CHAPTERXVII
CLOTELLE。
THEcurtainrisessevenyearsafterthedeathofIsabella。Duringthatinterval，Henry，findingthatnothingcouldinducehismother-in-lawtorelinquishherholdonpoorlittleClotelle，andnotlikingtocontendwithoneonwhomafuturefortunedepended，graduallylostallinterestinthechild，andlefthertoherfate。
AlthoughMrs。MillertreatedClotellewithadegreeofharshnessscarcelyequalled，whenappliedtoonesotenderinyears，stillthechildgreweverydaymorebeautiful，andherhair，thoughkeptcloselycut，seemedtohaveimprovedinitssoft，silk-likeappearance。Nowtwelveyearsofage，andmorethanusuallywell-developed，herharsholdmistressbegantoviewherwithajealouseye。
HenryandGertrudehadjustreturnedfromWashington，wherethehusbandhadbeenonhisdutiesasamemberofCongress，andwherehehadremainedduringtheprecedingthreeyearswithoutreturninghome。Itwasonabeautifulevening，justattwilight，whileseatedathisparlorwindow，thatHenrysawayoungwomanpassbyandgointothekitchen。Notawareofeverhavingseenthepersonbefore，hemadeanerrandintothecook’sdepartmenttoseewhothegirlwas。He，however，metherinthehall，asshewasaboutgoingout。
\"Whomdidyouwishtosee？\"heinquired。
\"MissGertrude，\"wasthereply。
\"Whatdidyouwanttoseeherfor？\"heagainasked。
\"MymistresstoldmetogiveherandMasterHenryhercompliments，andaskthemtocomeoverandspendtheevening。\"
\"Whoisyourmistress？\"heeagerlyinquired。
\"Mrs。Miller，sir，\"respondedthegirl。
\"Andwhat’syourname？\"askedHenry，withatremblingvoice。
\"Clotelle，sir，\"wasthereply。
Theastonishedfatherstoodcompletelyamazed，lookingatthenowwomanlyformofherwho，inhishappierdays，hehadtakenonhiskneewithsomuchfondnessandalacrity。ItwasthenthathesawhisownandIsabella’sfeaturescombinedinthebeautifulfacethathewasthenbeholding。Itwasthenthathewascarriedbacktothedayswhenwithawoman’sdevotion，poorIsabellahungabouthisneckandtoldhimhowlonelywerethehoursinhisabsence。Hecouldstanditnolonger。Tearsrushedtohiseyes，andturninguponhisheel，hewentbacktohisownroom。ItwasthenthatIsabellawasrevenged;andshenodoubtlookedsmilinglydownfromherhomeinthespirit-landonthescenebelow。
OnGertrude’sreturnfromhershoppingtour，shefoundHenryinamelancholymood，andsoonlearneditscause。AsGertrudehadbornehimnochildren，itwasbutnatural，thatheshouldnowfeelhislovecenteringinClotelle，andhenowintimatedtohiswifehisdeterminationtoremovehisdaughterfromthehandsofhismother-in-law。
WhenthisnewsreachedMrs。Miller，throughherdaughter，shebecamefuriouswithrage，andcallingClotelleintoherroom，strippedhershouldersbareandfloggedherinthepresenceofGertrude。
Itwasnearlyaweekafterthepoorgirlhadbeensoseverelywhippedandfornocausewhatever，thatherfatherlearnedofthecircumstancethroughoneoftheservants。Withadegreeofboldnessunusualforhim，heimmediatelywenttohismother-in-lawanddemandedhischild。Butitwastoolate，——shewasgone。Towhatplaceshehadbeensentnoonecouldtell，andMrs。Millerrefusedtogiveanyinformationwhateverrelativetothegirl。
ItwasthenthatLinwoodfeltdeepesttheeviloftheinstitutionunderwhichhewasliving;forheknewthathisdaughterwouldbeexposedtoallthevicesprevalentinthatpartofthecountrywheremarriageisnotrecognizedinconnectionwiththatclass。
CHAPTERXVIII
ASLAVE-HUNTINGPARSON。
ITwasadelightfuleveningafteracloudlessday，withthesettingsunreflectinghisgoldenraysonthesurroundinghillswhichwerecoveredwithabeautifulgreensward，andtheluxuriantverdurethatformstheconstantgarbofthetropics，thatthesteamerColumbiaranintothedockatNatchez，andbeganunloadingthecargo，takinginpassengersandmakingreadytoproceedonhervoyagetoNewOrleans。Theplankconnectingtheboatwiththeshorehadscarcelybeensecuredinitsplace，whenagood-lookingmanaboutfiftyyearsofage，withawhiteneck-tie，andapairofgold-rimmedglasseson，wasseenhurryingonboardthevessel。
Justatthatmomentcouldbeseenastoutmanwithhisfacepittedwiththesmall-pox，makinghiswayuptotheabove-mentionedgentleman。
\"Howdoyoudo，mydearsir？thisisMr。Wilson，Ibelieve，\"saidtheshortman，atthesametimetakingfromhismouthalargechewoftobacco，andthrowingitdownontheship’sdeck。
\"Youhavetheadvantageofme，sir，\"repliedthetallman。
\"Why，don’tyouknowme？MynameisJennings;Isoldyouasplendidnegrowomansomeyearsago。\"
\"Yes，yes，\"answeredtheNatchezman。\"Irememberyounow，forthewomandiedinafewmonths，andInevergottheworthofmymoneyoutofher。\"
\"Icouldnothelpthat，\"returnedtheslave-trader;\"shewasassoundasaroachwhenIsoldhertoyou。\"
\"Oh，yes，\"repliedtheparson，\"Iknowshewas;butnowIwantayounggirl，fitforhouseuse，——onethatwilldotowaitonalady。\"
\"Iamyourman，\"saidJennings，\"justfollowme，\"continuedhe，\"andIwillshowyouthefairestlittlecritteryoueversaw。\"Andthetwopassedtothesternoftheboattowherethetraderhadbetweenfiftyandsixtyslaves，thegreaterportionbeingwomen。
\"There，\"saidJennings，asabeautifulyoungwomanshrunkbackwithmodesty。\"There，sir，istheverygalthatwasmadeforyou。Ifshehadbeenmadetoyourorder，shecouldnothavesuitedyoubetter。\"
\"Indeed，sir，isnotthatyoungwomanwhite？\"inquiredtheparson。
\"Oh，no，sir;sheisnowhiterthanyousee！\"
\"Butissheaslave？\"askedthepreacher。
\"Yes，\"saidthetrader，\"IboughtherinRichmond，andshecomesfromanexcellentfamily。ShewasraisedbySquireMiller，andhermistresswasoneofthemostpiousladiesinthatcity，Imaysay;
shewasthesaltoftheearth，astheministerssay。\"
\"ButsheresemblesinsomerespectAgnes，thewomanIboughtfromyou，\"saidMr。Wilson。AshesaidthenameofAgnes，theyoungwomanstartedasifshehadbeenstruck。Herpulseseemedtoquicken，butherfacealternatelyflushedandturnedpale，andtearstrembleduponhereyelids。Itwasanameshehadheardhermothermention，anditbroughttohermemorythosedays，——thosehappydays，whenshewassolovedandcaressed。ThisyoungwomanwasClotelle，thegranddaughterofAgnes。Thepreacher，onlearningthefact，purchasedher，andtookherhome，feelingthathisdaughterGeorgianawouldprizeherveryhighly。ClotellefoundinGeorgianamoreasisterthanamistress，who，unknowntoherfather，taughttheslave-girlhowtoread，anddidmuchtowardimprovingandrefiningClotelle’smanners，forherownsake。Likehermotherfondofflowers，the\"VirginiaMaid，\"asshewassometimescalled，spentmanyofherleisurehoursinthegarden。
Besidetheflowerswhichsprangupfromthefertilityofsoilunplantedandunattended，therewastheheliotrope，sweet-pea，andcup-rose，transplantedfromtheislandofCuba。InhernewhomeClotellefoundherselfsalutedonallsidesbythefragranceofthemagnolia。WhenshewentwithheryoungmistresstothePoplarFarm，asshesometimesdid，nature’swildluxuriancegreetedher，wherevershecasthereyes。
