gently；“hush，Ruth！Tellus，shallwetellhernow？”
“Now！tobesure，—thisveryminute。Why，now，suppose’twasmyJohn，howshouldIfeel？Dotellher，rightoff。”
“Theeusesthyselfonlytolearnhowtolovethyneighbor，Ruth，”saidSimeon，looking，withabeamingface，onRuth。
“Tobesure。Isn’titwhatwearemadefor？IfIdidn’tloveJohnandthebaby，Ishouldnotknowhowtofeelforher。Come，nowdotellher，—do！”andshelaidherhandspersuasivelyonRachel’sarm。“Takeherintothybed-room，there，andletmefrythechickenwhiletheedoesit。”
Rachelcameoutintothekitchen，whereElizawassewing，andopeningthedoorofasmallbed-room，said，gently，“Comeinherewithme，mydaughter；Ihavenewstotellthee。”
ThebloodflushedinEliza’spaleface；sherose，tremblingwithnervousanxiety，andlookedtowardsherboy。
“No，no，”saidlittleRuth，dartingup，andseizingherhands。“Nevertheefear；it’sgoodnews，Eliza，—goin，goin！”Andshegentlypushedhertothedoorwhichclosedafterher；andthen，turninground，shecaughtlittleHarryinherarms，andbegankissinghim。
“Thee’llseethyfather，littleone。Doestheeknowit？Thyfatheriscoming，”shesaid，overandoveragain，astheboylookedwonderinglyather。
Meanwhile，withinthedoor，anotherscenewasgoingon。RachelHallidaydrewElizatowardher，andsaid，“TheLordhathhadmercyonthee，daughter；thyhusbandhathescapedfromthehouseofbondage。”
ThebloodflushedtoEliza’scheekinasuddenglow，andwentbacktoherheartwithassuddenarush。Shesatdown，paleandfaint。
“Havecourage，child，”saidRachel，layingherhandonherhead。“Heisamongfriends，whowillbringhimheretonight。”
“Tonight！”Elizarepeated，“tonight！”Thewordslostallmeaningtoher；herheadwasdreamyandconfused；allwasmistforamoment。
Whensheawoke，shefoundherselfsnuglytuckeduponthebed，withablanketoverher，andlittleRuthrubbingherhandswithcamphor。Sheopenedhereyesinastateofdreamy，deliciouslanguor，suchasonewhohaslongbeenbearingaheavyload，andnowfeelsitgone，andwouldrest。Thetensionofthenerves，whichhadneverceasedamomentsincethefirsthourofherflight，hadgivenway，andastrangefeelingofsecurityandrestcameoverher；andasshelay，withherlarge，darkeyesopen，shefollowed，asinaquietdream，themotionsofthoseabouther。Shesawthedooropenintotheotherroom；sawthesupper-table，withitssnowycloth；heardthedreamymurmurofthesingingtea-kettle；sawRuthtrippingbackwardandforward，withplatesofcakeandsaucersofpreserves，andeverandanonstoppingtoputacakeintoHarry’shand，orpathishead，ortwinehislongcurlsroundhersnowyfingers。Shesawtheample，motherlyformofRachel，assheeverandanoncametothebedside，andsmoothedandarrangedsomethingaboutthebedclothes，andgaveatuckhereandthere，bywayofexpressinghergood-will；andwasconsciousofakindofsunshinebeamingdownuponherfromherlarge，clear，browneyes。ShesawRuth’shusbandcomein，—sawherflyuptohim，andcommencewhisperingveryearnestly，everandanon，withimpressivegesture，pointingherlittlefingertowardtheroom。Shesawher，withthebabyinherarms，sittingdowntotea；shesawthemallattable，andlittleHarryinahighchair，undertheshadowofRachel’samplewing；therewerelowmurmursoftalk，gentletinklingoftea-spoons，andmusicalclatterofcupsandsaucers，andallmingledinadelightfuldreamofrest；andElizaslept，asshehadnotsleptbefore，sincethefearfulmidnighthourwhenshehadtakenherchildandfledthroughthefrostystarlight。
Shedreamedofabeautifulcountry，—aland，itseemedtoher，ofrest，—greenshores，pleasantislands，andbeautifullyglitteringwater；andthere，inahousewhichkindvoicestoldherwasahome，shesawherboyplaying，freeandhappychild。Sheheardherhusband’sfootsteps；shefelthimcomingnearer；hisarmswerearoundher，histearsfallingonherface，andsheawoke！Itwasnodream。Thedaylighthadlongfaded；herchildlaycalmlysleepingbyherside；acandlewasburningdimlyonthestand，andherhusbandwassobbingbyherpillow。
