I was not sleepy, and I wanted most of all to have an understanding with Coombs.

I could not talk with the fellow in the presence of Mrs.Bernard, for he was the kind to be handled roughly for results, but now I was ready to probe him to the bottom.

"Is the overseer downstairs ?" "No." "See here, Sallie," I insisted warmly, "I 'm master of this house and I want some kind of answer besides yes, and no.

Where is he ?" "Ah reckon he's out in one o' ther cabins, sah--he done don't sleep in the house nohow." "He does n't sleep here! Why ?" "Ah spect it 's cause he 's afeerd too, 'sah," she replied, her snaky eyes showing.

"Ah 's a voo-doo, an' ah don't care 'bout 'em tall, but good Lor', dar ain't no white man wants ter stay in des yere house mor'n one night." She laughed, a weird, grating laugh, and started downstairs.