Therustlingcitron，lime，andorange，shadymangowithitsfruitsofgold，andthepalmetto’sumbrageousbeauty，allwelcomedthechildofsorrow。Whenatthefarm，Huckelby，theoverseer，kepthiseyeonClotelleifwithinsightofher，forheknewshewasaslave，andnodoubthopedthatshemightsomedayfallintohishands。Butsheshrankfromhislooksasshewouldhavedonefromthecharmoftherattlesnake。Thenegro-driveralwaystriedtoinsinuatehimselfintothegoodopinionofGeorgianaandthecompanythatshebrought。KnowingthatMissWilsonathearthatedslavery，hewasevertryingtoshowthattheslavesunderhischargewerehappyandcontented。Oneday，whenGeorgianaandsomeofherConnecticutfriendswerethere，theoverseercalledalltheslavesuptothe\"greathouse，\"andsetsomeoftheyoungonestodancing。Afterawhilewhiskeywasbroughtinandadramgiventoeachslave，inreturnforwhichtheywereexpectedtogiveatoast，orsingashortpieceofhisowncomposition;whenitcametoJack’sturnhesaid，——
\"Thebigbeeflieshigh，thelittlebeemakesthehoney：theblackfolksmakethecotton，andthewhitefolksgetsthemoney。\"
Ofcourse，theoverseerwasnotatallelatedwiththesentimentcontainedinJack’stoast。Mr。Wilsonhadlatelypurchasedayoungmantoassistaboutthehouseandtoactascoachman。Thisslave，whosenamewasJerome，wasofpureAfricanorigin，wasperfectlyblack，veryfine-looking，tall，slim，anderectasanyonecouldpossiblybe。Hisfeatureswerenotbad，lipsthin，noseprominent，handsandfeetsmall。Hisbrilliantblackeyeslighteduphiswholecountenance。Hishairwhichwasnearlystraight，hungincurlsuponhisloftybrow。GeorgeCombeorFowlerwouldhaveselectedhisheadforamodel。Hewasbraveanddaring，stronginperson，fieryinspirit，yetkindandtrueinhisaffections，earnestinhisdoctrines。Clotellehadbeenattheparson’sbutafewweekswhenitwasobservedthatamutualfeelinghadgrownupbetweenherandJerome。Astimerolledon，theybecamemoreandmoreattachedtoeachother。Aftersatisfyingherselfthatthesetworeallyloved，Georgianaadvisedtheirmarriage。ButJeromecontemplatedhisescapeatsomefutureday，andthereforefearedthatifmarrieditmightmilitateagainstit。Hehoped，also，tobeabletogetClotelleawaytoo，anditwasthishopethatkepthimfromtryingtoescapebyhimself。DantedidnotmorelovehisBeatrice，SwifthisStella，WallerhisSaccharissa，GoldsmithhisJessamybride，orBumshisMary，thandidJeromehisClotelle。
Unknowntoherfather，MissWilsoncouldpermitthesetwoslavestoenjoymoreprivilegesthananyoftheotherservants。TheyoungmistresstaughtClotelle，andthelatterimpartedherinstructionstoherlover，untilbothcouldreadsoastobewellunderstood。
Jeromefelthissuperiority，andalwaysdeclaredthatnomastershouldeverfloghim。Awareofhishighspiritanddetermination，Clotellewasinconstantfearlestsomedifficultymightarisebetweenherloverandhismaster。
OnedayMr。Wilson，beingsomewhatoutoftemperandirritatedatwhathewaspleasedtocallJerome’sinsolence，orderedhimtofollowhimtothebarntobeflogged。Theyoungslaveobeyedhismaster，butthosewhosawhimatthemomentfeltthathewouldnotsubmittobewhipped。
\"No，sir，\"repliedJerome，ashismastertoldhimtotakeoffhiscoat：\"Iwillserveyou，MasterWilson，Iwilllaborforyoudayandnight，ifyoudemandit，butIwillnotbewhipped。\"
Thiswastoomuchforawhitemantostandfromanegro，andthepreacherseizedhisslavebythethroat，intendingtochokehim。
Butforoncehefoundhismatch。Jeromeknockedhimdown，andthenescapedthroughtheback-yardtothestreet，andfromthencetothewoods。
Recoveringsomewhatfromtheeffectofhisfall，theparsonregainedhisfeetandstartedinpursuitofthefugitive。Finding，however，thattheslavewasbeyondhisreach，heatonceresolvedtoputthedogsonhistrack。Tabor，thenegro-catcher，wassentfor，andinlessthananhour，eightortenmen，includingtheparson，wereinthewoodswithhounds，tryingthetrails。Thesedogswillattackanegroattheirmaster’sbidding;andclingtohimasthebull-dogwillclingtoabeast。Manyarethespeculationsastowhetherthenegrowillbesecuredaliveordead，whenthesedogsoncegetonhistrack。Wheneverthereistobeanegrohunt，thereisnolackofparticipants。Manygotoenjoythefunwhichitissaidtheyderivefromthesescenes。
Thecompanyhadbeeninthewoodsbutashorttimeeretheygotonthetrackoftwofugitives，oneofwhomwasJerome。Theslavesimmediatelybenttheirstepstowardtheswamp，withthehopethatthedogs，whenputupontheirscentwouldbeunabletofollowthemthroughthewater。
TheslavesthentookastraightcoursefortheBatonRougeandBayouSararoad，aboutfourmilesdistant。Nearerandnearerthewhimperingpackpressedon;theirdelusionbeginstodispel。Allatoncethetruthflashesuponthemindsofthefugitiveslikeaglareoflight，——’tisTaborwithhisdogs！
Thescentbecomeswarmerandwarmer，andwhatwasatfirstanirregularcrynowdeepensintooneceaselessroar，astherelentlesspackpressesonafteritshumanprey。
Theyatlastreachtheriver，andinthenegroesplunge，followedbythecatch-dog。Jeromeiscaughtandisoncemoreinthehandsofhismaster，whiletheotherpoorfellowfindsawaterygrave。
Theyreturn，andthepreachersendshisslavetojail。
CHAPTERXIX
THETRUEHEROINE。
INvaindidGeorgianatrytoconsoleClotelle，whenthelatterheard，throughoneoftheotherslaves，thatMr。WilsonhadstartedwiththedogsinpursuitofJerome。Thepoorgirlwellknewthathewouldbecaught，andthatseverepunishment，ifnotdeath，wouldbetheresultofhiscapture。Itwasthereforewithaheartfilledwiththedeepestgriefthattheslave-girlheardthefootstepsofhermasteronhisreturnfromthechase。Thedoggedandsternmannerofthepreacherforbadeevenhisdaughterinquiringastothesuccessofhispursuit。Georgianasecretlyhopedthatthefugitivehadnotbeencaught;shewisheditforthesakeoftheslave，andmoreespeciallyforhermaid-servant，whomsheregardedmoreasacompanionthanamenial。ButthenewsofthecaptureofJeromesoonspreadthroughtheparson’shousehold，andfounditswaytotheearsoftheweepingandheart-strickenClotelle。
ThereverendgentlemanhadnotbeenhomemorethananhourerecomeofhisparishionerscalledtoknowiftheyshouldnottakethenegrofromtheprisonandexecuteLynchlawuponhim。
\"Nonegroshouldbepermittedtoliveafterstrikingawhiteman;
letustakehimandhanghimatonce，\"remarkedanelderly-lookingman，whosegrayhairsthinlycoveredthecrownofhishead。
\"Ithinkthedeaconisright，\"saidanotherofthecompany;\"ifourslavesareallowedtosetthewilloftheirmastersatdefiance，therewillbenogettingalongwiththem，——aninsurrectionwillbethenextthingwehearof。\"
\"No，no，\"saidthepreacher;\"Iamwillingtoletthelawtakeitscourse，asitprovidesforthepunishmentofaslavewithdeathifhestrikeshismaster。Wehadbetterletthecourtdecidethequestion。Moreover，asaChristianandGod-fearingpeople，weoughttosubmittothedictatesofjustice。Shouldwetakethisman’slifebyforce，anAll-wiseProvidencewouldholdusresponsiblefortheact。\"