ThenextmorningwasacheerfuloneattheQuakerhouse。“Mother”wasupbetimes，andsurroundedbybusygirlsandboys，whomwehadscarcetimetointroducetoourreadersyesterday，andwhoallmovedobedientlytoRachel’sgentle“Theehadbetter，”ormoregentle“Hadn’ttheebetter？”intheworkofgettingbreakfast；forabreakfastintheluxuriousvalleysofIndianaisathingcomplicatedandmultiform，and，likepickinguptherose-leavesandtrimmingthebushesinParadise，askingotherhandsthanthoseoftheoriginalmother。While，therefore，Johnrantothespringforfreshwater，andSimeonthesecondsiftedmealforcorn-cakes，andMarygroundcoffee，Rachelmovedgently，andquietlyabout，makingbiscuits，cuttingupchicken，anddiffusingasortofsunnyradianceoverthewholeproceedinggenerally。Iftherewasanydangeroffrictionorcollisionfromtheill-regulatedzealofsomanyyoungoperators，hergentle“Come！come！”or“Iwouldn’t，now，”wasquitesufficienttoallaythedifficulty。BardshavewrittenofthecestusofVenus，thatturnedtheheadsofalltheworldinsuccessivegenerations。Wehadrather，forourpart，havethecestusofRachelHalliday，thatkeptheadsfrombeingturned，andmadeeverythinggoonharmoniously。Wethinkitismoresuitedtoourmoderndays，decidedly。
Whileallotherpreparationsweregoingon，Simeontheelderstoodinhisshirt-sleevesbeforealittlelooking-glassinthecorner，engagedintheanti-patriarchaloperationofshaving。Everythingwentonsosociably，soquietly，soharmoniously，inthegreatkitchen，—itseemedsopleasanttoeveryonetodojustwhattheyweredoing，therewassuchanatmosphereofmutualconfidenceandgoodfellowshipeverywhere，—eventheknivesandforkshadasocialclatterastheywentontothetable；andthechickenandhamhadacheerfulandjoyousfizzleinthepan，asiftheyratherenjoyedbeingcookedthanotherwise；—andwhenGeorgeandElizaandlittleHarrycameout，theymetsuchahearty，rejoicingwelcome，nowonderitseemedtothemlikeadream。
Atlast，theywereallseatedatbreakfast，whileMarystoodatthestove，bakinggriddle-cakes，which，astheygainedthetrueexactgolden-browntintofperfection，weretransferredquitehandilytothetable。
Rachelneverlookedsotrulyandbenignlyhappyasattheheadofhertable。Therewassomuchmotherlinessandfull-heartednesseveninthewayshepassedaplateofcakesorpouredacupofcoffee，thatitseemedtoputaspiritintothefoodanddrinksheoffered。
ItwasthefirsttimethateverGeorgehadsatdownonequaltermsatanywhiteman’stable；andhesatdown，atfirst，withsomeconstraintandawkwardness；buttheyallexhaledandwentofflikefog，inthegenialmorningraysofthissimple，overflowingkindness。
This，indeed，wasahome，—home，—awordthatGeorgehadneveryetknownameaningfor；andabeliefinGod，andtrustinhisprovidence，begantoencirclehisheart，as，withagoldencloudofprotectionandconfidence，dark，misanthropic，piningatheisticdoubts，andfiercedespair，meltedawaybeforethelightofalivingGospel，breathedinlivingfaces，preachedbyathousandunconsciousactsofloveandgoodwill，which，likethecupofcoldwatergiveninthenameofadisciple，shallneverlosetheirreward。
“Father，whatiftheeshouldgetfoundoutagain？”saidSimeonsecond，ashebutteredhiscake。
“Ishouldpaymyfine，”saidSimeon，quietly。
“Butwhatiftheyputtheeinprison？”
“Couldn’ttheeandmothermanagethefarm？”saidSimeon，smiling。
“Mothercandoalmosteverything，”saidtheboy。“Butisn’titashametomakesuchlaws？”
“Theemustn’tspeakevilofthyrulers，Simeon，”saidhisfather，gravely。“TheLordonlygivesusourworldlygoodsthatwemaydojusticeandmercy；ifourrulersrequireapriceofusforit，wemustdeliveritup。
