TheYoungMaster
Twodaysafter，ayoungmandrovealightwagonupthroughtheavenueofChinatrees，and，throwingthereinshastilyonthehorse’sneck，sprangoutandinquiredfortheowneroftheplace。
ItwasGeorgeShelby；and，toshowhowhecametobethere，wemustgobackinourstory。
TheletterofMissOpheliatoMrs。Shelbyhad，bysomeunfortunateaccident，beendetained，foramonthortwo，atsomeremotepost-office，beforeitreacheditsdestination；and，ofcourse，beforeitwasreceived，TomwasalreadylosttoviewamongthedistantswampsoftheRedriver。
Mrs。Shelbyreadtheintelligencewiththedeepestconcern；butanyimmediateactionuponitwasanimpossibility。Shewastheninattendanceonthesick-bedofherhusband，wholaydeliriousinthecrisisofafever。MasterGeorgeShelby，who，intheinterval，hadchangedfromaboytoatallyoungman，washerconstantandfaithfulassistant，andheronlyrelianceinsuperintendinghisfather’saffairs。MissOpheliahadtakentheprecautiontosendthemthenameofthelawyerwhodidbusinessfortheSt。Clares；andthemostthat，intheemergency，couldbedone，wastoaddressaletterofinquirytohim。ThesuddendeathofMr。Shelby，afewdaysafter，brought，ofcourse，anabsorbingpressureofotherinterests，foraseason。
Mr。Shelbyshowedhisconfidenceinhiswife’sability，byappointinghersoleexecutrixuponhisestates；andthusimmediatelyalargeandcomplicatedamountofbusinesswasbroughtuponherhands。
Mrs。Shelby，withcharacteristicenergy，appliedherselftotheworkofstraighteningtheentangledwebofaffairs；andsheandGeorgewereforsometimeoccupiedwithcollectingandexaminingaccounts，sellingpropertyandsettlingdebts；forMrs。Shelbywasdeterminedthateverythingshouldbebroughtintotangibleandrecognizableshape，lettheconsequencestoherprovewhattheymight。Inthemeantime，theyreceivedaletterfromthelawyertowhomMissOpheliahadreferredthem，sayingthatheknewnothingofthematter；thatthemanwassoldatapublicauction，andthat，beyondreceivingthemoney，heknewnothingoftheaffair。
NeitherGeorgenorMrs。Shelbycouldbeeasyatthisresult；and，accordingly，somesixmonthsafter，thelatter，havingbusinessforhismother，downtheriver，resolvedtovisitNewOrleans，inperson，andpushhisinquiries，inhopesofdiscoveringTom’swhereabouts，andrestoringhim。
Aftersomemonthsofunsuccessfulsearch，bythemerestaccident，Georgefellinwithaman，inNewOrleans，whohappenedtobepossessedofthedesiredinformation；andwithhismoneyinhispocket，ourherotooksteamboatforRedriver，resolvingtofindoutandre-purchasehisoldfriend。
Hewassoonintroducedintothehouse，wherehefoundLegreeinthesitting-room。
Legreereceivedthestrangerwithakindofsurlyhospitality，
“Iunderstand，”saidtheyoungman，“thatyoubought，inNewOrleans，aboy，namedTom。Heusedtobeonmyfather’splace，andIcametoseeifIcouldn’tbuyhimback。”
Legree’sbrowgrewdark，andhebrokeout，passionately:“Yes，Ididbuysuchafellow，—andah—lofabargainIhadofit，too！Themostrebellious，saucy，impudentdog！Setupmyniggerstorunaway；gotofftwogals，wortheighthundredorathousandapiece。Heownedtothat，and，whenIbidhimtellmewheretheywas，heupandsaidheknew，buthewouldn’ttell；andstoodtoit，thoughIgavehimthecussedestfloggingIevergaveniggeryet。Ib’lievehe’stryingtodie；butIdon’tknowashe’llmakeitout。”
“Whereishe？”saidGeorge，impetuously。“Letmeseehim。”Thecheeksoftheyoungmanwerecrimson，andhiseyesflashedfire；butheprudentlysaidnothing，asyet。
“He’sindatarshed，”saidalittlefellow，whostoodholdingGeorge’shorse。
Legreekickedtheboy，andsworeathim；butGeorge，withoutsayinganotherword，turnedandstrodetothespot。
Tomhadbeenlyingtwodayssincethefatalnight，notsuffering，foreverynerveofsufferingwasbluntedanddestroyed。Helay，forthemostpart，inaquietstupor；forthelawsofapowerfulandwell-knitframewouldnotatoncereleasetheimprisonedspirit。Bystealth，therehadbeenthere，inthedarknessofthenight，poordesolatedcreatures，whostolefromtheirscantyhours’rest，thattheymightrepaytohimsomeofthoseministrationsofloveinwhichhehadalwaysbeensoabundant。Truly，thosepoordiscipleshadlittletogive，—onlythecupofcoldwater；butitwasgivenwithfullhearts。
Tearshadfallenonthathonest，insensibleface，—tearsoflaterepentanceinthepoor，ignorantheathen，whomhisdyingloveandpatiencehadawakenedtorepentance，andbitterprayers，breathedoverhimtoalate-foundSaviour，ofwhomtheyscarceknewmorethanthename，butwhomtheyearningignorantheartofmanneverimploresinvain。
Cassy，whohadglidedoutofherplaceofconcealment，and，byoverhearing，learnedthesacrificethathadbeenmadeforherandEmmeline，hadbeenthere，thenightbefore，defyingthedangerofdetection；and，movedbythelastfewwordswhichtheaffectionatesoulhadyetstrengthtobreathe，thelongwinterofdespair，theiceofyears，hadgivenway，andthedark，despairingwomanhadweptandprayed。
WhenGeorgeenteredtheshed，hefelthisheadgiddyandhisheartsick。
“Isitpossible，，—isitpossible？”saidhe，kneelingdownbyhim。“UncleTom，mypoor，pooroldfriend！”
Somethinginthevoicepenetratedtotheearofthedying。Hemovedhisheadgently，smiled，andsaid，
“Jesuscanmakeadying-bed
Feelsoftasdownpillowsare。”
Tearswhichdidhonortohismanlyheartfellfromtheyoungman’seyes，ashebentoverhispoorfriend。
“O，dearUncleTom！dowake，—dospeakoncemore！Lookup！Here’sMas’rGeorge，—yourownlittleMas’rGeorge。Don’tyouknowme？”
“Mas’rGeorge！”saidTom，openinghiseyes，andspeakinginafeeblevoice；“Mas’rGeorge！”Helookedbewildered。
Slowlytheideaseemedtofillhissoul；andthevacanteyebecamefixedandbrightened，thewholefacelightedup，thehardhandsclasped，andtearsrandownthecheeks。
“BlesstheLord！itis，—itis，—it’sallIwanted！Theyhaven’tforgotme。Itwarmsmysoul；itdoesmyheartgood！NowIshalldiecontent！BlesstheLord，onmysoul！”
“Youshan’tdie！youmustn’tdie，northinkofit！I’vecometobuyyou，andtakeyouhome，”saidGeorge，withimpetuousvehemence。
“O，Mas’rGeorge，ye’retoolate。TheLord’sboughtme，andisgoingtotakemehome，—andIlongtogo。HeavenisbetterthanKintuck。”
“O，don’tdie！It’llkillme！—it’llbreakmyhearttothinkwhatyou’vesuffered，—andlyinginthisoldshed，here！Poor，poorfellow！”
“Don’tcallmepoorfellow！”saidTom，solemnly，“Ihavebeenpoorfellow；butthat’sallpastandgone，now。I’mrightinthedoor，goingintoglory！O，Mas’rGeorge！Heavenhascome！I’vegotthevictory！—theLordJesushasgivenittome！GlorybetoHisname！”
Georgewasawe-struckattheforce，thevehemence，thepower，withwhichthesebrokensentenceswereuttered。Hesatgazinginsilence。
Tomgraspedhishand，andcontinued，—“Yemustn’t，now，tellChloe，poorsoul！howyefoundme；—’twouldbesodreffultoher。Onlytellheryefoundmegoingintoglory；andthatIcouldn’tstayfornoone。AndtellhertheLord’sstoodbymeeverywhereandal’ays，andmadeeverythinglightandeasy。Andoh，thepoorchil’en，andthebaby；—myoldheart’sbeenmostbrokefor’em，timeandagin！Tell’emalltofollowme—followme！GivemylovetoMas’r，anddeargoodMissis，andeverybodyintheplace！Yedon’tknow！’PearslikeIloves’emall！Iloveseverycreatureeverywhar！—it’snothingbutlove！O，Mas’rGeorge！whatathing’tistobeaChristian！”
Atthismoment，Legreesauntereduptothedooroftheshed，lookedin，withadoggedairofaffectedcarelessness，andturnedaway。
“Theoldsatan！”saidGeorge，inhisindignation。“It’sacomforttothinkthedevilwillpayhimforthis，someofthesedays！”
“O，don’t！，—oh，yemustn’t！”saidTom，graspinghishand；“he’sapoormis’ablecritter！it’sawfultothinkon’t！Oh，ifheonlycouldrepent，theLordwouldforgivehimnow；butI’m’fearedheneverwill！”
“Ihopehewon’t！”saidGeorge；“Ineverwanttoseehiminheaven！”
“Hush，Mas’rGeorge！—itworriesme！Don’tfeelso！Hean’tdonemenorealharm，—onlyopenedthegateofthekingdomforme；that’sall！”
Atthismoment，thesuddenflushofstrengthwhichthejoyofmeetinghisyoungmasterhadinfusedintothedyingmangaveway。Asuddensinkingfelluponhim；heclosedhiseyes；andthatmysteriousandsublimechangepassedoverhisface，thattoldtheapproachofotherworlds。
Hebegantodrawhisbreathwithlong，deepinspirations；andhisbroadchestroseandfell，heavily。Theexpressionofhisfacewasthatofaconqueror。
“Who，—who，—whoshallseparateusfromtheloveofChrist？”hesaid，inavoicethatcontendedwithmortalweakness；and，withasmile，hefellasleep。
Georgesatfixedwithsolemnawe。Itseemedtohimthattheplacewasholy；and，asheclosedthelifelesseyes，androseupfromthedead，onlyonethoughtpossessedhim，—thatexpressedbyhissimpleoldfriend，—“WhatathingitistobeaChristian！”
Heturned:Legreewasstanding，sullenly，behindhim。
