He drew from his pocket a newspaper wet from the press, and read the following advertisement:-- NOTICE .-- Seventy-nine negroes will be offered for sale on Monday, September 10, at 12 o'clock, being the entire stock of the late John Graves.

The negroes are in excellent condition, and all warranted against the common vices.
Among them are several mechanics, able-bodied field-hands, plough-boys, and women with children, some of them very prolific, affording a rare opportunity for any one who wishes to raise a strong and healthy lot of servants for their own use.
Also several mulatto girls of rare personal qualities,-- two of these very superior.
Among the above slaves advertised for sale were Agnes and her two daughters.

Ere young Linwood left the quadroon that evening, he promised her that he would become her purchaser, and make her free and her own mistress.
Mr.Graves had long been considered not only an excellent and upright citizen of the first standing among the whites, but even the slaves regarded him as one of the kindest of masters.

Having inherited his slaves with the rest of his property, he became possessed of them without any consultation or wish of his own.

He would neither buy nor sell slaves, and was exceedingly careful, in letting them out, that they did not find oppressive and tyrannical masters.