Does a slave ever venture to suggest a better way of doing a thing, no matter what?
He is, altogether, too officious--wise above what is written--and he deserves, even if he does not get, a flogging for his presumption.

Does he, while plowing, break a plow, or while hoeing, break a hoe, or while chopping, break an ax?
No matter what were the imperfections of the implement broken, or the natural liabilities for breaking, the slave can be whipped for carelessness.

The _reverend_ slaveholder could always find something of this sort, to justify him in using the lash several times during the week.

Hopkins--like Covey and Weeden--were shunned by slaves who had the privilege (as many had) of finding their own masters at the end of each year; and yet, there was not a man in all that section of country, who made a louder profession of religion, than did MR.

RIGBY HOPKINS.{202} But, to continue the thread of my story, through my experience when at Mr.William Freeland's.
My poor, weather-beaten bark now reached smoother water, and gentler breezes.