Somethinginthatdyingscenehadcheckedthenaturalfiercenessofyouthfulpassion。ThepresenceofthemanwassimplyloathsometoGeorge；andhefeltonlyanimpulsetogetawayfromhim，withasfewwordsaspossible。
FixinghiskeendarkeyesonLegree，hesimplysaid，pointingtothedead，“Youhavegotallyouevercanofhim。WhatshallIpayyouforthebody？Iwilltakeitaway，andburyitdecently。”
“Idon’tselldeadniggers，”saidLegree，doggedly。“Youarewelcometoburyhimwhereandwhenyoulike。”
“Boys，”saidGeorge，inanauthoritativetone，totwoorthreenegroes，whowerelookingatthebody，“helpmelifthimup，andcarryhimtomywagon；andgetmeaspade。”
Oneofthemranforaspade；theothertwoassistedGeorgetocarrythebodytothewagon。
GeorgeneitherspoketonorlookedatLegree，whodidnotcountermandhisorders，butstood，whistling，withanairofforcedunconcern。Hesulkilyfollowedthemtowherethewagonstoodatthedoor。
Georgespreadhiscloakinthewagon，andhadthebodycarefullydisposedofinit，—movingtheseat，soastogiveitroom。Thenheturned，fixedhiseyesonLegree，andsaid，withforcedcomposure，
“Ihavenot，asyet，saidtoyouwhatIthinkofthismostatrociousaffair；—thisisnotthetimeandplace。But，sir，thisinnocentbloodshallhavejustice。Iwillproclaimthismurder。Iwillgototheveryfirstmagistrate，andexposeyou。”
“Do！”saidLegree，snappinghisfingers，scornfully。“I’dliketoseeyoudoingit。Whereyougoingtogetwitnesses？—howyougoingtoproveit？—Come，now！”
Georgesaw，atonce，theforceofthisdefiance。Therewasnotawhitepersonontheplace；and，inallsoutherncourts，thetestimonyofcoloredbloodisnothing。Hefelt，atthatmoment，asifhecouldhaverenttheheavenswithhisheart’sindignantcryforjustice；butinvain。
“Afterall，whatafuss，foradeadnigger！”saidLegree。
Thewordwasasasparktoapowdermagazine。PrudencewasneveracardinalvirtueoftheKentuckyboy。Georgeturned，and，withoneindignantblow，knockedLegreeflatuponhisface；and，ashestoodoverhim，blazingwithwrathanddefiance，hewouldhaveformednobadpersonificationofhisgreatnamesaketriumphingoverthedragon。
Somemen，however，aredecidedlybetteredbybeingknockeddown。Ifamanlaysthemfairlyflatinthedust，theyseemimmediatelytoconceivearespectforhim；andLegreewasoneofthissort。Asherose，therefore，andbrushedthedustfromhisclothes，heeyedtheslowly-retreatingwagonwithsomeevidentconsideration；nordidheopenhismouthtillitwasoutofsight。
Beyondtheboundariesoftheplantation，Georgehadnoticedadry，sandyknoll，shadedbyafewtrees；theretheymadethegrave。
“Shallwetakeoffthecloak，Mas’r？”saidthenegroes，whenthegravewasready。
“No，no，—buryitwithhim！It’sallIcangiveyou，now，poorTom，andyoushallhaveit。”
Theylaidhimin；andthemenshovelledaway，silently。Theybankeditup，andlaidgreenturfoverit。
“Youmaygo，boys，”saidGeorge，slippingaquarterintothehandofeach。Theylingeredabout，however。
“IfyoungMas’rwouldpleasebuyus—”saidone。
“We’dservehimsofaithful！”saidtheother。
“Hardtimeshere，Mas’r！”saidthefirst。“Do，Mas’r，buyus，please！”
“Ican’t！—Ican’t！”saidGeorge，withdifficulty，motioningthemoff；“it’simpossible！”
Thepoorfellowslookeddejected，andwalkedoffinsilence。
“Witness，eternalGod！”saidGeorge，kneelingonthegraveofhispoorfriend；“oh，witness，that，fromthishour，Iwilldowhatonemancantodriveoutthiscurseofslaveryfrommyland！”
Thereisnomonumenttomarkthelastresting-placeofourfriend。Heneedsnone！HisLordknowswherehelies，andwillraisehimup，immortal，toappearwithhimwhenheshallappearinhisglory。
Pityhimnot！Suchalifeanddeathisnotforpity！NotintherichesofomnipotenceisthechiefgloryofGod；butinself-denying，sufferinglove！Andblessedarethemenwhomhecallstofellowshipwithhim，bearingtheircrossafterhimwithpatience。Ofsuchitiswritten，“Blessedaretheythatmourn，fortheyshallbecomforted。”
AnAuthenticGhostStory
Forsomeremarkablereason，ghostlylegendswereuncommonlyrife，aboutthistime，amongtheservantsonLegree’splace。
Itwaswhisperinglyassertedthatfootsteps，inthedeadofnight，hadbeenhearddescendingthegarretstairs，andpatrollingthehouse。Invainthedoorsoftheupperentryhadbeenlocked；theghosteithercarriedaduplicatekeyinitspocket，oravaileditselfofaghost’simmemorialprivilegeofcomingthroughthekeyhole，andpromenadedasbefore，withafreedomthatwasalarming。
Authoritiesweresomewhatdivided，astotheoutwardformofthespirit，owingtoacustomquiteprevalentamongnegroes，—and，foraughtweknow，amongwhites，too，—ofinvariablyshuttingtheeyes，andcoveringupheadsunderblankets，petticoats，orwhateverelsemightcomeinuseforashelter，ontheseoccasions。Ofcourse，aseverybodyknows，whenthebodilyeyesarethusoutofthelists，thespiritualeyesareuncommonlyvivaciousandperspicuous；and，therefore，therewereabundanceoffull-lengthportraitsoftheghost，abundantlyswornandtestifiedto，which，asifoftenthecasewithportraits，agreedwitheachotherinnoparticular，exceptthecommonfamilypeculiarityoftheghosttribe，—thewearingofawhitesheet。Thepoorsoulswerenotversedinancienthistory，anddidnotknowthatShakspearehadauthenticatedthiscostume，bytellinghow
“Thesheeteddead
DidsqueakandgibberinthestreetsofRome。”1
And，therefore，theirallhittinguponthisisastrikingfactinpneumatology，whichwerecommendtotheattentionofspiritualmediagenerally。
Beitasitmay，wehaveprivatereasonsforknowingthatatallfigureinawhitesheetdidwalk，atthemostapprovedghostlyhours，aroundtheLegreepremises，—passoutthedoors，glideaboutthehouse，—disappearatintervals，and，reappearing，passupthesilentstairway，intothatfatalgarret；andthat，inthemorning，theentrydoorswereallfoundshutandlockedasfirmasever。
Legreecouldnothelpoverhearingthiswhispering；anditwasallthemoreexcitingtohim，fromthepainsthatweretakentoconcealitfromhim。Hedrankmorebrandythanusual；helduphisheadbriskly，andsworelouderthaneverinthedaytime；buthehadbaddreams，andthevisionsofhisheadonhisbedwereanythingbutagreeable。ThenightafterTom’sbodyhadbeencarriedaway，herodetothenexttownforacarouse，andhadahighone。Gothomelateandtired；lockedhisdoor，tookoutthekey，andwenttobed。
Afterall，letamantakewhatpainshemaytohushitdown，ahumansoulisanawfulghostly，unquietpossession，forabadmantohave。Whoknowsthemetesandboundsofit？Whoknowsallitsawfulperhapses，—thoseshudderingsandtremblings，whichitcannomorelivedownthanitcanoutliveitsowneternity！Whatafoolishewholockshisdoortokeepoutspirits，whohasinhisownbosomaspirithedaresnotmeetalone，—whosevoice，smotheredfardown，andpiledoverwithmountainsofearthliness，isyetliketheforewarningtrumpetofdoom！
ButLegreelockedhisdoorandsetachairagainstit；hesetanight-lampattheheadofhisbed；andputhispistolsthere。Heexaminedthecatchesandfasteningsofthewindows，andthensworehe“didn’tcareforthedevilandallhisangels，”andwenttosleep。
Well，heslept，forhewastired，—sleptsoundly。But，finally，therecameoverhissleepashadow，ahorror，anapprehensionofsomethingdreadfulhangingoverhim。Itwashismother’sshroud，hethought；butCassyhadit，holdingitup，andshowingittohim。Heheardaconfusednoiseofscreamsandgroanings；and，withitall，heknewhewasasleep，andhestruggledtowakehimself。Hewashalfawake。Hewassuresomethingwascomingintohisroom。Heknewthedoorwasopening，buthecouldnotstirhandorfoot。Atlastheturned，withastart；thedoorwasopen，andhesawahandputtingouthislight。
Itwasacloudy，mistymoonlight，andtherehesawit！—somethingwhite，glidingin！Heheardthestillrustleofitsghostlygarments。Itstoodstillbyhisbed；—acoldhandtouchedhis；avoicesaid，threetimes，inalow，fearfulwhisper，“Come！come！come！”And，whilehelaysweatingwithterror，heknewnotwhenorhow，thethingwasgone。Hesprangoutofbed，andpulledatthedoor。Itwasshutandlocked，andthemanfelldowninaswoon。
Afterthis，Legreebecameaharderdrinkerthaneverbefore。Henolongerdrankcautiously，prudently，butimprudentlyandrecklessly。
Therewerereportsaroundthecountry，soonafterthathewassickanddying。Excesshadbroughtonthatfrightfuldiseasethatseemstothrowtheluridshadowsofacomingretributionbackintothepresentlife。Nonecouldbearthehorrorsofthatsickroom，whenheravedandscreamed，andspokeofsightswhichalmoststoppedthebloodofthosewhoheardhim；and，athisdyingbed，stoodastern，white，inexorablefigure，saying，“Come！come！come！”
Byasingularcoincidence，ontheverynightthatthisvisionappearedtoLegree，thehouse-doorwasfoundopeninthemorning，andsomeofthenegroeshadseentwowhitefiguresglidingdowntheavenuetowardsthehigh-road。
ItwasnearsunrisewhenCassyandEmmelinepaused，foramoment，inalittleknotoftreesnearthetown。
