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 Nothing would subject him to the humiliation of raising one inquiry respecting her, and he could easily perceive in the forced gravity of his slaves that they had a ludicrous perception of matters and things as they then stood. Unusually obsequious in all their endeavors to please, many a smile he could detect suddenly vanishing into a most comic, serious expression when he turned quickly towards them.

"Halloa Sambo, how are you?" said he to the coachman, who was shaking his sides as a broad grin displayed his shining ivory to the best advantage, unmindful of his master's presence. "Tol'able thank 'ee sir, tol'able, and hopes massa's right well too," replied he, stepping significantly on the toe of the ostler which was suffering from a corn, causing him to scream, which gave rise to a roar of laughter among the whole gang who had gathered around to welcome their master.

There was a general tumbling and rolling on the grass by the younger members of the group when Mr. Carleton returned to the house.

"Wonder of massa 'll put de bloodhounds on de trail to-night," said one.

"Wonder wheder he'll try to catch missus or de nigger fust," said another, which caused a fresh outburst of laughter, accompanied with the remark.

"Guess if she knew you called her a nigger, she'd be arter ye wid a pitchfork."

"Don't tink massa feel like jumpin' Jim Crow to-night," said a nimble young pure-blooded scion of Ethiop, as he turned somerset and landed on his feet before the words had fairly escaped his lips. Little