CHAPTERXVII
CLOTELLE。
THEcurtainrisessevenyearsafterthedeathofIsabella。Duringthatinterval，Henry，findingthatnothingcouldinducehismother-in-lawtorelinquishherholdonpoorlittleClotelle，andnotlikingtocontendwithoneonwhomafuturefortunedepended，graduallylostallinterestinthechild，andlefthertoherfate。
AlthoughMrs。MillertreatedClotellewithadegreeofharshnessscarcelyequalled，whenappliedtoonesotenderinyears，stillthechildgreweverydaymorebeautiful，andherhair，thoughkeptcloselycut，seemedtohaveimprovedinitssoft，silk-likeappearance。Nowtwelveyearsofage，andmorethanusuallywell-developed，herharsholdmistressbegantoviewherwithajealouseye。
HenryandGertrudehadjustreturnedfromWashington，wherethehusbandhadbeenonhisdutiesasamemberofCongress，andwherehehadremainedduringtheprecedingthreeyearswithoutreturninghome。Itwasonabeautifulevening，justattwilight，whileseatedathisparlorwindow，thatHenrysawayoungwomanpassbyandgointothekitchen。Notawareofeverhavingseenthepersonbefore，hemadeanerrandintothecook’sdepartmenttoseewhothegirlwas。He，however，metherinthehall，asshewasaboutgoingout。
"Whomdidyouwishtosee？"heinquired。
"MissGertrude，"wasthereply。
"Whatdidyouwanttoseeherfor？"heagainasked。
"MymistresstoldmetogiveherandMasterHenryhercompliments，andaskthemtocomeoverandspendtheevening。"
"Whoisyourmistress？"heeagerlyinquired。
"Mrs。Miller，sir，"respondedthegirl。
"Andwhat’syourname？"askedHenry，withatremblingvoice。
"Clotelle，sir，"wasthereply。
Theastonishedfatherstoodcompletelyamazed，lookingatthenowwomanlyformofherwho，inhishappierdays，hehadtakenonhiskneewithsomuchfondnessandalacrity。ItwasthenthathesawhisownandIsabella’sfeaturescombinedinthebeautifulfacethathewasthenbeholding。Itwasthenthathewascarriedbacktothedayswhenwithawoman’sdevotion，poorIsabellahungabouthisneckandtoldhimhowlonelywerethehoursinhisabsence。Hecouldstanditnolonger。Tearsrushedtohiseyes，andturninguponhisheel，hewentbacktohisownroom。ItwasthenthatIsabellawasrevenged;andshenodoubtlookedsmilinglydownfromherhomeinthespirit-landonthescenebelow。
OnGertrude’sreturnfromhershoppingtour，shefoundHenryinamelancholymood，andsoonlearneditscause。AsGertrudehadbornehimnochildren，itwasbutnatural，thatheshouldnowfeelhislovecenteringinClotelle，andhenowintimatedtohiswifehisdeterminationtoremovehisdaughterfromthehandsofhismother-in-law。
WhenthisnewsreachedMrs。Miller，throughherdaughter，shebecamefuriouswithrage，andcallingClotelleintoherroom，strippedhershouldersbareandfloggedherinthepresenceofGertrude。
Itwasnearlyaweekafterthepoorgirlhadbeensoseverelywhippedandfornocausewhatever，thatherfatherlearnedofthecircumstancethroughoneoftheservants。Withadegreeofboldnessunusualforhim，heimmediatelywenttohismother-in-lawanddemandedhischild。Butitwastoolate，——shewasgone。Towhatplaceshehadbeensentnoonecouldtell，andMrs。Millerrefusedtogiveanyinformationwhateverrelativetothegirl。
ItwasthenthatLinwoodfeltdeepesttheeviloftheinstitutionunderwhichhewasliving;forheknewthathisdaughterwouldbeexposedtoallthevicesprevalentinthatpartofthecountrywheremarriageisnotrecognizedinconnectionwiththatclass。
CHAPTERXVIII
ASLAVE-HUNTINGPARSON。