CassywasdressedafterthemanneroftheCreoleSpanishladies，—whollyinblack。Asmallblackbonnetonherhead，coveredbyaveilthickwithembroidery，concealedherface。Ithadbeenagreedthat，intheirescape，shewastopersonatethecharacterofaCreolelady，andEmmelinethatofherservant。
Broughtup，fromearlylife，inconnectionwiththehighestsociety，thelanguage，movementsandairofCassy，wereallinagreementwiththisidea；andshehadstillenoughremainingwithher，ofaoncesplendidwardrobe，andsetsofjewels，toenablehertopersonatethethingtoadvantage。
Shestoppedintheoutskirtsofthetown，whereshehadnoticedtrunksforsale，andpurchasedahandsomeone。Thissherequestedthemantosendalongwithher。And，accordingly，thusescortedbyaboywheelinghertrunk，andEmmelinebehindher，carryinghercarpet-bagandsundrybundles，shemadeherappearanceatthesmalltavern，likealadyofconsideration。
Thefirstpersonthatstruckher，afterherarrival，wasGeorgeShelby，whowasstayingthere，awaitingthenextboat。
Cassyhadremarkedtheyoungmanfromherloopholeinthegarret，andseenhimbearawaythebodyofTom，andobservedwithsecretexultation，hisrencontrewithLegree。Subsequentlyshehadgathered，fromtheconversationsshehadoverheardamongthenegroes，assheglidedaboutinherghostlydisguise，afternightfall，whohewas，andinwhatrelationhestoodtoTom。She，therefore，feltanimmediateaccessionofconfidence，whenshefoundthathewas，likeherself，awaitingthenextboat。
Cassy’sairandmanner，address，andevidentcommandofmoney，preventedanyrisingdispositiontosuspicioninthehotel。Peopleneverinquiretoocloselyintothosewhoarefaironthemainpoint，ofpayingwell，—athingwhichCassyhadforeseenwhensheprovidedherselfwithmoney。
Intheedgeoftheevening，aboatwasheardcomingalong，andGeorgeShelbyhandedCassyaboard，withthepolitenesswhichcomesnaturallytoeveryKentuckian，andexertedhimselftoprovideherwithagoodstate-room。
Cassykeptherroomandbed，onpretextofillness，duringthewholetimetheywereonRedriver；andwaswaitedon，withobsequiousdevotion，byherattendant。
WhentheyarrivedattheMississippiriver，George，havinglearnedthatthecourseofthestrangeladywasupward，likehisown，proposedtotakeastate-roomforheronthesameboatwithhimself，—good-naturedlycompassionatingherfeeblehealth，anddesiroustodowhathecouldtoassisther。
Behold，therefore，thewholepartysafelytransferredtothegoodsteamerCincinnati，andsweepinguptheriverunderapowerfulheadofsteam。
Cassy’shealthwasmuchbetter。Shesatupontheguards，cametothetable，andwasremarkeduponintheboatasaladythatmusthavebeenveryhandsome。
FromthemomentthatGeorgegotthefirstglimpseofherface，hewastroubledwithoneofthosefleetingandindefinitelikenesses，whichalmosteverybodycanremember，andhasbeen，attimes，perplexedwith。Hecouldnotkeephimselffromlookingather，andwatchinherperpetually。Attable，orsittingatherstate-roomdoor，stillshewouldencountertheyoungman’seyesfixedonher，andpolitelywithdrawn，whensheshowed，byhercountenance，thatshewassensibletotheobservation。
Cassybecameuneasy。Shebegantothinkthathesuspectedsomething；andfinallyresolvedtothrowherselfentirelyonhisgenerosity，andintrustedhimwithherwholehistory。
GeorgewasheartilydisposedtosympathizewithanyonewhohadescapedfromLegree’splantation，—aplacethathecouldnotrememberorspeakofwithpatience，—and，withthecourageousdisregardofconsequenceswhichischaracteristicofhisageandstate，heassuredherthathewoulddoallinhispowertoprotectandbringthemthrough。
Thenextstate-roomtoCassy’swasoccupiedbyaFrenchlady，namedDeThoux，whowasaccompaniedbyafinelittledaughter，achildofsometwelvesummers。
Thislady，havinggathered，fromGeorge’sconversation，thathewasfromKentucky，seemedevidentlydisposedtocultivatehisacquaintance；inwhichdesignshewassecondedbythegracesofherlittlegirl，whowasaboutasprettyaplaythingaseverdivertedthewearinessofafortnight’striponasteamboat。
George’schairwasoftenplacedatherstate-roomdoor；andCassy，asshesatupontheguards，couldheartheirconversation。
MadamedeThouxwasveryminuteinherinquiriesastoKentucky，whereshesaidshehadresidedinaformerperiodofherlife。Georgediscovered，tohissurprise，thatherformerresidencemusthavebeeninhisownvicinity；andherinquiriesshowedaknowledgeofpeopleandthingsinhisvicinity，thatwasperfectlysurprisingtohim。
“Doyouknow，”saidMadamedeThouxtohim，oneday，“ofanyman，inyourneighborhood，ofthenameofHarris？”
“Thereisanoldfellow，ofthatname，livesnotfarfrommyfather’splace，”saidGeorge。“Weneverhavehadmuchintercoursewithhim，though。”
“Heisalargeslave-owner，Ibelieve，”saidMadamedeThoux，withamannerwhichseemedtobetraymoreinterestthanshewasexactlywillingtoshow。
“Heis，”saidGeorge，lookingrathersurprisedathermanner。
“Didyoueverknowofhishaving—perhaps，youmayhaveheardofhishavingamulattoboy，namedGeorge？”
“O，certainly，—GeorgeHarris，—Iknowhimwell；hemarriedaservantofmymother’s，buthasescaped，now，toCanada。”
“Hehas？”saidMadamedeThoux，quickly。“ThankGod！”
Georgelookedasurprisedinquiry，butsaidnothing。
MadamedeThouxleanedherheadonherhand，andburstintotears。
“Heismybrother，”shesaid。
“Madame！”saidGeorge，withastrongaccentofsurprise。
“Yes，”saidMadamedeThoux，liftingherhead，proudly，andwipinghertears，“Mr。Shelby，GeorgeHarrisismybrother！”
“Iamperfectlyastonished，”saidGeorge，pushingbackhischairapaceortwo，andlookingatMadamedeThoux。
“IwassoldtotheSouthwhenhewasaboy，”saidshe。“Iwasboughtbyagoodandgenerousman。HetookmewithhimtotheWestIndies，setmefree，andmarriedme。Itisbutlatelythathedied；andIwasgoinguptoKentucky，toseeifIcouldfindandredeemmybrother。”
“IheardhimspeakofasisterEmily，thatwassoldSouth，”saidGeorge。
“Yes，indeed！Iamtheone，”saidMadamedeThoux；—“tellmewhatsortofa—”
“Averyfineyoungman，”saidGeorge，“notwithstandingthecurseofslaverythatlayonhim。Hesustainedafirstratecharacter，bothforintelligenceandprinciple。Iknow，yousee，”hesaid；“becausehemarriedinourfamily。”
“Whatsortofagirl？”saidMadamedeThoux，eagerly。
“Atreasure，”saidGeorge；“abeautiful，intelligent，amiablegirl。Verypious。Mymotherhadbroughtherup，andtrainedherascarefully，almost，asadaughter。Shecouldreadandwrite，embroiderandsew，beautifully；andwasabeautifulsinger。”
“Wassheborninyourhouse？”saidMadamedeThoux。
“No。Fatherboughtheronce，inoneofhistripstoNewOrleans，andbroughtherupasapresenttomother。Shewasabouteightornineyearsold，then。Fatherwouldnevertellmotherwhathegaveforher；but，theotherday，inlookingoverhisoldpapers，wecameacrossthebillofsale。Hepaidanextravagantsumforher，tobesure。Isuppose，onaccountofherextraordinarybeauty。”
GeorgesatwithhisbacktoCassy，anddidnotseetheabsorbedexpressionofhercountenance，ashewasgivingthesedetails。
Atthispointinthestory，shetouchedhisarm，and，withafaceperfectlywhitewithinterest，said，“Doyouknowthenamesofthepeopleheboughtherof？”
“AmanofthenameofSimmons，Ithink，wastheprincipalinthetransaction。Atleast，Ithinkthatwasthenameonthebillofsale。”
“O，myGod！”saidCassy，andfellinsensibleonthefloorofthecabin。
Georgewaswideawakenow，andsowasMadamedeThoux。ThoughneitherofthemcouldconjecturewhatwasthecauseofCassy’sfainting，stilltheymadeallthetumultwhichisproperinsuchcases；—Georgeupsettingawash-pitcher，andbreakingtwotumblers，inthewarmthofhishumanity；andvariousladiesinthecabin，hearingthatsomebodyhadfainted，crowdedthestate-roomdoor，andkeptoutalltheairtheypossiblycould，sothat，onthewhole，everythingwasdonethatcouldbeexpected。
PoorCassy！whensherecovered，turnedherfacetothewall，andweptandsobbedlikeachild，—perhaps，mother，youcantellwhatshewasthinkingof！Perhapsyoucannot，—butshefeltassure，inthathour，thatGodhadhadmercyonher，andthatsheshouldseeherdaughter，—asshedid，monthsafterwards，—when—butweanticipate。
1Hamlet，ActI，scene1，lines115-116
Results
Therestofourstoryissoontold。GeorgeShelby，interested，asanyotheryoungmanmightbe，bytheromanceoftheincident，nolessthanbyfeelingsofhumanity，wasatthepainstosendtoCassythebillofsaleofEliza；whosedateandnameallcorrespondedwithherownknowledgeoffacts，andfeltnodoubtuponhermindastotheidentityofherchild。Itremainednowonlyforhertotraceoutthepathofthefugitives。
