Poor Kate was in despair, and could not touch the breakfast, which was prepared at the usual hour.
About nine o'clock a company of negro sumac gatherers appeared on the road which passed Mr.Loudon's house.

It was a curious party.

On a rude cart, drawn by two little oxen, was a pile of bags filled with sumac-leaves, which were supported by poles stuck around the cart and bound together by ropes.

On the top of the pile sat a negro, plying a long whip and shouting to the oxen.

Behind the cart, and on each side of it, were negroes, men and women, carrying huge bales of sumac on their heads.