Randall said that the task was too great, or he should have done it.

Cook said it made no difference,--he should whip him.

Randall stood silent for a moment, and then said, "Mr.Cook, I have always tried to please you since you have been on the plantation, and I find you are determined not to be satisfied with my work, let me do as well as I may.
No man has laid hands on me, to whip me, for the last ten years, and I have long since come to the conclusion not to be whipped by any man living." Cook, finding by Randall's determined look and gestures, that he would resist, called three of the hands from their work, and commanded them to seize Randall, and tie him.

The hands stood still;--they knew Randall--and they also knew him to be a powerful man, and were afraid to grapple with him.

As soon as Cook had ordered the men to seize him, Randall turned to them, and said--"Boys, you all know me; you know that I can handle any three of you, and the man that lays hands on me shall die.