MadamedeThouxandshe，thusdrawntogetherbythesingularcoincidenceoftheirfortunes，proceededimmediatelytoCanada，andbeganatourofinquiryamongthestations，wherethenumerousfugitivesfromslaveryarelocated。AtAmherstbergtheyfoundthemissionarywithwhomGeorgeandElizahadtakenshelter，ontheirfirstarrivalinCanada；andthroughhimwereenabledtotracethefamilytoMontreal。
GeorgeandElizahadnowbeenfiveyearsfree。Georgehadfoundconstantoccupationintheshopofaworthymachinist，wherehehadbeenearningacompetentsupportforhisfamily，which，inthemeantime，hadbeenincreasedbytheadditionofanotherdaughter。
LittleHarry—afinebrightboy—hadbeenputtoagoodschool，andwasmakingrapidproficiencyinknowledge。
Theworthypastorofthestation，inAmherstberg，whereGeorgehadfirstlanded，wassomuchinterestedinthestatementsofMadamedeThouxandCassy，thatheyieldedtothesolicitationsoftheformer，toaccompanythemtoMontreal，intheirsearch，—shebearingalltheexpenseoftheexpedition。
Thescenenowchangestoasmall，neattenement，intheoutskirtsofMontreal；thetime，evening。Acheerfulfireblazesonthehearth；atea-table，coveredwithasnowycloth，standspreparedfortheeveningmeal。Inonecorneroftheroomwasatablecoveredwithagreencloth，wherewasanopenwriting-desk，pens，paper，andoveritashelfofwell-selectedbooks。
ThiswasGeorge’sstudy。Thesamezealforself-improvement，whichledhimtostealthemuchcovetedartsofreadingandwriting，amidallthetoilanddiscouragementsofhisearlylife，stillledhimtodevoteallhisleisuretimetoself-cultivation。
Atthispresenttime，heisseatedatthetable，makingnotesfromavolumeofthefamilylibraryhehasbeenreading。
“Come，George，”saysEliza，“you’vebeengoneallday。Doputdownthatbook，andlet’stalk，whileI’mgettingtea，—do。”
AndlittleElizasecondstheeffort，bytoddlinguptoherfather，andtryingtopullthebookoutofhishand，andinstallherselfonhiskneeasasubstitute。
“O，youlittlewitch！”saysGeorge，yielding，as，insuchcircumstances，manalwaysmust。
“That’sright，”saysEliza，asshebeginstocutaloafofbread。Alittleoldershelooks；herformalittlefuller；herairmorematronlythanofyore；butevidentlycontentedandhappyaswomanneedbe。
“Harry，myboy，howdidyoucomeoninthatsum，today？”saysGeorge，ashelaidhislandonhisson’shead。
Harryhaslosthislongcurls；buthecanneverlosethoseeyesandeyelashes，andthatfine，boldbrow，thatflusheswithtriumph，asheanswers，“Ididit，everybitofit，myself，father；andnobodyhelpedme！”
“That’sright，”sayshisfather；“dependonyourself，myson。Youhaveabetterchancethaneveryourpoorfatherhad。”
Atthismoment，thereisarapatthedoor；andElizagoesandopensit。Thedelighted—“Why！thisyou？”—callsupherhusband；andthegoodpastorofAmherstbergiswelcomed。Therearetwomorewomenwithhim，andElizaasksthemtositdown。
Now，ifthetruthmustbetold，thehonestpastorhadarrangedalittleprogramme，accordingtowhichthisaffairwastodevelopitself；and，onthewayup，allhadverycautiouslyandprudentlyexhortedeachothernottoletthingsout，exceptaccordingtopreviousarrangement。
Whatwasthegoodman’sconsternation，therefore，justashehadmotionedtotheladiestobeseated，andwastakingouthispocket-handkerchieftowipehismouth，soastoproceedtohisintroductoryspeechingoodorder，whenMadamedeThouxupsetthewholeplan，bythrowingherarmsaroundGeorge’sneck，andlettingalloutatonce，bysaying，“O，George！don’tyouknowme？I’myoursisterEmily。”
Cassyhadseatedherselfmorecomposedly，andwouldhavecarriedonherpartverywell，hadnotlittleElizasuddenlyappearedbeforeherinexactshapeandform，everyoutlineandcurl，justasherdaughterwaswhenshesawherlast。Thelittlethingpeeredupinherface；andCassycaughtherupinherarms，pressedhertoherbosom，saying，what，atthemomentshereallybelieved，“Darling，I’myourmother！”
Infact，itwasatroublesomemattertodoupexactlyinproperorder；butthegoodpastor，atlast，succeededingettingeverybodyquiet，anddeliveringthespeechwithwhichhehadintendedtoopentheexercises；andinwhich，atlast，hesucceededsowell，thathiswholeaudienceweresobbingabouthiminamannerthatoughttosatisfyanyorator，ancientormodern。
Theyknelttogether，andthegoodmanprayed，—fortherearesomefeelingssoagitatedandtumultuous，thattheycanfindrestonlybybeingpouredintothebosomofAlmightylove，—andthen，risingup，thenew-foundfamilyembracedeachother，withaholytrustinHim，whofromsuchperilanddangers，andbysuchunknownways，hadbroughtthemtogether。
Thenote-bookofamissionary，amongtheCanadianfugitives，containstruthstrangerthanfiction。Howcanitbeotherwise，whenasystemprevailswhichwhirlsfamiliesandscatterstheirmembers，asthewindwhirlsandscatterstheleavesofautumn？Theseshoresofrefuge，liketheeternalshore，oftenuniteagain，ingladcommunion，heartsthatforlongyearshavemournedeachotheraslost。Andaffectingbeyondexpressionistheearnestnesswithwhicheverynewarrivalamongthemismet，if，perchance，itmaybringtidingsofmother，sister，childorwife，stilllosttoviewintheshadowsofslavery。
Deedsofheroismarewroughtheremorethanthoseofromance，whendefyingtorture，andbravingdeathitself，thefugitivevoluntarilythreadshiswaybacktotheterrorsandperilsofthatdarkland，thathemaybringouthissister，ormother，orwife。
Oneyoungman，ofwhomamissionaryhastoldus，twicere-captured，andsufferingshamefulstripesforhisheroism，hadescapedagain；and，inaletterwhichweheardread，tellshisfriendsthatheisgoingbackathirdtime，thathemay，atlast，bringawayhissister。Mygoodsir，isthismanahero，oracriminal？Wouldnotyoudoasmuchforyoursister？Andcanyoublamehim？
But，toreturntoourfriends，whomweleftwipingtheireyes，andrecoveringthemselvesfromtoogreatandsuddenajoy。Theyarenowseatedaroundthesocialboard，andaregettingdecidedlycompanionable；onlythatCassy，whokeepslittleElizaonherlap，occasionallysqueezesthelittlething，inamannerthatratherastonishesher，andobstinatelyrefusestohavehermouthstuffedwithcaketotheextentthelittleonedesires，—alleging，whatthechildratherwondersat，thatshehasgotsomethingbetterthancake，anddoesn’twantit。
And，indeed，intwoorthreedays，suchachangehaspassedoverCassy，thatourreaderswouldscarcelyknowher。Thedespairing，haggardexpressionofherfacehadgivenwaytooneofgentletrust。Sheseemedtosink，atonce，intothebosomofthefamily，andtakethelittleonesintoherheart，assomethingforwhichitlonghadwaited。Indeed，herloveseemedtoflowmorenaturallytothelittleElizathantoherowndaughter；forshewastheexactimageandbodyofthechildwhomshehadlost。Thelittleonewasaflowerybondbetweenmotheranddaughter，throughwhomgrewupacquaintanceshipandaffection。Eliza’ssteady，consistentpiety，regulatedbytheconstantreadingofthesacredword，madeheraproperguidefortheshatteredandweariedmindofhermother。Cassyyieldedatonce，andwithherwholesoul，toeverygoodinfluence，andbecameadevoutandtenderChristian。
Afteradayortwo，MadamedeThouxtoldherbrothermoreparticularlyofheraffairs。Thedeathofherhusbandhadleftheranamplefortune，whichshegenerouslyofferedtosharewiththefamily。WhensheaskedGeorgewhatwayshecouldbestapplyitforhim，heanswered，“Givemeaneducation，Emily；thathasalwaysbeenmyheart’sdesire。Then，Icandoalltherest。”
Onmaturedeliberation，itwasdecidedthatthewholefamilyshouldgo，forsomeyears，toFrance；whithertheysailed，carryingEmmelinewiththem。
Thegoodlooksofthelatterwontheaffectionofthefirstmateofthevessel；and，shortlyafterenteringtheport，shebecamehiswife。
GeorgeremainedfouryearsataFrenchuniversity，and，applyinghimselfwithanunintermittedzeal，obtainedaverythorougheducation。
PoliticaltroublesinFrance，atlast，ledthefamilyagaintoseekanasyluminthiscountry。
George’sfeelingsandviews，asaneducatedman，maybebestexpressedinalettertooneofhisfriends。
“Ifeelsomewhatataloss，astomyfuturecourse。True，asyouhavesaidtome，Imightmingleinthecirclesofthewhites，inthiscountry，myshadeofcolorissoslight，andthatofmywifeandfamilyscarceperceptible。Well，perhaps，onsufferance，Imight。But，totellyouthetruth，Ihavenowishto。
“Mysympathiesarenotformyfather’srace，butformymother’s。TohimIwasnomorethanafinedogorhorse:tomypoorheart-brokenmotherIwasachild；and，thoughIneversawher，afterthecruelsalethatseparatedus，tillshedied，yetIknowshealwayslovedmedearly。Iknowitbymyownheart。WhenIthinkofallshesuffered，ofmyownearlysufferings，ofthedistressesandstrugglesofmyheroicwife，ofmysister，soldintheNewOrleansslave-market，—thoughIhopetohavenounchristiansentiments，yetImaybeexcusedforsaying，IhavenowishtopassforanAmerican，ortoidentifymyselfwiththem。
“Itiswiththeoppressed，enslavedAfricanracethatIcastinmylot；and，ifIwishedanything，Iwouldwishmyselftwoshadesdarker，ratherthanonelighter。