Thecompanythenquietlywithdrew，showingthatthepreacherhadsomeinfluencewithhispeople。
\"This\"saidMr。Wilson，whenleftalonewithhisdaughter，——\"this，mydearGeorgiana，istheresultofyourkindnesstothenegroes。
Youhavespoiledeveryoneaboutthehouse。Ican’twhiponeofthem，withoutbeingindangerofhavingmylifetaken。\"
\"Iamsure，papa，\"repliedtheyounglady，——\"IamsureIneverdidanythingintentionallytoinduceanyoftheservantstodisobeyyourorders。\"
\"No，mydear，\"saidMr。Wilson，\"butyouaretookindtothem。Now，thereisClotelle，——thatgirliscompletelyspoiled。Shewalksaboutthehousewithasdignifiedanairasifshewasmistressofthepremises。Byandbyyouwillbesorryforthisfoolishnessofyours。\"
\"But，\"answeredGeorgiana，\"Clotellehasasuperiormind，andGodintendedhertoholdahigherpositioninlifethanthatofaservant。\"
\"Yes，mydear，anditwasyourlettingherknowthatshewasintendedforabetterstationinsocietythatisspoilingher。
Alwayskeepanegroinignoranceofwhatyouconceivetobehisabilities，\"returnedtheparson。
ItwaslateontheSaturdayafternoon，followingthecaptureofJeromethat，whileMr。Wilsonwasseatedinhisstudypreparinghissermonforthenextday，GeorgianaenteredtheroomandaskedinanexcitedtoneifitweretruethatJeromewastobehangedonthefollowingThursday。
Theministerinformedherthatsuchwasthedecisionofthecourt。
\"Then，\"saidshe，\"Clotellewilldieofgrief。\"
\"Whatbusinesshasshetodieofgrief？\"returnedthefather，hiseyesatthemomentflashingfire。
\"Shehasneithereatennorsleptsincehewascaptured，\"repliedGeorgians;\"andIamcertainthatshewillnotlivethroughthis。\"
\"Icannotbedisturbednow，\"saidtheparson;\"Imustgetmysermonreadyforto-morrow。Iexpecttohavesomestrangerstopreachto，andmust，therefore，prepareasermonthatwilldomecredit。\"
WhilethemanofGodspoke，heseemedtosaytohimself，——
\"Withdevotion’svisage，andpiousactions，Wedosugaroverthedevilhimself。\"
GeorgianadidallinherpowertosoothethefeelingsofClotelle，andtoinducehertoputhertrustinGod。Unknowntoherfather，sheallowedthepoorgirltogoeveryeveningtothejailtoseeJerome，andduringthesevisits，despiteherowngrief，Clotellewouldtrytocomfortherloverwiththehopethatjusticewouldbemetedouttohiminthespirit-land。
Thusthetimepassedon，andthedaywasfastapproachingwhentheslavewastodie。Havingheardthatsomesecretmeetinghadbeenheldbythenegroes，previoustotheattemptofMr。Wilsontofloghisslave，itoccurredtoamagistratethatJeromemightknowsomethingoftheintendedrevolt。Heaccordinglyvisitedtheprisontoseeifhecouldlearnanythingfromhim，butalltonopurpose。Havinggivenupallhopesofescape，Jeromehadresolvedtodielikeabraveman。Whenquestionedastowhetherheknewanythingofaconspiracyamongtheslavesagainsttheirmasters，hereplied，——
\"DoyousupposethatIwouldtellyouifIdid？\"
\"Butifyouknowanything，\"remarkedthemagistrate，\"andwilltellus，youmaypossiblyhaveyourlifespared。\"
\"Life，\"answeredthedoomedman，\"isworthnoughttoaslave。Whatrighthasaslavetohimself，hiswife，orhischildren？Wearekeptinheathenishdarkness，bylawsespeciallyenactedtomakeourinstructionacriminaloffence;andourbones，sinews，blood，andnervesareexposedinthemarketforsale。
\"MylibertyisofasmuchconsequencetomeasMr。Wilson’sistohim。Iamassensitivetofeelingashe。IfImistakenot，thedaywillcomewhenthenegrowilllearnthathecangethisfreedombyfightingforit;andshouldthattimearrive，thewhiteswillbesorrythattheyhavehatedussoshamefully。Iamfreetosaythat，couldIlivemylifeoveragain，IwouldusealltheenergieswhichGodhasgivenmetogetupaninsurrection。\"
EveryonepresentseemedstartledandamazedattheintelligencewithwhichthisdescendantofAfricaspoke。
\"He’saverydangerousman，\"remarkedone。
\"Yes，\"saidanother，\"hegotsomebook-learningsomewhere，andthathasspoiledhim。\"
AneffortwasthenmadetolearnfromJeromewherehehadlearnedtoread，buttheblackrefusedtogiveanyinformationonthesubject。
ThesunwasjustgoingdownbehindthetreesasClotelleenteredtheprisontoseeJeromeforthelasttime。HewastodieonthenextdayHerfacewasbentuponherhands，andthegushingtearswereforcingtheirwaythroughherfingers。Withbeatingheartandtremblinghands，evincingthedeepestemotion，shethrewherarmsaroundherlover’sneckandembracedhim。But，promptedbyherheart’sunchanginglove，shehadinherownmindaplanbywhichshehopedtoeffecttheescapeofhimtowhomshehadpledgedherheartandhand。Whiletheoverchargedcloudswhichhadhungoverthecityduringthedaybroke，andtherainfellintorrents，amidthemostterrificthunderandlightning，ClotellerevealedtoJeromeherplanforhisescape。
\"Dressyourselfinmyclothes，\"saidshe，\"andyoucaneasilypassthejailer。\"
ThisJeromeatfirstdeclineddoing。Hedidnotwishtoplaceaconfidinggirlinapositionwhere，inallprobability，shewouldhavetosuffer;butbeingassuredbytheyounggirlthatherlifewouldnotbeindanger，heresolvedtomaketheattempt。Clotellebeingverytall，itwasnotprobablethatthejailerwoulddiscoveranydifferenceinthem。
Atthismoment，shetookfromherpocketabunchofkeysandunfastenedthepadlock，andfreedhimfromthefloor。
\"Come，girl，itistimeforyoutogo，\"saidthejailer，asJeromewasholdingthealmostfaintinggirlbythehand。
BeingalreadyattiredinClotelle’sclothes，thedisguisedmanembracedtheweepinggirl，puthishandkerchieftohisface，andpassedoutofthejail，withoutthekeeper’sknowingthathisprisonerwasescapinginadisguiseandundercoverofthenight。
CHAPTERXX
THEHEROOFMANYADVENTURES。
JEROMEhadscarcelypassedtheprison-gates，erehereproachedhimselfforhavingtakensuchastep。ThereseemedtohimnohopeofescapeoutoftheState，andwhatwasafewhoursordaysatmost，oflifetohim，when，byobtainingit，anotherhadbeensacrificed。Hewasontheeveofreturning，whenhethoughtofthelastwordsutteredbyClotelle。\"Bebraveanddetermined，andyouwillstillbefree。\"Thewordssoundedlikeacharminhisearsandhewentboldlyforward。
Clotellehadprovidedasuitofmen’sclothesandhadplacedthemwhereherlovercouldgetthem，ifheshouldsucceedingettingout。
ReturningtoMr。Wilson’sbarn，thefugitivechangedhisapparel，andagainretracedhisstepsintothestreet。ToreachtheFreeStatesbytravellingbynightandlyingbyduringtheday，fromaStatesofarsouthasMississippi，noonewouldthinkforamomentofattemptingtoescape。Toremaininthecitywouldbeasuicidalstep。Thedeepsoundoftheescapeofsteamfromaboat，whichwasatthatmomentascendingtheriver，brokeupontheearsoftheslave。\"Ifthatboatisgoinguptheriver，\"saidhe，\"whynotI
