As I read, behold! the very discontent so graphically pre{125} dicted by Master Hugh, had already come upon me.

I was no longer the light-hearted, gleesome boy, full of mirth and play, as when I landed first at Baltimore.

Knowledge had come; light had penetrated the moral dungeon where I dwelt; and, behold! there lay the bloody whip, for my back, and here was the iron chain; and my good, _kind master_, he was the author of my situation.

The revelation haunted me, stung me, and made me gloomy and miserable.

As I writhed under the sting and torment of this knowledge, I almost envied my fellow slaves their stupid contentment.