The word of the slave, against this presumption, is generally treated as impudence, worthy of punishment.

"Do you contradict me, you rascal ?" is a final silencer of counter statements from the lips of a slave.
Calming down a little in view of my silence and hesitation, and, perhaps, from a rapid glance at the picture of misery I presented, he inquired again, "what I would have him do ?" Thus invited a second time, I told Master Thomas I wished him to allow me to get a new home and to find a new master; that, as sure as I went back to live with Mr.Covey again, I should be killed by him; that he would never forgive my coming to him (Capt.

Auld) with a complaint against him (Covey); that, since I had lived with him, he almost crushed my spirit, and I believed that he would ruin me for future service; that my life was not safe in his hands.

This, Master Thomas _( my brother in the church)_ regarded as "nonsence( sic)." "There was no danger of Mr.Covey's killing me; he was a good man, industrious and religious, and he would not think of{179} removing me from that home; besides," said he and this I found was the most distressing thought of all to him--"if you should leave Covey now, that your year has but half expired, I should lose your wages for the entire year.

You belong to Mr.Covey for one year, and you _must go back_ to him, come what will.