At first, master Thomas seemed somewhat affected by the story of my wrongs, but he soon repressed his feelings and became cold as iron.

It was impossible--as I stood before him at the first--for him to seem indifferent.

I distinctly saw his human nature asserting its conviction against the slave system, which made cases like mine _possible;_ but, as I have said, humanity fell before the systematic tyranny of slavery.

He first walked{178} the floor, apparently much agitated by my story, and the sad spectacle I presented; but, presently, it was _his_ turn to talk.

He began moderately, by finding excuses for Covey, and ending with a full justification of him, and a passionate condemnation of me.