Yer see, sah, it done happened dis-a-way," and his black face registered genuine distress.

"Thar's a mean gang o' white folks 'round yere thet's took it inter their heads ter lick every free nigger, an' when yer done come up ter my door in de middle ob de night, a cussin', an' a-threatenin' fer ter break in, I just nat'larly didn't wanter be licked, an'-- an' so I blazed away.

I's powerful sorry 'bout it now, sah." "No doubt it was more my fault than yours.

You are a free negro, then ?" "Yas, sah.

I done belong onct ter Colonul Silas Carlton, sah, but afore he died, just because I done saved his boy frum drownin' in de ribber, de ol' Colonul he set me free, an' give me a patch o' lan' ter raise corn on." "What is your name ?" "Pete, sah.