“ThedesireandyearningofmysoulisforanAfricannationality。Iwantapeoplethatshallhaveatangible，separateexistenceofitsown；andwhereamItolookforit？NotinHayti；forinHaytitheyhadnothingtostartwith。Astreamcannotriseaboveitsfountain。TheracethatformedthecharacteroftheHaytienswasaworn-out，effeminateone；and，ofcourse，thesubjectracewillbecenturiesinrisingtoanything。
“Where，then，shallIlook？OntheshoresofAfricaIseearepublic，—arepublicformedofpickedmen，who，byenergyandself-educatingforce，have，inmanycases，individually，raisedthemselvesaboveaconditionofslavery。Havinggonethroughapreparatorystageoffeebleness，thisrepublichas，atlast，becomeanacknowledgednationonthefaceoftheearth，—acknowledgedbybothFranceandEngland。Thereitismywishtogo，andfindmyselfapeople。
“Iamaware，now，thatIshallhaveyouallagainstme；but，beforeyoustrike，hearme。DuringmystayinFrance，Ihavefollowedup，withintenseinterest，thehistoryofmypeopleinAmerica。Ihavenotedthestrugglebetweenabolitionistandcolonizationist，andhavereceivedsomeimpressions，asadistantspectator，whichcouldneverhaveoccurredtomeasaparticipator。
“IgrantthatthisLiberiamayhavesubservedallsortsofpurposes，bybeingplayedoff，inthehandsofouroppressors，againstus。Doubtlesstheschememayhavebeenused，inunjustifiableways，asameansofretardingouremancipation。Butthequestiontomeis，IstherenotaGodaboveallman’sschemes？MayHenothaveover-ruledtheirdesigns，andfoundedforusanationbythem？
“Inthesedays，anationisborninaday。Anationstarts，now，withallthegreatproblemsofrepublicanlifeandcivilizationwroughtouttoitshand；—ithasnottodiscover，butonlytoapply。Letus，then，alltakeholdtogether，withallourmight，andseewhatwecandowiththisnewenterprise，andthewholesplendidcontinentofAfricaopensbeforeusandourchildren。OurnationshallrollthetideofcivilizationandChristianityalongitsshores，andplanttheremightyrepublics，that，growingwiththerapidityoftropicalvegetation，shallbeforallcomingages。
“DoyousaythatIamdesertingmyenslavedbrethren？Ithinknot。IfIforgetthemonehour，onemomentofmylife，somayGodforgetme！But，whatcanIdoforthem，here？CanIbreaktheirchains？No，notasanindividual；but，letmegoandformpartofanation，whichshallhaveavoiceinthecouncilsofnations，andthenwecanspeak。Anationhasarighttoargue，remonstrate，implore，andpresentthecauseofitsrace，—whichanindividualhasnot。
“IfEuropeeverbecomesagrandcounciloffreenations，—asItrustinGoditwill，—if，there，serfdom，andallunjustandoppressivesocialinequalities，aredoneaway；andifthey，asFranceandEnglandhavedone，acknowledgeourposition，—then，inthegreatcongressofnations，wewillmakeourappeal，andpresentthecauseofourenslavedandsufferingrace；anditcannotbethatfree，enlightenedAmericawillnotthendesiretowipefromherescutcheonthatbarsinisterwhichdisgracesheramongnations，andisastrulyacursetoherastotheenslaved。
“But，youwilltellme，ourracehaveequalrightstomingleintheAmericanrepublicastheIrishman，theGerman，theSwede。Granted，theyhave。Weoughttobefreetomeetandmingle，—torisebyourindividualworth，withoutanyconsiderationofcasteorcolor；andtheywhodenyusthisrightarefalsetotheirownprofessedprinciplesofhumanequality。Weought，inparticular，tobeallowedhere。Wehavemorethantherightsofcommonmen；—wehavetheclaimofaninjuredraceforreparation。But，then，Idonotwantit；Iwantacountry，anation，ofmyown。IthinkthattheAfricanracehaspeculiarities，yettobeunfoldedinthelightofcivilizationandChristianity，which，ifnotthesamewiththoseoftheAnglo-Saxon，mayprovetobe，morally，ofevenahighertype。
“TotheAnglo-Saxonracehasbeenintrustedthedestiniesoftheworld，duringitspioneerperiodofstruggleandconflict。Tothatmissionitsstern，inflexible，energeticelements，werewelladapted；but，asaChristian，Ilookforanothereratoarise。OnitsbordersItrustwestand；andthethroesthatnowconvulsethenationsare，tomyhope，butthebirth-pangsofanhourofuniversalpeaceandbrotherhood。
“ItrustthatthedevelopmentofAfricaistobeessentiallyaChristianone。Ifnotadominantandcommandingrace，theyare，atleast，anaffectionate，magnanimous，andforgivingone。Havingbeencalledinthefurnaceofinjusticeandoppression，theyhaveneedtobindclosertotheirheartsthatsublimedoctrineofloveandforgiveness，throughwhichalonetheyaretoconquer，whichitistobetheirmissiontospreadoverthecontinentofAfrica。
“Inmyself，Iconfess，Iamfeebleforthis，—fullhalfthebloodinmyveinsisthehotandhastySaxon；butIhaveaneloquentpreacheroftheGospeleverbymyside，inthepersonofmybeautifulwife。WhenIwander，hergentlerspiriteverrestoresme，andkeepsbeforemyeyestheChristiancallingandmissionofourrace。AsaChristianpatriot，asateacherofChristianity，Igotomycountry，—mychosen，mygloriousAfrica！—andtoher，inmyheart，Isometimesapplythosesplendidwordsofprophecy:‘Whereasthouhastbeenforsakenandhated，sothatnomanwentthroughthee；Iwillmaketheeaneternalexcellence，ajoyofmanygenerations！’
“Youwillcallmeanenthusiast:youwilltellmethatIhavenotwellconsideredwhatIamundertaking。ButIhaveconsidered，andcountedthecost。IgotoLiberia，notasanElysiumofromance，butastoafieldofwork。Iexpecttoworkwithbothhands，—toworkhard；toworkagainstallsortsofdifficultiesanddiscouragements；andtoworktillIdie。ThisiswhatIgofor；andinthisIamquitesureIshallnotbedisappointed。
“Whateveryoumaythinkofmydetermination，donotdivorcemefromyourconfidence；andthinkthat，inwhateverIdo，Iactwithaheartwhollygiventomypeople。
“GeorgeHarris。”
George，withhiswife，children，sisterandmother，embarkedforAfrica，somefewweeksafter。Ifwearenotmistaken，theworldwillyethearfromhimthere。
Ofourothercharacterswehavenothingveryparticulartowrite，exceptawordrelatingtoMissOpheliaandTopsy，andafarewellchapter，whichweshalldedicatetoGeorgeShelby。
MissOpheliatookTopsyhometoVermontwithher，muchtothesurpriseofthegravedeliberativebodywhomaNewEnglanderrecognizesundertheterm“Ourfolks。”“Ourfolks，”atfirst，thoughtitanoddandunnecessaryadditiontotheirwell-traineddomesticestablishment；but，sothoroughlyefficientwasMissOpheliainherconscientiousendeavortodoherdutybyhereleve，thatthechildrapidlygrewingraceandinfavorwiththefamilyandneighborhood。Attheageofwomanhood，shewas，byherownrequest，baptized，andbecameamemberoftheChristianchurchintheplace；andshowedsomuchintelligence，activityandzeal，anddesiretodogoodintheworld，thatshewasatlastrecommended，andapprovedasamissionarytooneofthestationsinAfrica；andwehaveheardthatthesameactivityandingenuitywhich，whenachild，madehersomultiformandrestlessinherdevelopments，isnowemployed，inasaferandwholesomermanner，inteachingthechildrenofherowncountry。
P。S。—Itwillbeasatisfactiontosomemother，also，tostate，thatsomeinquiries，whichweresetonfootbyMadamedeThoux，haveresultedrecentlyinthediscoveryofCassy’sson。Beingayoungmanofenergy，hehadescaped，someyearsbeforehismother，andbeenreceivedandeducatedbyfriendsoftheoppressedinthenorth。HewillsoonfollowhisfamilytoAfrica。
TheLiberator
GeorgeShelbyhadwrittentohismothermerelyaline，statingthedaythatshemightexpecthimhome。Ofthedeathsceneofhisoldfriendhehadnotthehearttowrite。Hehadtriedseveraltimes，andonlysucceededinhalfchokinghimself；andinvariablyfinishedbytearingupthepaper，wipinghiseyes，andrushingsomewheretogetquiet。
TherewasapleasedbustleallthoughtheShelbymansion，thatday，inexpectationofthearrivalofyoungMas’rGeorge。
Mrs。Shelbywasseatedinhercomfortableparlor，whereacheerfulhickoryfirewasdispellingthechillofthelateautumnevening。Asupper-table，glitteringwithplateandcutglass，wassetout，onwhosearrangementsourformerfriend，oldChloe，waspresiding。
Arrayedinanewcalicodress，withclean，whiteapron，andhigh，well-starchedturban，herblackpolishedfaceglowingwithsatisfaction，shelingered，withneedlesspunctiliousness，aroundthearrangementsofthetable，merelyasanexcusefortalkingalittletohermistress。
“Laws，now！won’titlooknaturaltohim？”shesaid。“Thar，—Isethisplatejustwharhelikesit，roundbythefire。Mas’rGeorgeallerswantsdewarmseat。O，goway！—whydidn’tSallygetoutdebesttea-pot，—delittlenewone，Mas’rGeorgegotforMissis，Christmas？I’llhaveitout！AndMissishasheardfromMas’rGeorge？”shesaid，inquiringly。
“Yes，Chloe；butonlyaline，justtosayhewouldbehometonight，ifhecould，—that’sall。”