concealmyselfonboard，andtrytoescape？\"Hewentatoncetothesteamboatlanding，wheretheboatwasjustcomingin。\"BoundforLouisville，\"saidthecaptain，toonewhowasmakinginquiries。Asthepassengerswererushingonboard，Jeromefollowedthem，andproceedingtowheresomeofthehandswerestowingawaybalesofgoods，hetookholdandaidedthem。
\"Jumpdownintothehold，there，andhelpthemen，\"saidthematetothefugitive，supposingthat，likemanypersons，hewasworkinghiswayuptheriver。Onceinthehullamongtheboxes，theslaveconcealedhimself。Wearyhours，andatlastdays，passedwithouteitherwaterorfoodwiththehiddenslave。Morethanoncedidheresolvetolethiscasebeknown;buttheknowledgethathewouldbesentbacktoNatchezkepthimfromdoingso。Atlast，withlipsparchedandfeveredtoacrisp，thepoormancrawledoutintothefreight-room，andbeganwanderingabout。Thehatcheswereon，andtheroomdark。Therehappenedtobeonboardaweddingparty，and，abox，containingsomeofthebridalcake，withseveralbottlesofportwine，wasnearJerome。Hefoundthebox，openedit，andhelpedhimself。Ineightdays，theboattiedupatthewharfattheplaceofherdestination。Itwaslateatnight;theboat’screw，withthesingleexceptionofthemanonwatch，wereonshore。
Thehatcheswereoff，andthefugitivequietlymadehiswayondeckandjumpedonshore。Themansawthefugitive，buttoolatetoseizehim。
StillinaSlaveState，Jeromewasatalosstoknowhowheshouldproceed。Hehadwithhimafewdollars，enoughtopayhiswaytoCanada，ifhecouldfindaconveyance。Thefugitiveprocuredsuchfoodashewantedfromoneofthemanyeating-houses，andthen，followingthedirectionoftheNorthStar，hepassedoutofthecity，andtooktheroadleadingtoCovington。KeepingneartheOhioRiver，JeromesoonfoundanopportunitytocrossoverintotheStateofIndiana。ButlibertywasamerenameinthelatterState，andthefugitivelearned，fromsomecoloredpersonsthathemet，thatitwasnotsafetotravelbydaylight。Whilemakinghiswayonenight，withnothingtocheerhimbuttheprospectoffreedominthefuture，hewaspounceduponbythreemenwhowerelyinginwaitforanotherfugitive，anadvertisementofwhomtheyhadreceivedthroughthemail。InvaindidJerometellthemthathewasnotaslave。True，theyhadnotcaughtthemantheyexpected;but，iftheycouldmakethisslavetellfromwhatplacehehadescaped，theyknewthatagoodpricewouldbepaidthemforthenegro’sarrest。
Torturedbytheslave-catchers，tomakehimrevealthenameofhismasterandtheplacefromwhencehehadescaped，JeromegavethemafictitiousnameinVirginia，andsaidthathismasterwouldgivealargereward，andmanifestedawillingnesstoreturntohis\"oldboss。\"Bythismisrepresentation，thefugitive，hopedtohaveanotherchanceofgettingaway。Alluredwiththeprospectofalargesumoftheneedful，theslave-catchersstartedbackwiththeirvictim。Stoppingonthesecondnightataninn，onthebanksoftheOhioRiver，thekidnappers，inlieuofasuitableplaceinwhichtoconfinetheirprizeduringthenight，chainedhimtothebed-postoftheirsleeping-chamber。Thewhitemenwerelateinretiringtorest，afteraneveningspentindrinking。Atdeadofnight，whenallwasstill，theslavearosefromthefloor，uponwhichhehadbeenlying，lookedaroundandsawthatMorpheushadpossessionofhiscaptors。Foronce，thoughthe，thebrandybottlehasdoneanoblework。Withpalpitatingheartandtremblinglimbs，heviewedhisposition。Thedoorwasfast，butthewarmweatherhadcompelledthemtoleavethewindowopen。Ifhecouldbutgethischainsoff，hemightescapethroughthewindowtothepiazza。
Thesleepers’clotheshunguponchairsbythebedside。Theslavethoughtofthepadlock-key，examinedthepockets，andfoundit。Thechainsweresoonoff，andthenegrostealthilymakinghiswaytothewindow。Hestopped，andsaidtohimself，\"Thesemenarevillains;theyareenemiestoallwho，likeme，aretryingtobefree。ThenwhynotIteachthemalesson？\"Hethendressedhimselfinthebestsuit，hunghisownworn-outandtatteredgarmentsonthesamechair，andsilentlypassedthroughthewindowtothepiazza，andlethimselfdownbyoneofthepillars，andstartedoncemorefortheNorth。
Daylightcameuponthefugitivebeforehehadselectedahiding-placefortheday，andhewaswalkingatarapidrate，inhopesofsoonreachingsomewoodlandorforest。Thesunhadjustbeguntoshowitself，whenthefugitivewasastoundedatseeingbehindhim，inthedistance，twomenuponhorseback。Takingaroadtotheright，theslavesawbeforehimafarmhouse，andsonearwashetoitthatheobservedtwomeninfrontofitlookingathim。Itwastoolatetoturnback。Thekidnapperswerebehindhim——strangemenbeforehim。Thoseintherearheknewtobeenemies，whilehehadnoideaofwhatprincipleswerethefarmers。
Thelatteralsosawthewhitemencoming，andcalledtothefugitivetocomethatway。Thebroad-brimmedhatsthatthefarmersworetoldtheslavethattheywereQuakers。
Jeromehadseensomeofthesepeoplepassingupanddowntheriver，whenemployedonasteamerbetweenNatchezandNewOrleans，andhadheardthattheydislikedslavery。He，therefore，hastenedtowardthedrab-coatedmen，who，onhisapproach，openedthebarn-door，andtoldhimto\"runin。\"
WhenJeromeenteredthebarn，thetwofarmersclosedthedoor，remainingoutsidethemselves，toconfronttheslave-catchers，whonowcameupanddemandedadmission，feelingthattheyhadtheirpreysecure。
\"Theecan’tentermypremises，\"saidoneoftheFriends，inratheramusicalvoice。
Thenegro-catchersurgedtheirclaimtotheslave，andintimatedthat，unlesstheywereallowedtosecurehim，theywouldforcetheirwayin。Bythistime，severalotherQuakershadgatheredaroundthebarn-door。Unfortunatelyforthekidnappers，andmostfortunatelyforthefugitive，theFriendshadjustbeenholdingaquarterlymeetingintheneighborhood，andanumberofthemhadnotyetreturnedtotheirhomes。
Aftersometalk，themenindrabpromisedtoadmitthehunters，providedtheyprocuredanofficerandasearch-warrantfromajusticeofthepeace。Oneoftheslave-catcherswaslefttoseethatthefugitivedidnotgetaway，whiletheotherswentinpursuitofanofficer。Inthemeantime，theownerofthebarnsentforahammerandnails，andbegannailingupthebarn-door。
Afteranhourinsearchofthemanofthelaw，theyreturnedwithanofficerandawarrant。TheQuakerdemandedtoseethepaper，and，afterlookingatitforsometime，calledtohissontogointothehouseforhisglasses。ItwasalongtimebeforeAuntRuthfoundtheleathercase，andwhenshedid，theglasseswantedwipingbeforetheycouldbeused。Aftercomfortablyadjustingthemonhisnose，hereadthewarrantoverleisurely。
\"Come，Mr。Dugdale，wecan’twaitallday，\"’saidtheofficer。
\"Well，willtheereaditforme？\"returnedtheQuaker。
Theofficercomplied，andthemanindrabsaid，——
\"Yes，theemaygoin，now。Iaminclinedtothrownoobstaclesinthewayoftheexecutionofthelawoftheland。\"
Onapproachingthedoor，themenfoundsomefortyorfiftynailsinit，inthewayoftheirprogress。
\"Lendmeyourhammerandachisel，ifyouplease，Mr。Dugdale，\"
saidtheofficer。
\"Pleasereadthatpaperoveragain，willthee？\"askedtheQuaker。
Theofficeroncemorereadthewarrant。
