You's jokin' wid Joe, master." "No, I am not, Joe.

You can buy the land if you want it, and there are a hundred and ten acres in the tract, besides the strip of woods along both creeks." "How's I gwine to buy it, master ?" "Well, let me see.

You're about thirteen now.

It will be nine years yet before you will be a man, and if you choose to live with me until you are twenty-one, I'll feed and clothe you till then, and the day you are twenty-one the farm shall be yours in payment of wages." "How you mean, master ?" "I mean, that besides feeding and clothing you as I feed and clothe my people, I will give you the farm for your nine years' work.

If you like the place, I will have all the papers made out, so that the farm will be yours, even if I should die before the time is up.