“Didn’tsaynothin’’boutmyoldman，s’pose？”saidChloe，stillfidgetingwiththetea-cups。
“No，hedidn’t。Hedidnotspeakofanything，Chloe。Hesaidhewouldtellall，whenhegothome。”
“JeslikeMas’rGeorge，—he’sallerssofercefortellin’everythinghisself。IallersmindeddatarinMas’rGeorge。Don’tsee，formypart，howwhitepeoplegen’llycanbartohevtowritethingsmuchastheydo，writin’’ssuchslow，oneasykindo’work。”
Mrs。Shelbysmiled。
“I’mathinkin’myoldmanwon’tknowdeboysanddebaby。Lor’！she’sdebiggestgal，now，—goodsheis，too，andpeart，Pollyis。She’souttothehouse，now，watchin’dehoe-cake。I’sgotjistdeverypatternmyoldmanlikedsomuch，abakin’。JistsichasIginhimthemornin’hewastookoff。Lordblessus！howIfelt，datarmorning！”
Mrs。Shelbysighed，andfeltaheavyweightonherheart，atthisallusion。Shehadfeltuneasy，eversinceshereceivedherson’sletter，lestsomethingshouldprovetobehiddenbehindtheveilofsilencewhichhehaddrawn。
“Missishasgotdembills？”saidChloe，anxiously。
“Yes，Chloe。”
“’CauseIwantstoshowmyoldmandemverybillsdeperfectionergaveme。‘And，’sayhe，‘Chloe，Iwishyou’dstaylonger。’‘Thankyou，Mas’r，’saysI，‘Iwould，onlymyoldman’scominghome，andMissis，—shecan’tdowithoutmenolonger。’There’sjistwhatItelledhim。Berryniceman，datMas’rJoneswas。”
Chloehadpertinaciouslyinsistedthattheverybillsinwhichherwageshadbeenpaidshouldbepreserved，toshowherhusband，inmemorialofhercapability。AndMrs。Shelbyhadreadilyconsentedtohumorherintherequest。
“Hewon’tknowPolly，—myoldmanwon’t。Laws，it’sfiveyearsincetheytuckhim！Shewasababyden，—couldn’tbutjiststand。Rememberhowtickledheusedtobe，causeshewouldkeepafallin’over，whenshesotouttowalk。Lawsame！”
Therattlingofwheelsnowwasheard。
“Mas’rGeorge！”saidAuntChloe，startingtothewindow。
Mrs。Shelbyrantotheentrydoor，andwasfoldedinthearmsofherson。AuntChloestoodanxiouslystraininghereyesoutintothedarkness。
“O，poorAuntChloe！”saidGeorge，stoppingcompassionately，andtakingherhard，blackhandbetweenbothhis；“I’dhavegivenallmyfortunetohavebroughthimwithme，buthe’sgonetoabettercountry。”
TherewasapassionateexclamationfromMrs。Shelby，butAuntChloesaidnothing。
Thepartyenteredthesupper-room。Themoney，ofwhichChloewassoproud，wasstilllyingonthetable。
“Thar，”saidshe，gatheringitup，andholdingit，withatremblinghand，tohermistress，“don’tneverwanttoseenorhearon’tagain。JistasIknew’twouldbe，—sold，andmurderedondemar’oldplantations！”
Chloeturned，andwaswalkingproudlyoutoftheroom。Mrs。Shelbyfollowedhersoftly，andtookoneofherhands，drewherdownintoachair，andsatdownbyher。
“Mypoor，goodChloe！”saidshe。
Chloeleanedherheadonhermistress’shoulder，andsobbedout，“OMissis！’scuseme，myheart’sbroke，—dat’sall！”
“Iknowitis，”saidMrs。Shelby，ashertearsfellfast；“andIcannothealit，butJesuscan。Hehealeththebrokenhearted，andbindethuptheirwounds。”
Therewasasilenceforsometime，andallwepttogether。Atlast，George，sittingdownbesidethemourner，tookherhand，and，withsimplepathos，repeatedthetriumphantsceneofherhusband’sdeath，andhislastmessagesoflove。
Aboutamonthafterthis，onemorning，alltheservantsoftheShelbyestatewereconvenedtogetherinthegreathallthatranthroughthehouse，tohearafewwordsfromtheiryoungmaster。
Tothesurpriseofall，heappearedamongthemwithabundleofpapersinhishand，containingacertificateoffreedomtoeveryoneontheplace，whichhereadsuccessively，andpresented，amidthesobsandtearsandshoutsofallpresent。
Many，however，pressedaroundhim，earnestlybegginghimnottosendthemaway；and，withanxiousfaces，tenderingbacktheirfreepapers。
“Wedon’twanttobenofreerthanweare。We’sallershadallwewanted。Wedon’twanttoleavedeoleplace，andMas’randMissis，andderest！”
“Mygoodfriends，”saidGeorge，assoonashecouldgetasilence，“there’llbenoneedforyoutoleaveme。Theplacewantsasmanyhandstoworkitasitdidbefore。Weneedthesameaboutthehousethatwedidbefore。But，youarenowfreemenandfreewomen。Ishallpayyouwagesforyourwork，suchasweshallagreeon。Theadvantageis，thatincaseofmygettingindebt，ordying，—thingsthatmighthappen，—youcannotnowbetakenupandsold。Iexpecttocarryontheestate，andtoteachyouwhat，perhaps，itwilltakeyousometimetolearn，—howtousetherightsIgiveyouasfreemenandwomen。Iexpectyoutobegood，andwillingtolearn；andItrustinGodthatIshallbefaithful，andwillingtoteach。Andnow，myfriends，lookup，andthankGodfortheblessingoffreedom。”
Anaged，partriarchalnegro，whohadgrowngrayandblindontheestate，nowrose，and，liftinghistremblinghandsaid，“LetusgivethanksuntotheLord！”Asallkneeledbyoneconsent，amoretouchingandheartyTeDeumneverascendedtoheaven，thoughborneonthepealoforgan，bellandcannon，thancamefromthathonestoldheart。
Onrising，anotherstruckupaMethodisthymn，ofwhichtheburdenwas，
“TheyearofJubileeiscome，—
Return，yeransomedsinners，home。”
“Onethingmore，”saidGeorge，ashestoppedthecongratulationsofthethrong；“youallrememberourgoodoldUncleTom？”
Georgeheregaveashortnarrationofthesceneofhisdeath，andofhislovingfarewelltoallontheplace，andadded，
“Itwasonhisgrave，myfriends，thatIresolved，beforeGod，thatIwouldneverownanotherslave，whileitwaspossibletofreehim；thatnobody，throughme，shouldeverruntheriskofbeingpartedfromhomeandfriends，anddyingonalonelyplantation，ashedied。So，whenyourejoiceinyourfreedom，thinkthatyouoweittothatgoodoldsoul，andpayitbackinkindnesstohiswifeandchildren。Thinkofyourfreedom，everytimeyouseeUncleTom’sCabin；andletitbeamemorialtoputyouallinmindtofollowinhissteps，andbehonestandfaithfulandChristianashewas。”
ConcludingRemarks
Thewriterhasoftenbeeninquiredof，bycorrespondentsfromdifferentpartsofthecountry，whetherthisnarrativeisatrueone；andtotheseinquiriesshewillgiveonegeneralanswer。
Theseparateincidentsthatcomposethenarrativeare，toaverygreatextent，authentic，occurring，manyofthem，eitherunderherownobservation，orthatofherpersonalfriends。Sheorherfriendshaveobservedcharactersthecounterpartofalmostallthatarehereintroduced；andmanyofthesayingsarewordforwordasheardherself，orreportedtoher。
ThepersonalappearanceofEliza，thecharacterascribedtoher，aresketchesdrawnfromlife。Theincorruptiblefidelity，pietyandhonesty，ofUncleTom，hadmorethanonedevelopment，toherpersonalknowledge。Someofthemostdeeplytragicandromantic，someofthemostterribleincidents，havealsotheirparalleinreality。Theincidentofthemother’scrossingtheOhioriverontheiceisawell-knownfact。Thestoryof“oldPrue，”inthesecondvolume，wasanincidentthatfellunderthepersonalobservationofabrotherofthewriter，thencollecting-clerktoalargemercantilehouse，inNewOrleans。FromthesamesourcewasderivedthecharacteroftheplanterLegree。Ofhimherbrotherthuswrote，speakingofvisitinghisplantation，onacollectingtour；“Heactuallymademefeelofhisfist，whichwaslikeablacksmith’shammer，oranoduleofiron，tellingmethatitwas‘callousedwithknockingdownniggers。’WhenIlefttheplantation，Idrewalongbreath，andfeltasifIhadescapedfromanogre’sden。”
ThatthetragicalfateofTom，also，hastoomanytimeshaditsparallel，therearelivingwitnesses，alloverourland，totestify。Letitberememberedthatinallsouthernstatesitisaprincipleofjurisprudencethatnopersonofcoloredlineagecantestifyinasuitagainstawhite，anditwillbeeasytoseethatsuchacasemayoccur，whereverthereisamanwhosepassionsoutweighhisinterests，andaslavewhohasmanhoodorprincipleenoughtoresisthiswill。Thereis，actually，nothingtoprotecttheslave’slife，butthecharacterofthemaster。Factstooshockingtobecontemplatedoccasionallyforcetheirwaytothepublicear，andthecommentthatoneoftenhearsmadeonthemismoreshockingthanthethingitself。Itissaid，“Verylikelysuchcasesmaynowandthenoccur，buttheyarenosampleofgeneralpractice。”IfthelawsofNewEnglandweresoarrangedthatamastercouldnowandthentortureanapprenticetodeath，woulditbereceivedwithequalcomposure？Woulditbesaid，“Thesecasesarerare，andnosamplesofgeneralpractice”？Thisinjusticeisaninherentoneintheslavesystem，—itcannotexistwithoutit。