\"IseenothingtherewhichsaysImustfurnishtheewithtoolstoopenmydoor。Iftheewantsahammer，theemustgoelsewhereforit;Itelltheeplainly，theecan’thavemine。\"
Theimplementsforopeningthedoorareatlengthobtainedandafteranotherhalf-hour，theslave-catchersareinthebarn。ThreehoursisalongtimeforaslavetobeinthehandsofQuakers。
Thehayisturnedover，andthebarnisvisitedineverypart;butstilltherunawayisnotfound。UncleJosephhasaglowuponhiscountenance;Ephraimshakeshisheadknowingly;littleElijahisaperfectknow-nothing，and，ifyoulooktowardthehouse，youwillseeAuntRuth’ssmilingface，readytoannouncethatbreakfastisready。
\"Theniggerisnotinthisbarn，\"saidtheofficer。
\"Iknowheisnot，\"quietlyansweredtheQuaker。
\"Whatwereyounailingupyourdoorfor，then，asifyouwereafraidwewouldenter？\"inquiredoneofthekidnappers。
\"IcandowhatIpleasewithmyowndoor，can’tI，\"saidtheQuaker。
Thesecretwasout;thefugitivehadgoneinatthefrontdoorandoutattheback;andthereadingofthewarrant，nailingupofthedoor，andotherpreliminariesoftheQuaker，wastogivethefugitivetimeandopportunitytoescape。
Itwasnowlateinthemorning，andtheslave-catcherswerealongwayfromhome，andthehorseswerejadedbytherapidmannerinwhichtheyhadtravelled。TheFriends，inhighglee，returnedtothehouseforbreakfast;themanofthelaw，aftertakinghisfee，wenthome，andthekidnappersturnedback，muttering，\"Betterlucknexttime。\"
CHAPTERXXI
SELF-SACRIFICE。
Nowinherseventeenthyear，Clotelle’spersonalappearancepresentedagreatcontrasttothetimewhenshelivedwitholdMrs。Miller。Hertallandwell-developedfigure;herlong，silkyblackhair，fallingincurlsdownherswan-likeneck;herbright，blackeyeslightingupherolive-tintedface，andasetofteeththataTuscaroramightenvy，shewasapictureoftropical-ripenedbeauty。Attimes，therewasaheavenlysmileuponhercountenance，whichwouldhavewarmedtheheartofananchorite。Suchwasthepersonalappearanceofthegirlwhowasnowinprisonbyherownacttosavethelifeofanother。Wouldshebehangedinhisstead，orwouldshereceiveadifferentkindofpunishment？ThesequestionsClotelledidnotaskherself。Open，frank，free，andgeneroustoafault，shealwaysthoughtofothers，neverofherownwelfare。
ThelongstayofClotellecausedsomeuneasinesstoMissWilson;
yetshedarednottellherfather，forhehadforbiddentheslave-girl’sgoingtotheprisontoseeherlover。Whiletheclockonthechurchnearbywasstrikingeleven，GeorgianacalledSam，andsenthimtotheprisoninsearchofClotelle。
\"Thegirlwentawayfromhereateighto’clock，\"wasthejailer’sanswertotheservant’sinquiries。
ThereturnofSamwithouthavingfoundthegirlsaddenedtheheartoftheyoungmistress。\"Sure，then，\"saidshe，\"thepoorheart-brokenthinghasmadewaywithherself。\"
Still，shewaitedtillmorningbeforebreakingthenewsofClotelle’sabsencetoherfather。
Thejailerdiscovered，thenextmorning，tohisutterastonishment，thathisprisonerwaswhiteinsteadofblack，andhisfirstimpressionwasthatthechangeofcomplexionhadtakenplaceduringthenight，throughfearofdeath。Butthisconjecturewassoondissipated;forthedark，glowingeyes，thesablecurlsupontheloftybrow，andthemild，sweetvoicethatansweredhisquestions，informedhimthattheprisonerbeforehimwasanotherbeing。
Onlearning，inthemorning，thatClotellewasinjaildressedinmaleattire，MissWilsonimmediatelysentclothestohertomakeachangeinherattire。Newsoftheheroicanddaringactoftheslave-girlspreadthroughthecitywithelectricspeed。
\"Iwillselleveryniggerontheplace，\"saidtheparson，atthebreak-fast-table，——\"Iwillsellthemall，andgetanewlot，andwhipthemeveryday。\"
PoorGeorgianaweptforthesafetyofClotelle，whileshefeltgladthatJeromehadescaped。Invaindidtheytrytoextortfromthegirlthewhereaboutsofthemanwhoseescapeshehadeffected。Shewasnotawarethathehadfledonasteamer，andwhenquestioned，shereplied，——
\"Idon’tknow;andifIdidIwouldnottellyou。Icarenotwhatyoudowithme，ifJeromebutescapes。\"
Thesmilewithwhichsheutteredthesewordsfinelyillustratedthepoet’smeaning，whenhesays，——
\"Afearfulgiftuponthyheartislaid，Woman——thepowertosufferandtolove。\"
Hersweetsimplicityseemedtodarethemtolaytheirroughhandsamidhertremblingcurls。
Threedaysdidtheheroicyoungwomanremaininprison，tobegazedatbyanunfeelingcrowd，drawnthereoutofcuriosity。Theintelligencecametoheratlastthatthecourthaddecidedtospareherlife，onconditionthatsheshouldbewhipped，sold，andsentoutoftheStatewithintwenty-fourhours。
Thisorderofthecourtshewouldhavecaredbutlittlefor，hadshenotbeensincerelyattachedtoheryoungmistress。
\"Dotryandsellhertosomeonewhowilluseherwell，\"saidGeorgianatoherfather，ashewasabouttakinghishattoleavethehouse。
\"Ishallnottroublemyselftodoanysuchthing，\"repliedthehard-heartedparson。\"Ileavethefindingofamasterforherwiththeslave-dealer。\"
Bathedintears，Miss。Wilsonpacedherroomintheabsenceofherfather。FormanymonthsGeorgianahadbeeninadecline，andanylittletroublewouldlayheronasickbedfordays。Shewas，therefore，poorlyabletobearthelossofthiscompanion，whomshesodearlyloved。
Mr。WilsonhadinformedhisdaughterthatClotellewastobeflogged;andwhenFelicecameinandinformedhermistressthatthepoorgirlhadjustreceivedfiftylashesonherbareperson，theyoungladyfaintedandfellonthefloor。Theservantsplacedtheirmistressonthesofa，andwentinpursuitoftheirmaster。
Littledidthepreacherthink，onreturningtohisdaughter，thatheshouldsoonbebereftofher;yetsuchwastobehislot。A
blood-vesselhadbeenruptured，andthethreephysicianswhowerecalledintoldthefatherthathemustpreparetolosehischild。
Thatmoralcourageandcalmness，whichwashergreatcharacteristic，didnotforsakeGeorgianainherhourofdeath。Shehadeverbeenkindtotheslavesunderhercharge，andtheylovedandrespectedher。Atherrequest，theservantswereallbroughtintoherroom，andtookalastfarewelloftheirmistress。Seldom，ifever，wastherewitnessedamoretouchingscenethanthis。Therelaytheyoungwoman，paleandfeeble，withdeathstampeduponhercountenance，surroundedbythesonsanddaughtersofAfrica，someofwhomhadbeenseparatedfromeveryearthlytie，andthemostofwhosepersonshadbeentornandgashedbythenegro-whip。Somewereupontheirkneesatthebedside，othersstandingaround，andallweeping。
Deathisaleveler;andneitherage，sex，wealth，norcondition，canavertwhenheispermittedtostrike。Themostbeautifulflowersmustsoonfadeanddroopanddie。So，also，withman;hisdaysareasuncertainasthepassingbreeze。Thishourheglowsintheblushofhealthandvigor，butthenext，hemaybecountedwiththenumbernomoreknownonearth。Oh，whatasilencepervadedthehousewhenthisyoungflowerwasgone！Inthemidstofthebuoyancyofyouth，thischerishedonehaddroopedanddied。Deepwerethesoundsofgriefandmourningheardinthatstatelydwellingwhenthestrickenfriends，whoseofficeithadbeentonurseandsoothethewearysufferer，beheldherpaleandmotionlessinthesleepofdeath。
