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Show 278 UNCJ,E TOM'S CADIN: OR, father's place, and I came to see if I couldn't. buy him back.'' Legree's brow grew dark, and he broke out, passionn.tc1y: "Yes, I did buy such a fellow,- and a h-1 of a bargain I had of it, too! The most rebellious, sa.ucy, impudent dog ! Set up my niggcrs to run away; got off two gals, worth eight hundred or a thousand dollars apiece. He owned to that, and, when I bid him tell me where they was, he up and said he knew, but be wouldn't tell; and stood to it, though I gave him the cusscdcst flogging I ever gave nigger yet. I b'lievc he 's trying to die; but I don't know as he '11 make it out." "Where is he?" said George, impetuously. "Let me sec him." ~1he cheeks of the young man were crimson, and his eyes flashed fire; but he prudently said nothing, as yet. "He's in dat ar shed," said a little fellow, who stood holding George's horse. Legree kicked the boy, and swore at him; but George, without saying another word, turned and strode to the spot. Tom had been lying two days since the fatal night; not suffering, for every nerve of suffering was blunted and destroyed. He lay, for the most part, in a quiet stupor; for the laws of a powerful and well-knit frame would not at once release the imprisoned spirit. By stealth, there had been there, in the darkness of the night, poor desolated creatures, who stole from their scanty hours' rest, that they might rcpa.y to him some of those ministrations of love in which he had always been so abundant. Truly, those poor disciples bad little to give,- only the cup of cold water; but it was given with full hearts. Tears had fallen on th•t honest, insensible face,- te~rs of late repentance in the poor, ignorant heathen, whom his tlying LIFE AMONG THE LOWLY. 279 love and patience hat.l awakcncJ. to repentance, and bitter prayers, breathed over him to a late-found Saviour, of whom they scarce knew more than the name, but whom tho yearning ignorant heart of man never implores in vain. Cassy, who had glided out of her place of concealment, and, by over-bearing, learned the sacrifice that had been made for her and Emmeline, had been there, the night before, defying the danger of detection; and, moved by the few last words which the affectionate soul bad yet strength to breathe, the long winter of despair, the ice of years, had given way, and the dark, despairing woman had wept and prayed. When George entered the shed, he felt his head giddy and his heart sick. "Is it possiblo,-is it possible?" said he, kneeling down by him. "Uncle Torn, my poor, poor old friend ! " Something in the voice penetrated to the oar of the dying. He moved his bead gently, smiled, and said, "Jesus can mn.kc a dying-bed Feel son n.s downy pillows are.'' ~l.'cars which did honor to his manly heart fell from the young man's eyes, as he bent over his poor friend. "0, dear Uncle ~rom! do wake,- do speak once more! Look up ! Here 's Mas'r George,- your own little Mas'r George. Don't you know me?" "1tbs'r George!" sa.id Tom, opening his eyes, and speak~ ing in a feeble voice; "M:as'r George ! " He looked bewildered. Slowly the idea seemed to fill his soul; and tho vacant eyo became fixed and brightened, the whole faco lighted up, the hard hands clasped, and tears ran down the checks. "Bless the Lord! it is,- it is,- it's all I wanted! They |