Thepublicandshamelesssaleofbeautifulmulattoandquadroongirlshasacquiredanotoriety，fromtheincidentsfollowingthecaptureofthePearl。WeextractthefollowingfromthespeechofHon。HoraceMann，oneofthelegalcounselforthedefendantsinthatcase。Hesays:“Inthatcompanyofseventy-sixpersons，whoattempted，in1848，toescapefromtheDistrictofColumbiaintheschoonerPearl，andwhoseofficersIassistedindefending，therewereseveralyoungandhealthygirls，whohadthosepeculiarattractionsofformandfeaturewhichconnoisseursprizesohighly。ElizabethRusselwasoneofthem。Sheimmediatelyfellintotheslave-trader’sfangs，andwasdoomedfortheNewOrleansmarket。Theheartsofthosethatsawherweretouchedwithpityforherfate。Theyofferedeighteenhundreddollarstoredeemher；andsometherewerewhoofferedtogive，thatwouldnothavemuchleftafterthegift；butthefiendofaslave-traderwasinexorable。ShewasdespatchedtoNewOrleans；but，whenabouthalfwaythere，Godhadmercyonher，andsmoteherwithdeath。ThereweretwogirlsnamedEdmundsoninthesamecompany。Whenabouttobesenttothesamemarket，anoldersisterwenttotheshambles，topleadwiththewretchwhoownedthem，fortheloveofGod，tosparehisvictims。Hebanteredher，tellingwhatfinedressesandfinefurnituretheywouldhave。‘Yes，’shesaid，‘thatmaydoverywellinthislife，butwhatwillbecomeoftheminthenext？’TheytooweresenttoNewOrleans；butwereafterwardsredeemed，atanenormousransom，andbroughtback。”Isitnotplain，fromthis，thatthehistoriesofEmmelineandCassymayhavemanycounterparts？
Justice，too，obligestheauthortostatethatthefairnessofmindandgenerosityattributedtoSt。Clarearenotwithoutaparallel，asthefollowinganecdotewillshow。Afewyearssince，ayoungsoutherngentlemanwasinCincinnati，withafavoriteservant，whohadbeenhispersonalattendantfromaboy。Theyoungmantookadvantageofthisopportunitytosecurehisownfreedom，andfledtotheprotectionofaQuaker，whowasquitenotedinaffairsofthiskind。Theownerwasexceedinglyindignant。Hehadalwaystreatedtheslavewithsuchindulgence，andhisconfidenceinhisaffectionwassuch，thathebelievedhemusthavebeenpractisedupontoinducehimtorevoltfromhim。HevisitedtheQuaker，inhighanger；but，beingpossessedofuncommoncandorandfairness，wassoonquietedbyhisargumentsandrepresentations。Itwasasideofthesubjectwhichheneverhadheard，—neverhadthoughton；andheimmediatelytoldtheQuakerthat，ifhisslavewould，tohisownface，saythatitwashisdesiretobefree，hewouldliberatehim。Aninterviewwasforthwithprocured，andNathanwasaskedbyhisyoungmasterwhetherhehadeverhadanyreasontocomplainofhistreatment，inanyrespect。
“No，Mas’r，”saidNathan；“you’vealwaysbeengoodtome。”
“Well，then，whydoyouwanttoleaveme？”
“Mas’rmaydie，andthenwhogetme？—I’dratherbeafreeman。”
Aftersomedeliberation，theyoungmasterreplied，“Nathan，inyourplace，IthinkIshouldfeelverymuchso，myself。Youarefree。”
Heimmediatelymadehimoutfreepapers；depositedasumofmoneyinthehandsoftheQuaker，tobejudiciouslyusedinassistinghimtostartinlife，andleftaverysensibleandkindletterofadvicetotheyoungman。Thatletterwasforsometimeinthewriter’shands。
Theauthorhopesshehasdonejusticetothatnobility，generosity，andhumanity，whichinmanycasescharacterizeindividualsatthe，South。Suchinstancessaveusfromutterdespairofourkind。But，sheasksanyperson，whoknowstheworld，aresuchcharacterscommon，anywhere？
Formanyyearsofherlife，theauthoravoidedallreadinguponorallusiontothesubjectofslavery，consideringitastoopainfultobeinquiredinto，andonewhichadvancinglightandcivlizationwouldcertainlylivedown。But，sincethelegislativeactof1850，whensheheard，withperfectsurpriseandconsternation，Christianandhumanepeopleactuallyrecommendingtheremandingescapedfugitivesintoslavery，asadutybindingongoodcitizens，—whensheheard，onallhands，fromkind，compassionateandestimablepeople，inthefreestatesoftheNorth，deliberationsanddiscussionsastowhatChristiandutycouldbeonthishead，—shecouldonlythink，ThesemenandChristianscannotknowwhatslaveryis；iftheydid，suchaquestioncouldneverbeopenfordiscussion。Andfromthisaroseadesiretoexhibititinalivingdramaticreality。Shehasendeavoredtoshowitfairly，initsbestanditsworstphases。Initsbestaspect，shehas，perhaps，beensuccessful；but，oh！whoshallsaywhatyetremainsuntoldinthatvalleyandshadowofdeath，thatliestheotherside？
Toyou，generous，noble-mindedmenandwomen，oftheSouth，—you，whosevirtue，andmagnanimityandpurityofcharacter，arethegreaterfortheseverertrialithasencountered，—toyouisherappeal。Haveyounot，inyourownsecretsouls，inyourownprivateconversings，feltthattherearewoesandevils，inthisaccursedsystem，farbeyondwhatarehereshadowed，orcanbeshadowed？Canitbeotherwise？Ismaneveracreaturetobetrustedwithwhollyirresponsiblepower？Anddoesnottheslavesystem，bydenyingtheslavealllegalrightoftestimony，makeeveryindividualowneranirresponsibledespot？Cananybodyfalltomaketheinferencewhatthepracticalresultwillbe？Ifthereis，asweadmit，apublicsentimentamongyou，menofhonor，justiceandhumanity，istherenotalsoanotherkindofpublicsentimentamongtheruffian，thebrutalanddebased？Andcannottheruffian，thebrutal，thedebased，byslavelaw，ownjustasmanyslavesasthebestandpurest？Arethehonorable，thejust，thehigh-mindedandcompassionate，themajorityanywhereinthisworld？
Theslave-tradeisnow，byAmericanlaw，consideredaspiracy。Butaslave-trade，assystematicaseverwascarriedononthecoastofAfrica，isaninevitableattendantandresultofAmericanslavery。Anditsheart-breakanditshorrors，cantheybetold？
Thewriterhasgivenonlyafaintshadow，adimpicture，oftheanguishanddespairthatare，atthisverymoment，rivingthousandsofhearts，shatteringthousandsoffamilies，anddrivingahelplessandsensitiveracetofrenzyanddespair。Therearethoselivingwhoknowthemotherswhomthisaccursedtraffichasdriventothemurderoftheirchildren；andthemselvesseekingindeathashelterfromwoesmoredreadedthandeath。Nothingoftragedycanbewritten，canbespoken，canbeconceived，thatequalsthefrightfulrealityofscenesdailyandhourlyactingonourshores，beneaththeshadowofAmericanlaw，andtheshadowofthecrossofChrist。
Andnow，menandwomenofAmerica，isthisathingtobetrifledwith，apologizedfor，andpassedoverinsilence？FarmersofMassachusetts，ofNewHampshire，ofVermont，ofConnecticut，whoreadthisbookbytheblazeofyourwinter-eveningfire，—strong-hearted，generoussailorsandship-ownersofMaine，—isthisathingforyoutocountenanceandencourage？BraveandgenerousmenofNewYork，farmersofrichandjoyousOhio，andyeofthewideprairiestates，—answer，isthisathingforyoutoprotectandcountenance？Andyou，mothersofAmerica，—youwhohavelearned，bythecradlesofyourownchildren，toloveandfeelforallmankind，—bythesacredloveyoubearyourchild；byyourjoyinhisbeautiful，spotlessinfancy；bythemotherlypityandtendernesswithwhichyouguidehisgrowingyears；bytheanxietiesofhiseducation；bytheprayersyoubreatheforhissoul’seternalgood；—Ibeseechyou，pitythemotherwhohasallyouraffections，andnotonelegalrighttoprotect，guide，oreducate，thechildofherbosom！Bythesickhourofyourchild；bythosedyingeyes，whichyoucanneverforget；bythoselastcries，thatwrungyourheartwhenyoucouldneitherhelpnorsave；bythedesolationofthatemptycradle，thatsilentnursery，—Ibeseechyou，pitythosemothersthatareconstantlymadechildlessbytheAmericanslave-trade！Andsay，mothersofAmerica，isthisathingtobedefended，sympathizedwith，passedoverinsilence？
Doyousaythatthepeopleofthefreestatehavenothingtodowithit，andcandonothing？WouldtoGodthisweretrue！Butitisnottrue。Thepeopleofthefreestateshavedefended，encouraged，andparticipated；andaremoreguiltyforit，beforeGod，thantheSouth，inthattheyhavenottheapologyofeducationorcustom。
Ifthemothersofthefreestateshadallfeltastheyshould，intimespast，thesonsofthefreestateswouldnothavebeentheholders，and，proverbially，thehardestmastersofslaves；thesonsofthefreestateswouldnothaveconnivedattheextensionofslavery，inournationalbody；thesonsofthefreestateswouldnot，astheydo，tradethesoulsandbodiesofmenasanequivalenttomoney，intheirmercantiledealings。Therearemultitudesofslavestemporarilyowned，andsoldagain，bymerchantsinnortherncities；andshallthewholeguiltorobloquyofslaveryfallonlyontheSouth？
Northernmen，northernmothers，northernChristians，havesomethingmoretodothandenouncetheirbrethrenattheSouth；theyhavetolooktotheevilamongthemselves。
But，whatcananyindividualdo？Ofthat，everyindividualcanjudge。Thereisonethingthateveryindividualcando，—theycanseetoitthattheyfeelright。Anatmosphereofsympatheticinfluenceencircleseveryhumanbeing；andthemanorwomanwhofeelsstrongly，healthilyandjustly，onthegreatinterestsofhumanity，isaconstantbenefactortothehumanrace。See，then，toyoursympathiesinthismatter！AretheyinharmonywiththesympathiesofChrist？oraretheyswayedandpervertedbythesophistriesofworldlypolicy？