“Well，Ihatethoseoldslaveholders！”saidtheboy，whofeltasunchristianasbecameanymodernreformer。
“Iamsurprisedatthee，son，”saidSimeon；“thymothernevertaughttheeso。Iwoulddoeventhesamefortheslaveholderasfortheslave，iftheLordbroughthimtomydoorinaffliction。”
Simeonsecondblushedscarlet；buthismotheronlysmiled，andsaid，“Simeonismygoodboy；hewillgrowolder，byandby，andthenhewillbelikehisfather。”
“Ihope，mygoodsir，thatyouarenotexposedtoanydifficultyonouraccount，”saidGeorge，anxiously。
“Fearnothing，George，forthereforearewesentintotheworld。Ifwewouldnotmeettroubleforagoodcause，wewerenotworthyofourname。”
“But，forme，”saidGeorge，“Icouldnotbearit。”
“Fearnot，then，friendGeorge；itisnotforthee，butforGodandman，wedoit，”saidSimeon。“Andnowthoumustliebyquietlythisday，andtonight，atteno’clock，PhineasFletcherwillcarrytheeonwardtothenextstand，—theeandtherestoftheycompany。Thepursuersarehardafterthee；wemustnotdelay。”
“Ifthatisthecase，whywaittillevening？”saidGeorge。
“Thouartsafeherebydaylight，foreveryoneinthesettlementisaFriend，andallarewatching。Ithasbeenfoundsafertotravelbynight。”
Evangeline
“Ayoungstar！whichshone
O’erlife—toosweetanimage，forsuchglass！
Alovelybeing，scarcelyformedormoulded；
Arosewithallitssweetestleavesyetfolded。”
TheMississippi！How，asbyanenchantedwand，haveitsscenesbeenchanged，sinceChateaubriandwrotehisprose-poeticdescriptionofit，1asariverofmighty，unbrokensolitudes，rollingamidundreamedwondersofvegetableandanimalexistence。
Butasinanhour，thisriverofdreamsandwildromancehasemergedtoarealityscarcelylessvisionaryandsplendid。Whatotherriveroftheworldbearsonitsbosomtotheoceanthewealthandenterpriseofsuchanothercountry？—acountrywhoseproductsembraceallbetweenthetropicsandthepoles！Thoseturbidwaters，hurrying，foaming，tearingalong，anaptresemblanceofthatheadlongtideofbusinesswhichispouredalongitswavebyaracemorevehementandenergeticthananytheoldworldeversaw。Ah！wouldthattheydidnotalsobearalongamorefearfulfreight，—thetearsoftheoppressed，thesighsofthehelpless，thebitterprayersofpoor，ignorantheartstoanunknownGod—unknown，unseenandsilent，butwhowillyet“comeoutofhisplacetosaveallthepooroftheearth！”
Theslantinglightofthesettingsunquiversonthesea-likeexpanseoftheriver；theshiverycanes，andthetall，darkcypress，hungwithwreathsofdark，funerealmoss，glowinthegoldenray，astheheavily-ladensteamboatmarchesonward。
Piledwithcotton-bales，frommanyaplantation，upoverdeckandsides，tillsheseemsinthedistanceasquare，massiveblockofgray，shemovesheavilyonwardtothenearingmart。WemustlooksometimeamongitscrowdeddecksbeforeweshallfindagainourhumblefriendTom。Highontheupperdeck，inalittlenookamongtheeverywherepredominantcotton-bales，atlastwemayfindhim。
PartlyfromconfidenceinspiredbyMr。Shelby’srepresentations，andpartlyfromtheremarkablyinoffensiveandquietcharacteroftheman，TomhadinsensiblywonhiswayfarintotheconfidenceevenofsuchamanasHaley。
Atfirsthehadwatchedhimnarrowlythroughtheday，andneverallowedhimtosleepatnightunfettered；buttheuncomplainingpatienceandapparentcontentmentofTom’smannerledhimgraduallytodiscontinuetheserestraints，andforsometimeTomhadenjoyedasortofparoleofhonor，beingpermittedtocomeandgofreelywherehepleasedontheboat。
Everquietandobliging，andmorethanreadytolendahandineveryemergencywhichoccurredamongtheworkmenbelow，hehadwonthegoodopinionofallthehands，andspentmanyhoursinhelpingthemwithasheartyagoodwillaseverheworkedonaKentuckyfarm。
