Ha! I was always glad I was born in Virginia.

Here is Gideon swinging down the hill--Gideon and his negro!" The tobacco-roller joined them, and with a wave of the hand indicated his purchase of the morning.

This was a tall and strong negro, young, supple, and of a cheerful countenance.

Rand was in high good-humour.
"He's a runaway, Mocket says, but I'll cure him of that! He's strong as an ox and as limber as a snake." Taking the negro's hand in his, he bent the fingers back.

"Look at that! easy as a willow! He'll strip tobacco! His name is Joab." The namesake of a prince in Israel looked blithely upon his new family.
"Yaas, marster," he said, with candour.