ChristianmenandwomenoftheNorth！stillfurther，—youhaveanotherpower；youcanpray！Doyoubelieveinprayer？orhasitbecomeanindistinctapostolictradition？Youprayfortheheathenabroad；prayalsofortheheathenathome。AndprayforthosedistressedChristianswhosewholechanceofreligiousimprovementisanaccidentoftradeandsale；fromwhomanyadherencetothemoralsofChristianityis，inmanycases，animpossibility，unlesstheyhavegiventhem，fromabove，thecourageandgraceofmartyrdom。
But，stillmore。Ontheshoresofourfreestatesareemergingthepoor，shattered，brokenremnantsoffamilies，—menandwomen，escaped，bymiraculousprovidencesfromthesurgesofslavery，—feebleinknowledge，and，inmanycases，infirminmoralconstitution，fromasystemwhichconfoundsandconfuseseveryprincipleofChristianityandmorality。Theycometoseekarefugeamongyou；theycometoseekeducation，knowledge，Christianity。
Whatdoyouowetothesepoorunfortunates，ohChristians？DoesnoteveryAmericanChristianowetotheAfricanracesomeeffortatreparationforthewrongsthattheAmericannationhasbroughtuponthem？Shallthedoorsofchurchesandschool-housesbeshutuponthem？Shallstatesariseandshakethemout？ShallthechurchofChristhearinsilencethetauntthatisthrownatthem，andshrinkawayfromthehelplesshandthattheystretchout；and，byhersilence，encouragethecrueltythatwouldchasethemfromourborders？Ifitmustbeso，itwillbeamournfulspectacle。Ifitmustbeso，thecountrywillhavereasontotremble，whenitremembersthatthefateofnationsisinthehandsofOnewhoisverypitiful，andoftendercompassion。
Doyousay，“Wedon’twantthemhere；letthemgotoAfrica”？
ThattheprovidenceofGodhasprovidedarefugeinAfrica，is，indeed，agreatandnoticeablefact；butthatisnoreasonwhythechurchofChristshouldthrowoffthatresponsibilitytothisoutcastracewhichherprofessiondemandsofher。
TofillupLiberiawithanignorant，inexperienced，half-barbarizedrace，justescapedfromthechainsofslavery，wouldbeonlytoprolong，forages，theperiodofstruggleandconflictwhichattendstheinceptionofnewenterprises。LetthechurchofthenorthreceivethesepoorsufferersinthespiritofChrist；receivethemtotheeducatingadvantagesofChristianrepublicansocietyandschools，untiltheyhaveattainedtosomewhatofamoralandintellectualmaturity，andthenassistthemintheirpassagetothoseshores，wheretheymayputinpracticethelessonstheyhavelearnedinAmerica。
Thereisabodyofmenatthenorth，comparativelysmall，whohavebeendoingthis；and，astheresult，thiscountryhasalreadyseenexamplesofmen，formerlyslaves，whohaverapidlyacquiredproperty，reputation，andeducation。Talenthasbeendeveloped，which，consideringthecircumstances，iscertainlyremarkable；and，formoraltraitsofhonesty，kindness，tendernessoffeeling，—forheroiceffortsandself-denials，enduredfortheransomofbrethrenandfriendsyetinslavery，—theyhavebeenremarkabletoadegreethat，consideringtheinfluenceunderwhichtheywereborn，issurprising。
Thewriterhaslived，formanyyears，onthefrontier-lineofslavestates，andhashadgreatopportunitiesofobservationamongthosewhoformerlywereslaves。Theyhavebeeninherfamilyasservants；and，indefaultofanyotherschooltoreceivethem，shehas，inmanycases，hadtheminstructedinafamilyschool，withherownchildren。Shehasalsothetestimonyofmissionaries，amongthefugitivesinCanada，incoincidencewithherownexperience；andherdeductions，withregardtothecapabilitiesoftherace，areencouraginginthehighestdegree。
Thefirstdesireoftheemancipatedslave，generally，isforeducation。Thereisnothingthattheyarenotwillingtogiveordotohavetheirchildreninstructed，and，sofarasthewriterhasobservedherself，ortakenthetestimonyofteachersamongthem，theyareremarkablyintelligentandquicktolearn。Theresultsofschools，foundedforthembybenevolentindividualsinCincinnati，fullyestablishthis。
Theauthorgivesthefollowingstatementoffacts，ontheauthorityofProfessorC。E。Stowe，thenofLaneSeminary，Ohio，withregardtoemancipatedslaves，nowresidentinCincinnati；giventoshowthecapabilityoftherace，evenwithoutanyveryparticularassistanceorencouragement。
Theinitiallettersalonearegiven。TheyareallresidentsofCincinnati。
“B——。Furnituremaker；twentyyearsinthecity；worthtenthousanddollars，allhisownearnings；aBaptist。
“C——。Fullblack；stolenfromAfrica；soldinNewOrleans；beenfreefifteenyears；paidforhimselfsixhundreddollars；afarmer；ownsseveralfarmsinIndiana；Presbyterian；probablyworthfifteenortwentythousanddollars，allearnedbyhimself。
“K——。Fullblack；dealerinrealestate；worththirtythousanddollars；aboutfortyyearsold；freesixyears；paideighteenhundreddollarsforhisfamily；memberoftheBaptistchurch；receivedalegacyfromhismaster，whichhehastakengoodcareof，andincreased。
“G——。Fullblack；coaldealer；aboutthirtyyearsold；wortheighteenthousanddollars；paidforhimselftwice，beingoncedefraudedtotheamountofsixteenhundreddollars；madeallhismoneybyhisownefforts—muchofitwhileaslave，hiringhistimeofhismaster，anddoingbusinessforhimself；afine，gentlemanlyfellow。
“W——。Three-fourthsblack；barberandwaiter；fromKentucky；nineteenyearsfree；paidforselfandfamilyoverthreethousanddollars；deaconintheBaptistchurch。
“G。D——。Three-fourthsblack；white-washer；fromKentucky；nineyearsfree；paidfifteenhundreddollarsforselfandfamily；recentlydied，agedsixty；worthsixthousanddollars。”
ProfessorStowesays，“Withallthese，exceptG——，Ihavebeen，forsomeyears，personallyacquainted，andmakemystatementsfrommyownknowledge。”
Thewriterwellremembersanagedcoloredwoman，whowasemployedasawasherwomaninherfather’sfamily。Thedaughterofthiswomanmarriedaslave。Shewasaremarkablyactiveandcapableyoungwoman，and，byherindustryandthrift，andthemostperseveringself-denial，raisedninehundreddollarsforherhusband’sfreedom，whichshepaid，assheraisedit，intothehandsofhismaster。Sheyetwantedahundreddollarsoftheprice，whenhedied。Sheneverrecoveredanyofthemoney。
Thesearebutfewfacts，amongmultitudeswhichmightbeadduced，toshowtheself-denial，energy，patience，andhonesty，whichtheslavehasexhibitedinastateoffreedom。
Andletitberememberedthattheseindividualshavethusbravelysucceededinconqueringforthemselvescomparativewealthandsocialposition，inthefaceofeverydisadvantageanddiscouragement。Thecoloredman，bythelawofOhio，cannotbeavoter，and，tillwithinafewyears，wasevendeniedtherightoftestimonyinlegalsuitswiththewhite。NoraretheseinstancesconfinedtotheStateofOhio。InallstatesoftheUnionweseemen，butyesterdayburstfromtheshacklesofslavery，who，byaself-educatingforce，whichcannotbetoomuchadmired，haverisentohighlyrespectablestationsinsociety。Pennington，amongclergymen，DouglasandWard，amongeditors，arewellknowninstances。
Ifthispersecutedrace，witheverydiscouragementanddisadvantage，havedonethusmuch，howmuchmoretheymightdoiftheChristianchurchwouldacttowardstheminthespiritofherLord！
Thisisanageoftheworldwhennationsaretremblingandconvulsed。Amightyinfluenceisabroad，surgingandheavingtheworld，aswithanearthquake。AndisAmericasafe？Everynationthatcarriesinitsbosomgreatandunredressedinjusticehasinittheelementsofthislastconvulsion。
Forwhatisthismightyinfluencethusrousinginallnationsandlanguagesthosegroaningsthatcannotbeuttered，forman’sfreedomandequality？
O，ChurchofChrist，readthesignsofthetimes！IsnotthispowerthespiritofHimwhosekingdomisyettocome，andwhosewilltobedoneonearthasitisinheaven？
Butwhomayabidethedayofhisappearing？“forthatdayshallburnasanoven:andheshallappearasaswiftwitnessagainstthosethatoppressthehirelinginhiswages，thewidowandthefatherless，andthatturnasidethestrangerinhisright:andheshallbreakinpiecestheoppressor。”
Arenotthesedreadwordsforanationbearinginherbosomsomightyaninjustice？Christians！everytimethatyoupraythatthekingdomofChristmaycome，canyouforgetthatprophecyassociates，indreadfellowship，thedayofvengeancewiththeyearofhisredeemed？
Adayofgraceisyetheldouttous。BothNorthandSouthhavebeenguiltybeforeGod；andtheChristianchurchhasaheavyaccounttoanswer。Notbycombiningtogether，toprotectinjusticeandcruelty，andmakingacommoncapitalofsin，isthisUniontobesaved，—butbyrepentance，justiceandmercy；for，notsureristheeternallawbywhichthemillstonesinksintheocean，thanthatstrongerlaw，bywhichinjusticeandcrueltyshallbringonnationsthewrathofAlmightyGod！