Whenthereseemedtobenothingforhimtodo，hewouldclimbtoanookamongthecotton-balesoftheupperdeck，andbusyhimselfinstudyingoverhisBible，—anditisthereweseehimnow。
ForahundredormoremilesaboveNewOrleans，theriverishigherthanthesurroundingcountry，androllsitstremendousvolumebetweenmassiveleveestwentyfeetinheight。Thetravellerfromthedeckofthesteamer，asfromsomefloatingcastletop，overlooksthewholecountryformilesandmilesaround。Tom，therefore，hadspreadoutfullbeforehim，inplantationafterplantation，amapofthelifetowhichhewasapproaching。
Hesawthedistantslavesattheirtoil；hesawafartheirvillagesofhutsgleamingoutinlongrowsonmanyaplantation，distantfromthestatelymansionsandpleasure-groundsofthemaster；—andasthemovingpicturepassedon，hispoor，foolishheartwouldbeturningbackwardtotheKentuckyfarm，withitsoldshadowybeeches，—tothemaster’shouse，withitswide，coolhalls，and，nearby，thelittlecabinovergrownwiththemultifloraandbignonia。Thereheseemedtoseefamiliarfacesofcomradeswhohadgrownupwithhimfrominfancy；hesawhisbusywife，bustlinginherpreparationsforhiseveningmeals；heheardthemerrylaughofhisboysattheirplay，andthechirrupofthebabyathisknee；andthen，withastart，allfaded，andhesawagainthecanebrakesandcypressesandglidingplantations，andheardagainthecreakingandgroaningofthemachinery，alltellinghimtooplainlythatallthatphaseoflifehadgonebyforever。
Insuchacase，youwritetoyourwife，andsendmessagestoyourchildren；butTomcouldnotwrite，—themailforhimhadnoexistence，andthegulfofseparationwasunbridgedbyevenafriendlywordorsignal。
Isitstrange，then，thatsometearsfallonthepagesofhisBible，ashelaysitonthecotton-bale，and，withpatientfinger，threadinghisslowwayfromwordtoword，tracesoutitspromises？Havinglearnedlateinlife，Tomwasbutaslowreader，andpassedonlaboriouslyfromversetoverse。Fortunateforhimwasitthatthebookhewasintentonwasonewhichslowreadingcannotinjure，—nay，onewhosewords，likeingotsofgold，seemoftentoneedtobeweighedseparately，thatthemindmaytakeintheirpricelessvalue。Letusfollowhimamoment，as，pointingtoeachword，andpronouncingeachhalfaloud，hereads，
“Let—not—your—heart—be—troubled。In—my—Father’s—house—are—many—mansions。I—go—to—prepare—a—place—for—you。”
Cicero，whenheburiedhisdarlingandonlydaughter，hadaheartasfullofhonestgriefaspoorTom’s，—perhapsnofuller，forbothwereonlymen；—butCicerocouldpauseovernosuchsublimewordsofhope，andlooktonosuchfuturereunion；andifhehadseenthem，tentoonehewouldnothavebelieved，—hemustfillhisheadfirstwithathousandquestionsofauthenticityofmanuscript，andcorrectnessoftranslation。But，topoorTom，thereitlay，justwhatheneeded，soevidentlytrueanddivinethatthepossibilityofaquestionneverenteredhissimplehead。Itmustbetrue；for，ifnottrue，howcouldhelive？
AsforTom’sBible，thoughithadnoannotationsandhelpsinmarginfromlearnedcommentators，stillithadbeenembellishedwithcertainway-marksandguide-boardsofTom’sowninvention，andwhichhelpedhimmorethanthemostlearnedexpositionscouldhavedone。IthadbeenhiscustomtogettheBiblereadtohimbyhismaster’schildren，inparticularbyyoungMasterGeorge；and，astheyread，hewoulddesignate，bybold，strongmarksanddashes，withpenandink，thepassageswhichmoreparticularlygratifiedhisearoraffectedhisheart。HisBiblewasthusmarkedthrough，fromoneendtotheother，withavarietyofstylesanddesignations；sohecouldinamomentseizeuponhisfavoritepassages，withoutthelaborofspellingoutwhatlaybetweenthem；—andwhileitlaytherebeforehim，everypassagebreathingofsomeoldhomescene，andrecallingsomepastenjoyment，hisBibleseemedtohimallofthislifethatremained，aswellasthepromiseofafutureone。
