CHAPTER I.
A VIRGINIA PLANTATION.
"I won't have it, Pearson; so it's no use your talking.

If I had my way you shouldn't touch any of the field hands.

And when I get my way--that won't be so very long--I will take very good care you shan't.

But you shan't hit Dan." "He is not one of the regular house hands," was the reply; "and I shall appeal to Mrs.Wingfield as to whether I am to be interfered with in the discharge of my duties." "You may appeal to my mother if you like, but I don't think that you will get much by it.

You are too fond of that whip, Pearson.