It wus the mulatto cook who told him, although, I reckon, he hed his doubts afore thet I knew she wusn't no nigger the furst minute I got eyes on her--they can't fool me none on niggers; I wus raised 'mong 'em.

But so fur's the gurl's concerned, she don't know yet thet Kirby's found out." He emitted a weak laugh.

"It sorter skeered Joe ter be caught way up yere in this kintry, kidnapin' a white gurl.

He didn't know whut the hell ter do, till I give him a p'inter." "You were the one who suggested marriage ?" "Wal', I sed she cudn't do nuthin' 'gainst him onct he wus married to her.

I thought o' thet right away.