Amongthepassengersontheboatwasayounggentlemanoffortuneandfamily，residentinNewOrleans，whoborethenameofSt。Clare。Hehadwithhimadaughterbetweenfiveandsixyearsofage，togetherwithaladywhoseemedtoclaimrelationshiptoboth，andtohavethelittleoneespeciallyunderhercharge。
Tomhadoftencaughtglimpsesofthislittlegirl，—forshewasoneofthosebusy，trippingcreatures，thatcanbenomorecontainedinoneplacethanasunbeamorasummerbreeze，—norwassheonethat，onceseen，couldbeeasilyforgotten。
Herformwastheperfectionofchildishbeauty，withoutitsusualchubbinessandsquarenessofoutline。Therewasaboutitanundulatingandaerialgrace，suchasonemightdreamofforsomemythicandallegoricalbeing。Herfacewasremarkablelessforitsperfectbeautyoffeaturethanforasingularanddreamyearnestnessofexpression，whichmadetheidealstartwhentheylookedather，andbywhichthedullestandmostliteralwereimpressed，withoutexactlyknowingwhy。Theshapeofherheadandtheturnofherneckandbustwaspeculiarlynoble，andthelonggolden-brownhairthatfloatedlikeacloudaroundit，thedeepspiritualgravityofhervioletblueeyes，shadedbyheavyfringesofgoldenbrown，—allmarkedheroutfromotherchildren，andmadeeveryoneturnandlookafterher，assheglidedhitherandthitherontheboat。Nevertheless，thelittleonewasnotwhatyouwouldhavecalledeitheragravechildorasadone。Onthecontrary，anairyandinnocentplayfulnessseemedtoflickerliketheshadowofsummerleavesoverherchildishface，andaroundherbuoyantfigure。Shewasalwaysinmotion，alwayswithahalfsmileonherrosymouth，flyinghitherandthither，withanundulatingandcloud-liketread，singingtoherselfasshemovedasinahappydream。Herfatherandfemaleguardianwereincessantlybusyinpursuitofher，—but，whencaught，shemeltedfromthemagainlikeasummercloud；andasnowordofchidingorreproofeverfellonherearforwhatevershechosetodo，shepursuedherownwayallovertheboat。Alwaysdressedinwhite，sheseemedtomovelikeashadowthroughallsortsofplaces，withoutcontractingspotorstain；andtherewasnotacornerornook，aboveorbelow，wherethosefairyfootstepshadnotglided，andthatvisionarygoldenhead，withitsdeepblueeyes，fleetedalong。
Thefireman，ashelookedupfromhissweatytoil，sometimesfoundthoseeyeslookingwonderinglyintotheragingdepthsofthefurnace，andfearfullyandpityinglyathim，asifshethoughthiminsomedreadfuldanger。Anonthesteersmanatthewheelpausedandsmiled，asthepicture-likeheadgleamedthroughthewindowoftheroundhouse，andinamomentwasgoneagain。Athousandtimesadayroughvoicesblessedher，andsmilesofunwontedsoftnessstoleoverhardfaces，asshepassed；andwhenshetrippedfearlesslyoverdangerousplaces，rough，sootyhandswerestretchedinvoluntarilyouttosaveher，andsmoothherpath。
Tom，whohadthesoft，impressiblenatureofhiskindlyrace，everyearningtowardthesimpleandchildlike，watchedthelittlecreaturewithdailyincreasinginterest。Tohimsheseemedsomethingalmostdivine；andwheneverhergoldenheadanddeepblueeyespeeredoutuponhimfrombehindsomeduskycotton-bale，orlookeddownuponhimoversomeridgeofpackages，hehalfbelievedthathesawoneoftheangelssteppedoutofhisNewTestament。
OftenandoftenshewalkedmournfullyroundtheplacewhereHaley’sgangofmenandwomensatintheirchains。Shewouldglideinamongthem，andlookatthemwithanairofperplexedandsorrowfulearnestness；andsometimesshewouldlifttheirchainswithherslenderhands，andthensighwofully，assheglidedaway。Severaltimessheappearedsuddenlyamongthem，withherhandsfullofcandy，nuts，andoranges，whichshewoulddistributejoyfullytothem，andthenbegoneagain。