WhocanimaginethefeelingwithwhichpoorClotellereceivedtheintelligenceofherkindfriend’sdeath？Thedeepgashesofthecruelwhiphadprostratedthelovelyformofthequadroon，andshelayuponherbedofstrawinthedarkcell。Thespeculatorhadboughther，buthadpostponedherremovaltillsheshouldrecover。
Herbenefactresswasdead，and——
\"Hopewitheringfled，andmercysighedfarewell。\"
\"IsJeromesafe？\"shewouldaskherselfcontinually。Ifherlovercouldhavebutknownofthesufferingsofthatsweetflower，——
thatpolyanthusoverwhichhehadsooftenbeeninhisdreams，——。
hewouldthenhavelearnedthatshewasworthyofhislove。
Itwasmorethanafortnightbeforetheslave-tradercouldtakehisprizetomorecomfortablequarters。LikeAlcibiades，whodefacedtheimagesofthegodsandexpectedtobepardonedonthegroundofeccentricity，somenwhoabuseGod’simagehopetoescapethevengeanceofhiswrathunderthepleathatthelawsanctionstheiratrociousdeeds。
CHAPTERXXII
LOVEATFIRSTSIGHTANDWHATFOLLOWED。
ItwasabeautifulSundayinSeptember，withacloudlesssky，andtheraysofthesunparchingthealreadythirstyearth，thatClotellestoodatanupperwindowinSlater’sslave-peninNewOrleans，gaspingforabreathoffreshair。Thebellsofthirtychurcheswerecallingthepeopletothedifferentplacesofworship。CrowdswereseenwendingtheirwaytothehousesofGod;
onefollowedbyanegroboycarryinghismaster’sBible;anotherfollowedbyhermaid-servantholdingthemistress’fan;athirdsupportinganumbrellaoverhismaster’sheadtoshieldhimfromtheburningsun。Baptistsimmersed，Presbyterianssprinkled，Methodistsshouted，andEpiscopaliansreadtheirprayers，whileministersofthevarioussectspreachedthatChristdiedforall。
Thechimingofthebellsseemedtomockthesighsanddeepgroansofthefortyhumanbeingsthenincarceratedintheslave-pen。
TheseimprisonedchildrenofGodweremanyofthemMethodists，someBaptists，andothersclaimingtobelieveinthefaithofthePresbyteriansandEpiscopalians。
0h，withwhatanxietydidthesecreaturesawaitthecloseofthatSabbath，andthedawnofanotherday，thatshoulddeliverthemfromthosedismalandclosecells。Slowlythedaypassedaway，andoncemoretheeveningbreezefounditswaythroughthebarredwindowsoftheprisonthatcontainedtheseinjuredsonsanddaughtersofAmerica。TheclockonthecalaboosehadjuststrucknineonMondaymorning，whenhundredsofpersonswereseenthreadingthegatesanddoorsofthenegro-pen。Itwasthesamegangthathadthedaypreviousbeensteppingtothetuneandkeepingtimewiththemusicalchurchbells。TheirBibleswerenotwiththem，theirprayer-bookswereleftathome，andeventheirlongandsolemnfaceshadbeenlaidasidefortheweek。Theyhadcometotheman-markettomaketheirpurchases。Methodistswereinsearchoftheirbrethren。Baptistswerelookingforthosethathadbeenimmersed，whilePresbyterianswerewillingtobuyfellowChristians，whethersprinkledornot。ThecrowdwassoongazingatandfeastingtheireyesuponthelovelyfeaturesofClotelle。
\"Sheishandsomer，\"mutteredonetohimself，\"thantheladythatsatinthepewnexttomeyesterday。\"
\"Iwouldthatmydaughterwashalfsopretty，\"thinksasecond。
Groupsareseentalkingineverypartofthevastbuilding，andthetopicon’Change，isthe\"beautifulquadroon。\"Byandby，atallyoungmanwithaforeignface，thecurlingmustacheprotrudingfromunderafinely-chiselednose，andhavingtheairofagentleman，passesby。Hisdarkhazeleyeisfastenedonthemaid，andhestopsforamoment;thestrangerwalksaway，butsoonreturns——helooks，heseestheyoungwomanwipeawaythesilenttearthatstealsdownheralabastercheek;hefeelsashamedthatheshouldgazesounmanlyontheblushingfaceofthewoman。Asheturnsuponhisheelhetakesouthiswhitehankerchiefandwipeshiseyes。Itmaybethathehaslostasister，amother，orsomedearonetowhomhewasbetrothed。Againhecomes，andthequadroonhidesherface。Shehasheardthatforeignersmakebadmasters，andsheshunshispiercinggaze。Againhegoesawayandthenreturns。Hetakesalastlookandthenwalkshurriedlyoff。
Thedaywearsaway，butlongbeforethetimeofclosingthesalethetallyoungmanoncemoreenterstheslave-pen。Helooksineverydirectionforthebeautifulslave，butsheisnotthere——
shehasbeensold！Hegoestothetraderandinquires，butheistoolate，andhethereforereturnstohishotel。
HavingenteredamilitaryschoolinPariswhenquiteyoung，andsoonafterbeensentwiththeFrencharmytoIndia，AntoineDevenanthadneverdabbledinmattersoflove。Heviewedallwomenfromthesamestand-point——respectedthemfortheirvirtues，andoftenspokeofthegoodnessofheartofthesex，butneverdreamedoftakingtohimselfawife。TheunequalledbeautyofClotellehaddazzledhiseyes，andeverylookthatshegavewasadaggerthatwenttohisheart。Hefeltashortnessofbreath，hisheartpalpitated，hisheadgrewdizzy，andhislimbstrembled;butheknewnotitscause。Thiswasthefirststageof\"loveatfirstsight。\"
Hewhobowstotheshrineofbeautywhenbeckonedbythismysteriousagentseldomregretsit。Devenantreproachedhimselffornothavingmadeinquiriesconcerningthegirlbeforeheleftthemarketinthemorning。Hisstayinthecitywastobeshort，andtheyellowfeverwasraging，whichcausedhimtofeellikemakingastillearlierdeparture。Thediseaseappearedinaformunusuallysevereandrepulsive。Itseizeditsvictimsfromamongstthemosthealthyofthecitizens。Thedisorderbeganinthebrainbyoppressivepainaccompaniedorfollowedbyfever。Fieryveinsstreakedtheeye，thefacewasinflamedanddyedofadarkdullredcolor;theearsfromtimetotimerangpainfully。Nowmucoussecretionssurchargedthetongueandtookawaythepowerofspeech;
nowthesickonespoke，butinspeakinghadforesightofdeath。
Whentheviolenceofthediseaseapproachedtheheart，thegumswereblackened。Thesleepbroken，troubledbyconvulsions，orbyfrightfulvisions，wasworsethanthewakinghours;andwhenthereasonsankunderadeliriumwhichhaditsseatinthebrain，reposeutterlyforsookthepatient’scouch。Theprogressofthefeverwithinwasmarkedbyyellowishspots，whichspreadoverthesurfaceofthebody。Ifthen，ahappycrisiscamenot，allhopewasgone。Soonthebreathinfectedtheairwithafetidodor，thelipswereglazed，despairpainteditselfintheeyes，andsobs，withlongintervalsofsilence，formedtheonlylanguage。Fromeachsideofthemouth，spreadfoamtingedwithblackandburntblood。Bluestreaksmingledwiththeyellowallovertheframe。Allremedieswereuseless。Thiswastheyellowfever。Thedisorderspreadalarmandconfusionthroughoutthecity。Onanaveragemorethanfourhundreddieddaily。Inthemidstofdisorderandconfusion，deathheapedvictimsonvictims。Friendfollowedfriendinquicksuccession。Thesickwereavoidedfromthefearofcontagion，andforthesamereasonthedeadwereleftunburied。
