Page:From the West to the West.djvu/84



"Do you think it was wicked to take my own money and my own children, when I had the opportunity?"

"It was a theft, certainly, under the law; and it is always wrong to steal," retorted Mrs. Ranger.

"We must uphold the majesty of the law, if necessary, at the muzzle of our guns!" said the Captain, loftily.

"How about Dugs and her coon?" asked Jean, with a silvery laugh.

"That was different. Slavery, as I have often said before, is wrong, and no contingency can make it right."

"You are making a distinction where there is no perceptible difference, except in the matter of complexion," exclaimed Mrs. Ranger.

"Did Dugs, the slave, have money?" asked Mrs. O'Dowd.

"Dugs hasn't taken me into her confidence," said the Captain. "What in creation are we to do with you all?"

"There'll be a way, John; don't worry," said his wife. " ' Trust in the Lord and do good, and verily thou shalt be fed.'"

"Do you know," said Sally, turning to the Captain, " that the pretty little blonde in black, whom I see over yonder, is a jewel? I met her on the street this morning, on her way to the ferry, with her mother and her carriage and wagons and drivers. I was getting desperate with the fear that I couldn't overtake you; and I knew there was no time to be lost. So I told her my story. I may have exaggerated somewhat, for I told her you had agreed to take me and the babies to Oregon. I said I had been detained (which was true) and I must overtake you before you crossed the river. She didn't wait to ask a question, but bundled us all into her carriage without a word."

"Didn't I tell you you could trust my daddie?" asked Jean, aside. "He's a whole lot better than he thinks he is."