Tomwatchedthelittleladyagreatdeal，beforeheventuredonanyoverturestowardsacquaintanceship。Heknewanabundanceofsimpleactstopropitiateandinvitetheapproachesofthelittlepeople，andheresolvedtoplayhispartrightskilfully。Hecouldcutcunninglittlebasketsoutofcherry-stones，couldmakegrotesquefacesonhickory-nuts，orodd-jumpingfiguresoutofelder-pith，andhewasaveryPaninthemanufactureofwhistlesofallsizesandsorts。Hispocketswerefullofmiscellaneousarticlesofattraction，whichhehadhoardedindaysofoldforhismaster’schildren，andwhichhenowproduced，withcommendableprudenceandeconomy，onebyone，asoverturesforacquaintanceandfriendship。
Thelittleonewasshy，forallherbusyinterestineverythinggoingon，anditwasnoteasytotameher。Forawhile，shewouldperchlikeacanary-birdonsomeboxorpackagenearTom，whilebusyinthelittleartsafore-named，andtakefromhim，withakindofgravebashfulness，thelittlearticlesheoffered。Butatlasttheygotonquiteconfidentialterms。
“What’slittlemissy’sname？”saidTom，atlast，whenhethoughtmatterswereripetopushsuchaninquiry。
“EvangelineSt。Clare，”saidthelittleone，“thoughpapaandeverybodyelsecallmeEva。Now，what’syourname？”
“Myname’sTom；thelittlechil’enusedtocallmeUncleTom，waybacktharinKentuck。”
“ThenImeantocallyouUncleTom，because，yousee，Ilikeyou，”saidEva。“So，UncleTom，whereareyougoing？”
“Idon’tknow，MissEva。”
“Don’tknow？”saidEva。
“No，Iamgoingtobesoldtosomebody。Idon’tknowwho。”
“Mypapacanbuyyou，”saidEva，quickly；“andifhebuysyou，youwillhavegoodtimes。Imeantoaskhim，thisveryday。”
“Thankyou，mylittlelady，”saidTom。
Theboatherestoppedatasmalllandingtotakeinwood，andEva，hearingherfather’svoice，boundednimblyaway。Tomroseup，andwentforwardtoofferhisserviceinwooding，andsoonwasbusyamongthehands。
Evaandherfatherwerestandingtogetherbytherailingstoseetheboatstartfromthelanding-place，thewheelhadmadetwoorthreerevolutionsinthewater，when，bysomesuddenmovement，thelittleonesuddenlylostherbalanceandfellsheeroverthesideoftheboatintothewater。Herfather，scarceknowingwhathedid，wasplunginginafterher，butwasheldbackbysomebehindhim，whosawthatmoreefficientaidhadfollowedhischild。
Tomwasstandingjustunderheronthelowerdeck，asshefell。Hesawherstrikethewater，andsink，andwasafterherinamoment。Abroad-chested，strong-armedfellow，itwasnothingforhimtokeepafloatinthewater，till，inamomentortwothechildrosetothesurface，andhecaughtherinhisarms，and，swimmingwithhertotheboat-side，handedherup，alldripping，tothegraspofhundredsofhands，which，asiftheyhadallbelongedtooneman，werestretchedeagerlyouttoreceiveher。Afewmomentsmore，andherfatherboreher，drippingandsenseless，totheladies’cabin，where，asisusualincasesofthekind，thereensuedaverywell-meaningandkind-heartedstrifeamongthefemaleoccupantsgenerally，astowhoshoulddothemostthingstomakeadisturbance，andtohinderherrecoveryineverywaypossible。
Itwasasultry，closeday，thenextday，asthesteamerdrewneartoNewOrleans。Ageneralbustleofexpectationandpreparationwasspreadthroughtheboat；inthecabin，oneandanotherweregatheringtheirthingstogether，andarrangingthem，preparatorytogoingashore。Thestewardandchambermaid，andall，werebusilyengagedincleaning，furbishing，andarrangingthesplendidboat，preparatorytoagrandentree。
OnthelowerdecksatourfriendTom，withhisarmsfolded，andanxiously，fromtimetotime，turninghiseyestowardsagroupontheothersideoftheboat。