ITwasadelightfuleveningafteracloudlessday，withthesettingsunreflectinghisgoldenraysonthesurroundinghillswhichwerecoveredwithabeautifulgreensward，andtheluxuriantverdurethatformstheconstantgarbofthetropics，thatthesteamerColumbiaranintothedockatNatchez，andbeganunloadingthecargo，takinginpassengersandmakingreadytoproceedonhervoyagetoNewOrleans。Theplankconnectingtheboatwiththeshorehadscarcelybeensecuredinitsplace，whenagood-lookingmanaboutfiftyyearsofage，withawhiteneck-tie，andapairofgold-rimmedglasseson，wasseenhurryingonboardthevessel。
Justatthatmomentcouldbeseenastoutmanwithhisfacepittedwiththesmall-pox，makinghiswayuptotheabove-mentionedgentleman。
"Howdoyoudo，mydearsir？thisisMr。Wilson，Ibelieve，"saidtheshortman，atthesametimetakingfromhismouthalargechewoftobacco，andthrowingitdownontheship’sdeck。
"Youhavetheadvantageofme，sir，"repliedthetallman。
"Why，don’tyouknowme？MynameisJennings;Isoldyouasplendidnegrowomansomeyearsago。"
"Yes，yes，"answeredtheNatchezman。"Irememberyounow，forthewomandiedinafewmonths，andInevergottheworthofmymoneyoutofher。"
"Icouldnothelpthat，"returnedtheslave-trader;"shewasassoundasaroachwhenIsoldhertoyou。"
"Oh，yes，"repliedtheparson，"Iknowshewas;butnowIwantayounggirl，fitforhouseuse，——onethatwilldotowaitonalady。"
"Iamyourman，"saidJennings，"justfollowme，"continuedhe，"andIwillshowyouthefairestlittlecritteryoueversaw。"Andthetwopassedtothesternoftheboattowherethetraderhadbetweenfiftyandsixtyslaves，thegreaterportionbeingwomen。
"There，"saidJennings，asabeautifulyoungwomanshrunkbackwithmodesty。"There，sir，istheverygalthatwasmadeforyou。Ifshehadbeenmadetoyourorder，shecouldnothavesuitedyoubetter。"
"Indeed，sir，isnotthatyoungwomanwhite？"inquiredtheparson。
"Oh，no，sir;sheisnowhiterthanyousee！"
"Butissheaslave？"askedthepreacher。
"Yes，"saidthetrader，"IboughtherinRichmond，andshecomesfromanexcellentfamily。ShewasraisedbySquireMiller，andhermistresswasoneofthemostpiousladiesinthatcity，Imaysay;
shewasthesaltoftheearth，astheministerssay。"
"ButsheresemblesinsomerespectAgnes，thewomanIboughtfromyou，"saidMr。Wilson。AshesaidthenameofAgnes，theyoungwomanstartedasifshehadbeenstruck。Herpulseseemedtoquicken，butherfacealternatelyflushedandturnedpale，andtearstrembleduponhereyelids。Itwasanameshehadheardhermothermention，anditbroughttohermemorythosedays，——thosehappydays，whenshewassolovedandcaressed。ThisyoungwomanwasClotelle，thegranddaughterofAgnes。Thepreacher，onlearningthefact，purchasedher，andtookherhome，feelingthathisdaughterGeorgianawouldprizeherveryhighly。ClotellefoundinGeorgianamoreasisterthanamistress，who，unknowntoherfather，taughttheslave-girlhowtoread，anddidmuchtowardimprovingandrefiningClotelle’smanners，forherownsake。Likehermotherfondofflowers，the"VirginiaMaid，"asshewassometimescalled，spentmanyofherleisurehoursinthegarden。
Besidetheflowerswhichsprangupfromthefertilityofsoilunplantedandunattended，therewastheheliotrope，sweet-pea，andcup-rose，transplantedfromtheislandofCuba。InhernewhomeClotellefoundherselfsalutedonallsidesbythefragranceofthemagnolia。WhenshewentwithheryoungmistresstothePoplarFarm，asshesometimesdid，nature’swildluxuriancegreetedher，wherevershecasthereyes。
