Bras-Coupe understood, she said, that he was a slave--it was the fortune of war, and he was a warrior; but, according to a generally recognized principle in African international law, he could not reasonably be expected to work.
"As Senor will remember I told him," remarked the overseer; "how can a man expect to plow with a zebra ?" Here he recalled a fact in his earlier experience.

An African of this stripe had been found to answer admirably as a "driver" to make others work.

A second and third parley, extending through two or three days, were held with the prince, looking to his appointment to the vacant office of driver; yet what was the master's amazement to learn at length that his Highness declined the proffered honor.
"Stop!" spoke the overseer again, detecting a look of alarm in Palmyre's face as she turned away, "he doesn't do any such thing.

If Senor will let me take the man to Agricola--" "No!" cried Palmyre, with an agonized look, "I will tell.

He will take the place and fill it if you will give me to him for his own--but oh, messieurs, for the love of God--I do not want to be his wife!" The overseer looked at the Senor, ready to approve whatever he should decide.