TherestoodthefairEvangeline，alittlepalerthanthedaybefore，butotherwiseexhibitingnotracesoftheaccidentwhichhadbefallenher。Agraceful，elegantly-formedyoungmanstoodbyher，carelesslyleaningoneelbowonabaleofcotton。whilealargepocket-booklayopenbeforehim。Itwasquiteevident，ataglance，thatthegentlemanwasEva’sfather。Therewasthesamenoblecastofhead，thesamelargeblueeyes，thesamegolden-brownhair；yettheexpressionwaswhollydifferent。Inthelarge，clearblueeyes，thoughinformandcolorexactlysimilar，therewaswantingthatmisty，dreamydepthofexpression；allwasclear，bold，andbright，butwithalightwhollyofthisworld:thebeautifullycutmouthhadaproudandsomewhatsarcasticexpression，whileanairoffree-and-easysuperioritysatnotungracefullyineveryturnandmovementofhisfineform。Hewaslistening，withagood-humored，negligentair，halfcomic，halfcontemptuous，toHaley，whowasveryvolublyexpatiatingonthequalityofthearticleforwhichtheywerebargaining。
“AllthemoralandChristianvirtuesboundinblackMorocco，complete！”hesaid，whenHaleyhadfinished。“Well，now，mygoodfellow，what’sthedamage，astheysayinKentucky；inshort，what’stobepaidoutforthisbusiness？Howmuchareyougoingtocheatme，now？Outwithit！”
“Wal，”saidHaley，“ifIshouldsaythirteenhundreddollarsforthatarfellow，Ishouldn’tbutjustsavemyself；Ishouldn’t，now，re’ly。”
“Poorfellow！”saidtheyoungman，fixinghiskeen，mockingblueeyeonhim；“butIsupposeyou’dletmehavehimforthat，outofaparticularregardforme。”
“Well，theyoungladyhereseemstobesotonhim，andnat’llyenough。”
“O！certainly，there’sacallonyourbenevolence，myfriend。Now，asamatterofChristiancharity，howcheapcouldyouaffordtolethimgo，toobligeayoungladythat’sparticularsotonhim？”
“Wal，now，justthinkon’t，”saidthetrader；“justlookatthemlimbs，—broad-chested，strongasahorse。Lookathishead；themhighforradsallaysshowscalculatinniggers，that’lldoanykindo’thing。I’ve，markedthatar。Now，aniggerofthatarheftandbuildisworthconsiderable，justasyoumaysay，forhisbody，supposinhe’sstupid；butcometoputinhiscalculatinfaculties，andthemwhichIcanshowhehasoncommon，why，ofcourse，itmakeshimcomehigher。Why，thatarfellowmanagedhismaster’swholefarm。Hehasastrornarytalentforbusiness。”
“Bad，bad，verybad；knowsaltogethertoomuch！”saidtheyoungman，withthesamemockingsmileplayingabouthismouth。“Neverwilldo，intheworld。Yoursmartfellowsarealwaysrunningoff，stealinghorses，andraisingthedevilgenerally。Ithinkyou’llhavetotakeoffacoupleofhundredforhissmartness。”
“Wal，theremightbesomethinginthatar，ifitwarntforhischaracter；butIcanshowrecommendsfromhismasterandothers，toproveheisoneofyourrealpious，—themosthumble，prayin，piouscritturyeeverdidsee。Why，he’sbeencalledapreacherinthempartshecamefrom。”
“AndImightusehimforafamilychaplain，possibly，”addedtheyoungman，dryly。“That’squiteanidea。Religionisaremarkablyscarcearticleatourhouse。”
“You’rejoking，now。”
“HowdoyouknowIam？Didn’tyoujustwarranthimforapreacher？Hashebeenexaminedbyanysynodorcouncil？Come，handoveryourpapers。”
Ifthetraderhadnotbeensure，byacertaingood-humoredtwinkleinthelargeeye，thatallthisbanterwassure，inthelongrun，toturnoutacashconcern，hemighthavebeensomewhatoutofpatience；asitwas，helaiddownagreasypocket-bookonthecotton-bales，andbegananxiouslystudyingovercertainpapersinit，theyoungmanstandingby，thewhile，lookingdownonhimwithanairofcareless，easydrollery。
“Papa，dobuyhim！it’snomatterwhatyoupay，”whisperedEva，softly，gettinguponapackage，andputtingherarmaroundherfather’sneck。“Youhavemoneyenough，Iknow。Iwanthim。”
“Whatfor，pussy？Areyougoingtousehimforarattle-box，orarocking-horse，orwhat？
“Iwanttomakehimhappy。”