Therustlingcitron，lime，andorange，shadymangowithitsfruitsofgold，andthepalmetto’sumbrageousbeauty，allwelcomedthechildofsorrow。Whenatthefarm，Huckelby，theoverseer，kepthiseyeonClotelleifwithinsightofher，forheknewshewasaslave，andnodoubthopedthatshemightsomedayfallintohishands。Butsheshrankfromhislooksasshewouldhavedonefromthecharmoftherattlesnake。Thenegro-driveralwaystriedtoinsinuatehimselfintothegoodopinionofGeorgianaandthecompanythatshebrought。KnowingthatMissWilsonathearthatedslavery，hewasevertryingtoshowthattheslavesunderhischargewerehappyandcontented。Oneday，whenGeorgianaandsomeofherConnecticutfriendswerethere，theoverseercalledalltheslavesuptothe"greathouse，"andsetsomeoftheyoungonestodancing。Afterawhilewhiskeywasbroughtinandadramgiventoeachslave，inreturnforwhichtheywereexpectedtogiveatoast，orsingashortpieceofhisowncomposition;whenitcametoJack’sturnhesaid，——
"Thebigbeeflieshigh，thelittlebeemakesthehoney：theblackfolksmakethecotton，andthewhitefolksgetsthemoney。"
Ofcourse，theoverseerwasnotatallelatedwiththesentimentcontainedinJack’stoast。Mr。Wilsonhadlatelypurchasedayoungmantoassistaboutthehouseandtoactascoachman。Thisslave，whosenamewasJerome，wasofpureAfricanorigin，wasperfectlyblack，veryfine-looking，tall，slim，anderectasanyonecouldpossiblybe。Hisfeatureswerenotbad，lipsthin，noseprominent，handsandfeetsmall。Hisbrilliantblackeyeslighteduphiswholecountenance。Hishairwhichwasnearlystraight，hungincurlsuponhisloftybrow。GeorgeCombeorFowlerwouldhaveselectedhisheadforamodel。Hewasbraveanddaring，stronginperson，fieryinspirit，yetkindandtrueinhisaffections，earnestinhisdoctrines。Clotellehadbeenattheparson’sbutafewweekswhenitwasobservedthatamutualfeelinghadgrownupbetweenherandJerome。Astimerolledon，theybecamemoreandmoreattachedtoeachother。Aftersatisfyingherselfthatthesetworeallyloved，Georgianaadvisedtheirmarriage。ButJeromecontemplatedhisescapeatsomefutureday，andthereforefearedthatifmarrieditmightmilitateagainstit。Hehoped，also，tobeabletogetClotelleawaytoo，anditwasthishopethatkepthimfromtryingtoescapebyhimself。DantedidnotmorelovehisBeatrice，SwifthisStella，WallerhisSaccharissa，GoldsmithhisJessamybride，orBumshisMary，thandidJeromehisClotelle。
Unknowntoherfather，MissWilsoncouldpermitthesetwoslavestoenjoymoreprivilegesthananyoftheotherservants。TheyoungmistresstaughtClotelle，andthelatterimpartedherinstructionstoherlover，untilbothcouldreadsoastobewellunderstood。
Jeromefelthissuperiority，andalwaysdeclaredthatnomastershouldeverfloghim。Awareofhishighspiritanddetermination，Clotellewasinconstantfearlestsomedifficultymightarisebetweenherloverandhismaster。
OnedayMr。Wilson，beingsomewhatoutoftemperandirritatedatwhathewaspleasedtocallJerome’sinsolence，orderedhimtofollowhimtothebarntobeflogged。Theyoungslaveobeyedhismaster，butthosewhosawhimatthemomentfeltthathewouldnotsubmittobewhipped。
"No，sir，"repliedJerome，ashismastertoldhimtotakeoffhiscoat："Iwillserveyou，MasterWilson，Iwilllaborforyoudayandnight，ifyoudemandit，butIwillnotbewhipped。"
Thiswastoomuchforawhitemantostandfromanegro，andthepreacherseizedhisslavebythethroat，intendingtochokehim。
Butforoncehefoundhismatch。Jeromeknockedhimdown，andthenescapedthroughtheback-yardtothestreet，andfromthencetothewoods。
Recoveringsomewhatfromtheeffectofhisfall，theparsonregainedhisfeetandstartedinpursuitofthefugitive。Finding，however，thattheslavewasbeyondhisreach，heatonceresolvedtoputthedogsonhistrack。Tabor，thenegro-catcher，wassentfor，andinlessthananhour，eightortenmen，includingtheparson，wereinthewoodswithhounds，tryingthetrails。Thesedogswillattackanegroattheirmaster’sbidding;andclingtohimasthebull-dogwillclingtoabeast。Manyarethespeculationsastowhetherthenegrowillbesecuredaliveordead，whenthesedogsoncegetonhistrack。Wheneverthereistobeanegrohunt，thereisnolackofparticipants。Manygotoenjoythefunwhichitissaidtheyderivefromthesescenes。