Nearlytwothousanddeadbodieslayuncoveredintheburial-
ground，withonlyhereandtherealittlelimethrownoverthem，topreventtheairbecominginfected。Thenegro，whosehomeisinahotclimate，wasnotproofagainstthedisease。Manyplantationshadtosuspendtheirworkforwantofslavestotaketheplacesofthosewhohadbeentakenoffbythefever。
CHAPTERXXIII
MEETINGOFTHECOUSINS。
THEclockinthehallhadscarcelyfinishedstrikingthreewhenMr。
Taylorenteredhisowndwelling，afineresidenceinCampStreet，NewOrleans，followedbytheslave-girlwhomhehadjustpurchasedatthenegro-pen。Clotellelookedaroundwildlyasshepassedthroughthehallintothepresenceofhernewmistress。Mrs。
Taylorwasmuchpleasedwithherservant’sappearance，andcongratulatedherhusbandonhisjudiciouschoice。
\"But，\"saidMrs。Taylor，afterClotellehadgoneintothekitchen，\"howmuchshelookslikeMissJaneMorton。\"
\"Indeed，\"repliedthehusband，\"Ithought，themomentIsawherthatshelookedliketheMortons。\"
\"IamsureIneversawtwofacesmorealikeinmylife，thanthatgirl’sandJaneMorton’s，\"continuedMrs。Taylor。
Dr。Morton，thepurchaserofMaron，theyoungestdaughterofAgnes，andsistertoIsabella，hadresidedinCampStreet，neartheTaylors，formorethaneightyears，andthefamilieswereonveryintimateterms，andvisitedeachotherfrequently。EveryonespokeofClotelle’scloseresemblancetotheMortons，andespeciallytotheeldestdaughter。Indeed，twosisterscouldhardlyhavebeenmorealike。Thelarge，darkeyes，black，silk-likehair，tall，gracefulfigure，andmouldoftheface，werethesame。
ThemorningfollowingClotelle’sarrivalinhernewhome，Mrs。
Taylorwasconversinginalowtonewithherhusband，andbothwiththeireyesfollowingClotelleasshepassedthroughtheroom。
\"Sheisfarabovethestationofaslave，\"remarkedthelady。\"I
sawher，lastnight，whenremovingsomebooks，openoneandstandoveritamomentasifshewasreading;andsheisaswhiteasI
am。Ialmostsorryyouboughther。\"
Atthisjuncturethefrontdoor-bellrang，andClotellehurriedthroughtheroomtoanswerit。
\"MissMorton，\"saidtheservantasshereturnedtothemistress’
room。
\"Askhertowalkin，\"respondedthemistress。
\"Now，mydear，\"saidMrs。Taylortoherhusband，\"justlookandseeifyoudonotnoticeamarkedresemblancebetweenthecountenancesofJaneandClotelle。\"
MissMortonenteredtheroomjustasMrs。Taylorceasedspeaking。
\"HaveyouheardthattheJamisonsaredownwiththefever？\"
inquiredtheyounglady，afteraskingaboutthehealthoftheTaylors。
\"No，Ihadnot;Iwasinhopesitwouldnotgetintoourstreet;\"
repliedMrs。Taylor。
AllthiswhileMr。andMrs。TaylorwerekeenlyscrutinizingtheirvisitorandClotelleandeventhetwoyoungwomenseemedtobeconsciousthattheywereinsomewaytheobjectsofmorethanusualattention。
MissMortonhadscarcelydepartedbeforeMrs。TaylorbeganquestioningClotelleconcerningherearlychildhood，andbecamemorethaneversatisfiedthattheslave-girlwasinsomewayconnectedwiththeMortons。
Everyhourbroughtfreshnewsoftheravagesofthefever，andtheTaylorscommencedpreparingtoleavetown。AsMr。Taylorcouldnotgoatonce，itwasdeterminedthathiswifeshouldleavewithouthim，accompaniedbyhernewmaidservant。JustasMrs。TaylorandClotelleweresteppingintothecarriage，theywereinformedthatDr。Mortonwasdownwiththeepidemic。
Itwasabeautifulday，withafinebreezeforthetimeofyear，thatMrs。Taylorandherservantfoundthemselvesinthecabinofthesplendidnewsteamer\"Walk-in-the-Water，\"boundfromNewOrleanstoMobile。Everyberthintheboatwadoccupiedbypersonsfleeingfromthefearfulcontagionthatwascarryingoffitshundredsdaily。
Lateintheday，asClotellewasstandingatoneofthewindowsoftheladies’saloon，shewasastonishedtoseenearher，andwitheyesfixedintentlyuponher，thetallyoungstrangerwhomshehadobservedintheslave-marketafewdaysbefore。Sheturnedhastilyaway，buttheheatedcabinandthewantoffreshairsoondroveheragaintothewindow。Theyounggentlemanagainappeared，andcomingtotheendofthesaloon，spoketotheslave-girlinbrokenEnglish。Thisconfirmedherinherpreviousopinionthathewasaforeigner，andsherejoicedthatshehadnotfallenintohishands。
\"Iwanttotalkwithyou，\"saidthestranger。
\"Whatdoyouwantwithme？\"sheinquired。
\"Iamyourfriend，\"heanswered。\"Isawyouintheslave-marketlastweek，andregrettedthatIdidnotspeaktoyouthen。I
returnedintheevening，butyouwasgone。\"
Clotellelookedindignantlyatthestranger，andwasaboutleavingthewindowagainwhenthequiveringofhislipsandthetremblingofhisvoicestruckherattentionandcausedhertoremain。
\"Iintendedtobuyyouandmakeyoufreeandhappy，butIwastoolate，\"continuedhe。
\"Whydoyouwishtomakemefree？\"inquiredthegirl。
\"BecauseIoncehadanonlyandlovelysister，whodiedthreeyearsagoinFrance，andyouaresomuchlikeherthathadInotknownofherdeathIshouldcertainlyhavetakenyouforher。\"
\"HowevermuchImayresembleyoursister，youareawarethatIamnotshe;why，then，takesomuchinterestinonewhomyouhaveneverseenbeforeandmayneverseeagain？\"
\"Thelove，\"saidhe，\"whichIhadformysisteristransferredtoyou。\"
Clotellehadallalongsuspectedthatthemanwasaknave，andthisprofessionofloveatonceconfirmedherinthatbelief。Shethereforeimmediatelyturnedawayandlefthim。
Hourselapsed。Twilightwasjust\"lettingdownhercurtainandpinningitwithastar，\"astheslave-girlseatedherselfonasofabythewindow，andbeganmeditatinguponhereventfulhistory，meanwhilewatchingthewhitewavesastheyseemedtosportwitheachotherinthewakeofthenoblevessel，withtherisingmoonreflectingitssilverraysuponthesplendidscene，whentheforeigneroncemoreappearednearthewindow。Althoughagitatedforfearhermistresswouldseehertalkingtoastranger，andbeangry，Clotellestillthoughtshesawsomethinginthecountenanceoftheyoungmanthattoldherhewassincere，andshedidnotwishtohurthisfeelings。
\"Whypersistinyourwishtotalkwithme？\"shesaid，asheagainadvancedandspoketoher。
\"Iwishtopurchaseyouandmakeyouhappy，\"returnedhe。
\"ButIamnotforsalenow，\"shereplied。\"Mypresentmistresswillnotsellme，andifyouwishedtodosoeversomuchyoucouldnot。\"
\"Then，\"saidhe，\"ifIcannotbuyyou，whenthesteamerreachesMobile，flywithme，andyoushallbefree。\"
\"Icannotdoit，\"saidClotelle;andshewasjustleavingthestrangerwhenhetookfromhispocketapieceofpaperandthrustitintoherhand。
Afterreturningtoherroom，sheunfoldedthepaper，andfound，toherutterastonishmentthatitcontainedaonehundreddollarnoteontheBankoftheUnitedStates。Thefirstimpulseofthegirlwastoreturnthepaperanditscontentsimmediatelytothegiver，butexaminingthepapermoreclosely，shesawinfaintpencil-marks，\"Rememberthisisfromonewholovesyou。\"Anotherthoughtwastogiveittohermistress，andshereturnedtothesaloonforthatpurpose;butonfindingMrs。Taylorengagedinconversationwithsomeladies，shedidnotdeemitpropertointerrupther。