“Anoriginalreason，certainly。”
Herethetraderhandedupacertificate，signedbyMr。Shelby，whichtheyoungmantookwiththetipsofhislongfingers，andglancedovercarelessly。
“Agentlemanlyhand，”hesaid，“andwellspelt，too。Well，now，butI’mnotsure，afterall，aboutthisreligion，”saidhe，theoldwickedexpressionreturningtohiseye；“thecountryisalmostruinedwithpiouswhitepeople；suchpiouspoliticiansaswehavejustbeforeelections，—suchpiousgoingsoninalldepartmentsofchurchandstate，thatafellowdoesnotknowwho’llcheathimnext。Idon’tknow，either，aboutreligion’sbeingupinthemarket，justnow。Ihavenotlookedinthepaperslately，toseehowitsells。Howmanyhundreddollars，now，doyouputonforthisreligion？”
“Youliketobejokin，now，”saidthetrader；“but，then，there’ssenseunderallthatar。Iknowthere’sdifferencesinreligion。Somekindsismis’rable:there’syourmeetinpious；there’syoursingin，roarinpious；themaran’tnoaccount，inblackorwhite；—buttheseraylyis；andI’veseenitinniggersasoftenasany，yourrailsoftly，quiet，stiddy，honest，pious，thatthehullworldcouldn’ttempt’emtodonothingthattheythinksiswrong；andyeseeinthisletterwhatTom’soldmastersaysabouthim。”
“Now，”saidtheyoungman，stoopinggravelyoverhisbookofbills，“ifyoucanassuremethatIreallycanbuythiskindofpious，andthatitwillbesetdowntomyaccountinthebookupabove，assomethingbelongingtome，Iwouldn’tcareifIdidgoalittleextraforit。Howd’yesay？”
“Wal，raily，Ican’tdothat，”saidthetrader。“I’mathinkinthateveryman’llhavetohangonhisownhook，inthemarquarters。”
“Ratherhardonafellowthatpaysextraonreligion，andcan’ttradewithitinthestatewherehewantsitmost，an’tit，now？”saidtheyoungman，whohadbeenmakingoutarollofbillswhilehewasspeaking。“There，countyourmoney，oldboy！”headded，ashehandedtherolltothetrader。
“Allright，”saidHaley，hisfacebeamingwithdelight；andpullingoutanoldinkhorn，heproceededtofilloutabillofsale，which，inafewmoments，hehandedtotheyoungman。
“Iwonder，now，ifIwasdividedupandinventoried，”saidthelatterasheranoverthepaper，“howmuchImightbring。Saysomuchfortheshapeofmyhead，somuchforahighforehead，somuchforarms，andhands，andlegs，andthensomuchforeducation，learning，talent，honesty，religion！Blessme！therewouldbesmallchargeonthatlast，I’mthinking。Butcome，Eva，”hesaid；andtakingthehandofhisdaughter，hesteppedacrosstheboat，andcarelesslyputtingthetipofhisfingerunderTom’schin，said，good-humoredly，“Look-up，Tom，andseehowyoulikeyournewmaster。”
Tomlookedup。Itwasnotinnaturetolookintothatgay，young，handsomeface，withoutafeelingofpleasure；andTomfeltthetearsstartinhiseyesashesaid，heartily，“Godblessyou，Mas’r！”
“Well，Ihopehewill。What’syourname？Tom？Quiteaslikelytodoitforyouraskingasmine，fromallaccounts。Canyoudrivehorses，Tom？”
“I’vebeenallaysusedtohorses，”saidTom。“Mas’rShelbyraisedheapsof’em。”
“Well，IthinkIshallputyouincoachy，onconditionthatyouwon’tbedrunkmorethanonceaweek，unlessincasesofemergency，Tom。”
Tomlookedsurprised，andratherhurt，andsaid，“Ineverdrink，Mas’r。”
“I’veheardthatstorybefore，Tom；butthenwe’llsee。Itwillbeaspecialaccommodationtoallconcerned，ifyoudon’t。Nevermind，myboy，”headded，good-humoredly，seeingTomstilllookedgrave；“Idon’tdoubtyoumeantodowell。”
“Isartindo，Mas’r，”saidTom。
“Andyoushallhavegoodtimes，”saidEva。“Papaisverygoodtoeverybody，onlyhealwayswilllaughatthem。”
“Papaismuchobligedtoyouforhisrecommendation，”saidSt。Clare，laughing，asheturnedonhisheelandwalkedaway。
1InAtala；ortheLoveandConstantcyofTwoSavagesintheDesert(1801)byFrancoisAugusteRene，VicomtedeChateaubriand(1768-1848)。