Thecompanyhadbeeninthewoodsbutashorttimeeretheygotonthetrackoftwofugitives，oneofwhomwasJerome。Theslavesimmediatelybenttheirstepstowardtheswamp，withthehopethatthedogs，whenputupontheirscentwouldbeunabletofollowthemthroughthewater。
TheslavesthentookastraightcoursefortheBatonRougeandBayouSararoad，aboutfourmilesdistant。Nearerandnearerthewhimperingpackpressedon;theirdelusionbeginstodispel。Allatoncethetruthflashesuponthemindsofthefugitiveslikeaglareoflight，——’tisTaborwithhisdogs！
Thescentbecomeswarmerandwarmer，andwhatwasatfirstanirregularcrynowdeepensintooneceaselessroar，astherelentlesspackpressesonafteritshumanprey。
Theyatlastreachtheriver，andinthenegroesplunge，followedbythecatch-dog。Jeromeiscaughtandisoncemoreinthehandsofhismaster，whiletheotherpoorfellowfindsawaterygrave。
Theyreturn，andthepreachersendshisslavetojail。
CHAPTERXIX
THETRUEHEROINE。
INvaindidGeorgianatrytoconsoleClotelle，whenthelatterheard，throughoneoftheotherslaves，thatMr。WilsonhadstartedwiththedogsinpursuitofJerome。Thepoorgirlwellknewthathewouldbecaught，andthatseverepunishment，ifnotdeath，wouldbetheresultofhiscapture。Itwasthereforewithaheartfilledwiththedeepestgriefthattheslave-girlheardthefootstepsofhermasteronhisreturnfromthechase。Thedoggedandsternmannerofthepreacherforbadeevenhisdaughterinquiringastothesuccessofhispursuit。Georgianasecretlyhopedthatthefugitivehadnotbeencaught;shewisheditforthesakeoftheslave，andmoreespeciallyforhermaid-servant，whomsheregardedmoreasacompanionthanamenial。ButthenewsofthecaptureofJeromesoonspreadthroughtheparson’shousehold，andfounditswaytotheearsoftheweepingandheart-strickenClotelle。
ThereverendgentlemanhadnotbeenhomemorethananhourerecomeofhisparishionerscalledtoknowiftheyshouldnottakethenegrofromtheprisonandexecuteLynchlawuponhim。
"Nonegroshouldbepermittedtoliveafterstrikingawhiteman;
letustakehimandhanghimatonce，"remarkedanelderly-lookingman，whosegrayhairsthinlycoveredthecrownofhishead。
"Ithinkthedeaconisright，"saidanotherofthecompany;"ifourslavesareallowedtosetthewilloftheirmastersatdefiance，therewillbenogettingalongwiththem，——aninsurrectionwillbethenextthingwehearof。"
"No，no，"saidthepreacher;"Iamwillingtoletthelawtakeitscourse，asitprovidesforthepunishmentofaslavewithdeathifhestrikeshismaster。Wehadbetterletthecourtdecidethequestion。Moreover，asaChristianandGod-fearingpeople，weoughttosubmittothedictatesofjustice。Shouldwetakethisman’slifebyforce，anAll-wiseProvidencewouldholdusresponsiblefortheact。"
Thecompanythenquietlywithdrew，showingthatthepreacherhadsomeinfluencewithhispeople。
"This"saidMr。Wilson，whenleftalonewithhisdaughter，——"this，mydearGeorgiana，istheresultofyourkindnesstothenegroes。
Youhavespoiledeveryoneaboutthehouse。Ican’twhiponeofthem，withoutbeingindangerofhavingmylifetaken。"
"Iamsure，papa，"repliedtheyounglady，——"IamsureIneverdidanythingintentionallytoinduceanyoftheservantstodisobeyyourorders。"
"No，mydear，"saidMr。Wilson，"butyouaretookindtothem。Now，thereisClotelle，——thatgirliscompletelyspoiled。Shewalksaboutthehousewithasdignifiedanairasifshewasmistressofthepremises。Byandbyyouwillbesorryforthisfoolishnessofyours。"