Again，therefore，Clotelleseatedherselfbythewindow，andagainthestrangerpresentedhimself。Sheimmediatelytookthepaperfromherpocket，andhandedittohim;buthedeclinedtakingit，saying，——
\"No，keepit;itmaybeofsomeservicetoyouwhenIamfaraway。\"
\"WouldthatIcouldunderstandyou，\"saidtheslave。
\"BelievethatIamsincere，andthenyouwillunderstandme，\"
returnedtheyoungman。\"Wouldyouratherbeaslavethanbefree？\"inquiredhe，withtearsthatglistenedintheraysofthemoon。
\"No，\"saidshe，\"Iwantmyfreedom，butImustliveavirtuouslife。\"
\"Then，ifyouwouldbefreeandhappy，gowithme。WeshallbeinMobileintwohours，andwhenthepassengersaregoingonshore，youtakemyarm。Haveyourfacecoveredwithaveil，andyouwillnotbeobserved。WewilltakepassageimmediatelyforFrance;youcanpassasmysister，andIpledgeyoumyhonorthatIwillmarryyouassoonaswearriveinFrance。\"
Thissolemnpromise，coupledwithwhathadpreviouslybeensaid，gaveClotelleconfidenceintheman，andsheinstantlydeterminedtogowithhim。\"Butthen，\"thoughtshe，\"whatifIshouldbedetected？Iwouldbeforeverruined，forIwouldbesold，andinallprobabilityhavetoendmydaysonacotton，rice，orsugarplantation。\"However，thethoughtoffreedominthefutureoutweighedthisdanger，andherresolvewastaken。
Dressingherselfinsomeofherbestclothes，andplacingherveiledbonnetwhereshecouldgetitwithouttheknowledgeofhermistress，Clotelleawaitedwithaheartfilledwiththedeepestemotionsandanxietythemomentwhenshewastotakeastepwhichseemedsorash，andwhichwouldeithermakeorruinherforever。
TheshipswhichleaveMobileforEuropelieaboutthirtymilesdownthebay，andpassengersaretakendownfromthecityinsmallvessels。The\"Walk-in-the-Water\"hadjustmadeherlinesfast，andthepassengerswerehurryingonshore，whenatallgentlemanwithaladyathissidedescendedthestage-plank，andsteppedonthewharf。ThiswasAntoineDevenantandClotelle。
CHAPTERXXIV
THELAWANDITSVICTIM。
THEdeathofDr。Morton，onthethirddayofhisillness，camelikeashockuponhiswifeanddaughters。Thecorpsehadscarcelybeencommittedtoitsmotherearthbeforenewandunforeseendifficultiesappearedtothem。BythelawsoftheSlaveStates，thechildrenfollowtheconditionoftheirmother。Ifthemotherisfree，thechildrenarefree;ifaslave，thechildrenareslaves。BeingunacquaintedwiththeSoutherncode，andnoonepresumingthatMarionhadanynegrobloodinherveins，Dr。Mortonhadnotgiventhesubjectasinglethought。Thewomanwhomhelovedandregardedashiswifewas，afterall，nothingmorethanaslavebythelawsoftheState。Whatwouldhavebeenhisfeelingshadheknownthatathisdeathhiswifeandchildrenwouldbeconsideredashisproperty？Yetsuchwasthecase。Likemostmenofmeansatthattime，Dr。Mortonwasdeeplyengagedinspeculation，andthoughgenerallyconsideredwealthy，wasverymuchinvolvedinhisbusinessaffairs。
AfterthediseasewithwhichDr。Mortonhadsosuddenlydiedhadtosomeextentsubsided，Mr。JamesMorton，abrotherofthedeceased，wenttoNewOrleanstosettleuptheestate。Onhisarrivalthere，hewaspleasedwithandfeltproudofhisnieces，andinvitedthemtoreturnwithhimtoVermont，littledreamingthathisbrotherhadmarriedaslave，andthathiswidowanddaughterswouldbeclaimedassuch。Thegirlsthemselveshadneverheardthattheirmotherhadbeenaslave，andthereforeknewnothingofthedangerhangingovertheirheads。
AninventoryofthepropertyofthedeceasedwasmadeoutbyMr。
Morton，andplacedinthehandsofthecreditors。Thesepreliminariesbeingarranged，theladies，withtheirrelative，concludedtoleavethecityandresideforafewdaysonthebanksofLakePonchartrain，wheretheycouldenjoyafreshairthatthecitydidnotafford。Astheywereabouttakingthecars，however，anofficerarrestedthewholeparty——theladiesasslaves，andthegentlemanuponthechargeofattemptingtoconcealthepropertyofhisdeceasedbrother。Mr。Mortonwasoverwhelmedwithhorrorattheideaofhisniecesbeingclaimedasslaves，andaskedfortime，thathemightsavethemfromsuchafate。HeevenofferedtomortgagehislittlefarminVermontfortheamountwhichyoungslave-womenoftheirageswouldfetch。Butthecreditorspleadedthattheywerean\"extraarticle，\"andwouldsellformorethancommonslaves，andmustthereforebesoldatauction。
Theunclewasthereforecompelledtogivethemuptotheofficersofthelaw，andtheywereseparatedfromhim。Jane，theoldestofthegirls，aswehavebeforementioned，wasveryhandsome，bearingacloseresemblancetohercousinClotelle。Alreka，thoughnotashandsomeashersister，wasneverthelessabeautifulgirl，andbothhadalltheaccomplishmentsthatwealthandstationcouldprocure。
Thoughonlyinherfifteenthyear，AlrekahadbecomestronglyattachedtoVolneyLapie，ayoungFrenchman，astudentinherfather’soffice。Thisattachmentwasreciprocated，althoughthepovertyoftheyoungmanandtheextremeyouthofthegirlhadcausedtheirfeelingstobekeptfromtheyounglady’sparents。
Thedayofsalecame，andMr。Mortonattended，withthehopethateitherthemagnanimityofthecreditorsorhisownlittlefarminVermontmightsavehisniecesfromthefatethatawaitedthem。Hishope，however，wasinvain。Thefeelingsofallpresentseemedtobelostinthegeneralwishtobecomethepossessoroftheyoungladies，whostoodtrembling，blushing，andweepingasthenumerousthronggazedatthem，orastheintendedpurchaserexaminedthegracefulproportionsoftheirfairandbeautifulframes。NeitherthepresenceoftheunclenoryoungLapiecouldatalllessenthegrosslanguageoftheofficers，orstaytherudehandsofthosewhowishedtoexaminethepropertythusofferedforsale。Afterafiercecontestbetweenthebidders，thegirlsweresold，onefortwothousandthreehundred，andtheotherfortwothousandthreehundredandfiftydollars。Hadthesegirlsbeenboughtforservantsonly，theywouldinallprobabilityhavebroughtnotmorethanninehundredorathousanddollarseach。Hereweretwobeautifulyounggirls，accustomedtothefondestindulgence，surroundedbyalltherefinementsoflife，andwiththetimidityandgentlenesswhichsuchalifewouldnaturallyproduce，barteredawaylikecattleinthemarketsofSmithfieldorNewYork。
Themother，whowasalsotohavebeensold，happilyfollowedherhusbandtothegrave，andwassparedthepangsofabrokenheart。
Thepurchaseroftheyoungladiesleftthemarketintriumph，andtheuncle，withaheavyheart，startedforhisNewEnglandhome，withnoearthlyprospectofeverbeholdinghisniecesagain。
Theseizureoftheyoungladiesasslaveswastheresultoftheadministrator’shavingfoundamongDr。Morton’spapersthebill-of-saleofMarionwhichhehadtakenwhenhepurchasedher。
Hehaddoubtlessintendedtoliberateherwhenhemarriedher，buthadneglectedfromtimetotimetohavetheproperpapersmadeout。Sadwastheresultofthisnegligence。
