Uncle Tom's Cabin

r Is Introduced to

a well-furnished dining parlor, in the town of P--, in Kentucky. There were no servants present, and the

ch over-dressed, in a gaudy vest of many colors, a blue neckerchief, bedropped gayly with yellow spots, and arranged with a flaunting tie, quite in keeping with the general air of the man. His hands, large and coarse, were plentifully bedecked with rings; and he wore a heavy gold watch-chain, with a bundle of seals of portentous size, and a great variety of col

795), by Lindley Mur

ve American gram

the house, and the general air of the housekeeping, indicated easy, and even opulent c

ould arrange the matt

't, Mr. Shelby," said the other, holding up a

; he is certainly worth that sum anywhere,-steady,

s go," said Haley, helping

ears ago; and I believe he really did get it. I've trusted him, since then, with everything I have,-money, ho

leans-'t was as good as a meetin, now, really, to hear that critter pray; and he was quite gentle and quiet like. He fetched me a good sum, too, for I bought him cheap of

'I trust you, because I think you're a Christian-I know you wouldn't cheat.' Tom comes back, sure enough; I knew he would. Some low fellows, they say, said to him-Tom, why don't you make tracks for Canada?' 'A

't were," said the trader, jocularly; "and, then, I'm ready to do anything in reason to 'blige friends; but this yer, you

u trade?" said Mr. Shelby, afte

oy or gal that you cou

's only hard necessity makes me willing to sell at all. I

ls about his round, dimpled face, while a pair of large dark eyes, full of fire and softness, looked out from beneath the rich, long lashes, as he peered curiously into the apartment. A gay robe of scarlet and yellow plaid, caref

whistling, and snapping a bunch of ra

is little strength, after the p

d came up, and the master patted the cur

d, grotesque songs common among the negroes, in a rich, clear voice, accompanying his singing

, throwing him a qu

le Cudjoe, when he has the r

with his back humped up, and his master's stick in his hand, he hobbled about the room, his chil

en laughed u

salm." The boy drew his chubby face down to a formidable length, and co

t," said he, suddenly clapping his hand on Mr. Shelby's shoulder, "fling in that chap, and I'l

y open, and a young quadroon woman, appar

ay on the cheek to a perceptible flush, which deepened as she saw the gaze of the strange man fixed upon her in bold and undisguised admiration. Her dress was of the neatest possible fit, and set off to advantage her

ster, as she stopped and l

e boy bounded toward her, showing his spoils,

Mr. Shelby; and hastily she withd

icle, now! You might make your fortune on that ar gal in Orleans, any day. I

ryly; and, seeking to turn the conversation, he uncorked a b

er; then turning, and slapping his hand f

out the gal?-what shall I sa

said Shelby. "My wife would not pa

alculation. Just show 'em how many watches, feathers, and trinkets,

t be spoken of; I say no, and I

gh," said the trader; "you must own I'v

you want with the c

cles entirely-sell for waiters, and so on, to rich 'uns, that can pay for handsome 'uns. It sets off one of yer great places-a real handsom

houghtfully; "the fact is, sir, I'm a humane man,

n,' screamin' times. They are mighty onpleasant; but, as I manages business, I generally avoids 'em, sir. Now, what if you get the girl off for a day, or a week, or

afrai

in' like mad all the time;-very bad policy-damages the article-makes 'em quite unfit for service sometimes. I knew a real handsome gal once, in Orleans, as was entirely ruined by this sort o' handling. The fellow that was trading for her didn't want her baby; and she was one of your real high sort, when her blood was up. I tell you, she squeezed up her child in her arms, and talked, and went on real awful. It kinder makes my blood ru

s thoughtfully peeling an orange, Haley broke out afresh, with becoming diffid

st droves of niggers that is brought in,-at least, I've been told so; if I have once, I reckon I have a hundred times,-all in good case,-fat and likely, a

now what to say, and

, and they an't common; but I stuck to 'em, sir; I've stuck to 'em, and realized well on '

help laughing in company. Perhaps you laugh too, dear reader; but you know humanity comes out in a vari

h encouraged the

ver the head, and knockin' on 'em round? It's ridiculous,' says I, 'and don't do no sort o' good. Why, I don't see no harm in their cryin',' says I; 'it's natur,' says I, 'and if natur can't blow off one way, it will another. Besides, Tom,' says I, 'it jest spiles your gals; they get sickly, and down in the mouth; and sometimes they gets ugly,-particular yallow gals do,-and it's the devil and all gettin' on 'em

managing do the business bette

ht, out of mind, you know,-and when it's clean done, and can't be helped, they naturally gets used to it. 'Tan't, you know, as if it was white folks, that's brought up in the way of

t properly brought up,

, 'tan't no kindness to be givin' on him notions and expectations, and bringin' on him up too well, for the rough and tumble comes all the harder on him arter. Now, I venture to say, your niggers would be quite chop-fallen in a place where

Mr. Shelby, with a slight shrug, and some p

d both silently picked their nuts

in the quiet way you speak of, you'd best not let your business in this neighborhood be known. It will get out among my

in a devil of a hurry, and shall want to know, as soon as possible

, and you shall have my answer," said Mr. Shelby,

had ever said to me that I should sell Tom down south to one of those rascally traders, I should have said, 'Is thy servant a dog, that he should do this thing?' And now it must come, for aught I see. An

ressure that are called for in the business of more southern districts, makes the task of the negro a more healthful and reasonable one; while the master, content with a more gradual style of acquisition, has not those t

and above the scene there broods a portentous shadow-the shadow of law. So long as the law considers all these human beings, with beating hearts and living affections, only as so many things belonging to a master,-so long as the failure, or misfortune, or imprud

anything which might contribute to the physical comfort of the negroes on his estate. He had, however, speculated largely and quite loosely; had involved hi

Eliza had caught enough of the conversation to know tha

listen, as she came out; but her mistress jus

be mistaken? Her heart swelled and throbbed, and she involuntarily strained

cher, knocked down the workstand, and finally was abstractedly offering her mistress a l

ing her eyes; then, bursting into tears, s

, what ails you?"

there's been a trader talking with

child, suppos

my Harry?" And the poor creature threw her

ey behave well. Why, you silly child, who do you think would want to buy your Harry? Do you think all the world are set on him as you are, you goosie? Co

you never would give

of my own children sold. But really, Eliza, you are getting altogether too proud of that litt

za proceeded nimbly and adroitly with her toil

sions to any particular religious character, nevertheless reverenced and respected the consistency of hers, and stood, perhaps, a little in awe of her opinion. Certain it was that he gave her unlimited scope in all her benevolent efforts for the comfort, instruction, and improvement of her servants, though he never took any decided part in them h

foreseen necessity of breaking to his wife the arrangement contemplated,-meeting

been quite sincere in the entire incredulity with which she had met Eliza's suspicions. In fact, she dismissed the matter from he