"But，"answeredGeorgiana，"Clotellehasasuperiormind，andGodintendedhertoholdahigherpositioninlifethanthatofaservant。"
"Yes，mydear，anditwasyourlettingherknowthatshewasintendedforabetterstationinsocietythatisspoilingher。
Alwayskeepanegroinignoranceofwhatyouconceivetobehisabilities，"returnedtheparson。
ItwaslateontheSaturdayafternoon，followingthecaptureofJeromethat，whileMr。Wilsonwasseatedinhisstudypreparinghissermonforthenextday，GeorgianaenteredtheroomandaskedinanexcitedtoneifitweretruethatJeromewastobehangedonthefollowingThursday。
Theministerinformedherthatsuchwasthedecisionofthecourt。
"Then，"saidshe，"Clotellewilldieofgrief。"
"Whatbusinesshasshetodieofgrief？"returnedthefather，hiseyesatthemomentflashingfire。
"Shehasneithereatennorsleptsincehewascaptured，"repliedGeorgians;"andIamcertainthatshewillnotlivethroughthis。"
"Icannotbedisturbednow，"saidtheparson;"Imustgetmysermonreadyforto-morrow。Iexpecttohavesomestrangerstopreachto，andmust，therefore，prepareasermonthatwilldomecredit。"
WhilethemanofGodspoke，heseemedtosaytohimself，——
"Withdevotion’svisage，andpiousactions，Wedosugaroverthedevilhimself。"
GeorgianadidallinherpowertosoothethefeelingsofClotelle，andtoinducehertoputhertrustinGod。Unknowntoherfather，sheallowedthepoorgirltogoeveryeveningtothejailtoseeJerome，andduringthesevisits，despiteherowngrief，Clotellewouldtrytocomfortherloverwiththehopethatjusticewouldbemetedouttohiminthespirit-land。
Thusthetimepassedon，andthedaywasfastapproachingwhentheslavewastodie。Havingheardthatsomesecretmeetinghadbeenheldbythenegroes，previoustotheattemptofMr。Wilsontofloghisslave，itoccurredtoamagistratethatJeromemightknowsomethingoftheintendedrevolt。Heaccordinglyvisitedtheprisontoseeifhecouldlearnanythingfromhim，butalltonopurpose。Havinggivenupallhopesofescape，Jeromehadresolvedtodielikeabraveman。Whenquestionedastowhetherheknewanythingofaconspiracyamongtheslavesagainsttheirmasters，hereplied，——
"DoyousupposethatIwouldtellyouifIdid？"
"Butifyouknowanything，"remarkedthemagistrate，"andwilltellus，youmaypossiblyhaveyourlifespared。"
"Life，"answeredthedoomedman，"isworthnoughttoaslave。Whatrighthasaslavetohimself，hiswife，orhischildren？Wearekeptinheathenishdarkness，bylawsespeciallyenactedtomakeourinstructionacriminaloffence;andourbones，sinews，blood，andnervesareexposedinthemarketforsale。
"MylibertyisofasmuchconsequencetomeasMr。Wilson’sistohim。Iamassensitivetofeelingashe。IfImistakenot，thedaywillcomewhenthenegrowilllearnthathecangethisfreedombyfightingforit;andshouldthattimearrive，thewhiteswillbesorrythattheyhavehatedussoshamefully。Iamfreetosaythat，couldIlivemylifeoveragain，IwouldusealltheenergieswhichGodhasgivenmetogetupaninsurrection。"
EveryonepresentseemedstartledandamazedattheintelligencewithwhichthisdescendantofAfricaspoke。
"He’saverydangerousman，"remarkedone。
"Yes，"saidanother，"hegotsomebook-learningsomewhere，andthathasspoiledhim。"
AneffortwasthenmadetolearnfromJeromewherehehadlearnedtoread，buttheblackrefusedtogiveanyinformationonthesubject。
ThesunwasjustgoingdownbehindthetreesasClotelleenteredtheprisontoseeJeromeforthelasttime。HewastodieonthenextdayHerfacewasbentuponherhands，andthegushingtearswereforcingtheirwaythroughherfingers。Withbeatingheartandtremblinghands，evincingthedeepestemotion，shethrewherarmsaroundherlover’sneckandembracedhim。But，promptedbyherheart’sunchanginglove，shehadinherownmindaplanbywhichshehopedtoeffecttheescapeofhimtowhomshehadpledgedherheartandhand。Whiletheoverchargedcloudswhichhadhungoverthecityduringthedaybroke，andtherainfellintorrents，amidthemostterrificthunderandlightning，ClotellerevealedtoJeromeherplanforhisescape。
"Dressyourselfinmyclothes，"saidshe，"andyoucaneasilypassthejailer。"
ThisJeromeatfirstdeclineddoing。Hedidnotwishtoplaceaconfidinggirlinapositionwhere，inallprobability，shewouldhavetosuffer;butbeingassuredbytheyounggirlthatherlifewouldnotbeindanger，heresolvedtomaketheattempt。Clotellebeingverytall，itwasnotprobablethatthejailerwoulddiscoveranydifferenceinthem。
Atthismoment，shetookfromherpocketabunchofkeysandunfastenedthepadlock，andfreedhimfromthefloor。
"Come，girl，itistimeforyoutogo，"saidthejailer，asJeromewasholdingthealmostfaintinggirlbythehand。
BeingalreadyattiredinClotelle’sclothes，thedisguisedmanembracedtheweepinggirl，puthishandkerchieftohisface，andpassedoutofthejail，withoutthekeeper’sknowingthathisprisonerwasescapinginadisguiseandundercoverofthenight。
CHAPTERXX
THEHEROOFMANYADVENTURES。
JEROMEhadscarcelypassedtheprison-gates，erehereproachedhimselfforhavingtakensuchastep。ThereseemedtohimnohopeofescapeoutoftheState，andwhatwasafewhoursordaysatmost，oflifetohim，when，byobtainingit，anotherhadbeensacrificed。Hewasontheeveofreturning，whenhethoughtofthelastwordsutteredbyClotelle。"Bebraveanddetermined，andyouwillstillbefree。"Thewordssoundedlikeacharminhisearsandhewentboldlyforward。
Clotellehadprovidedasuitofmen’sclothesandhadplacedthemwhereherlovercouldgetthem，ifheshouldsucceedingettingout。
ReturningtoMr。Wilson’sbarn，thefugitivechangedhisapparel，andagainretracedhisstepsintothestreet。ToreachtheFreeStatesbytravellingbynightandlyingbyduringtheday，fromaStatesofarsouthasMississippi，noonewouldthinkforamomentofattemptingtoescape。Toremaininthecitywouldbeasuicidalstep。Thedeepsoundoftheescapeofsteamfromaboat，whichwasatthatmomentascendingtheriver，brokeupontheearsoftheslave。"Ifthatboatisgoinguptheriver，"saidhe，"whynotI
concealmyselfonboard，andtrytoescape？"Hewentatoncetothesteamboatlanding，wheretheboatwasjustcomingin。"BoundforLouisville，"saidthecaptain，toonewhowasmakinginquiries。Asthepassengerswererushingonboard，Jeromefollowedthem，andproceedingtowheresomeofthehandswerestowingawaybalesofgoods，hetookholdandaidedthem。
"Jumpdownintothehold，there，andhelpthemen，"saidthematetothefugitive，supposingthat，likemanypersons，hewasworkinghiswayuptheriver。Onceinthehullamongtheboxes，theslaveconcealedhimself。Wearyhours，andatlastdays，passedwithouteitherwaterorfoodwiththehiddenslave。Morethanoncedidheresolvetolethiscasebeknown;buttheknowledgethathewouldbesentbacktoNatchezkepthimfromdoingso。Atlast，withlipsparchedandfeveredtoacrisp，thepoormancrawledoutintothefreight-room，andbeganwanderingabout。Thehatcheswereon，andtheroomdark。Therehappenedtobeonboardaweddingparty，and，abox，containingsomeofthebridalcake，withseveralbottlesofportwine，wasnearJerome。Hefoundthebox，openedit，andhelpedhimself。Ineightdays，theboattiedupatthewharfattheplaceofherdestination。Itwaslateatnight;theboat’screw，withthesingleexceptionofthemanonwatch，wereonshore。
Thehatcheswereoff，andthefugitivequietlymadehiswayondeckandjumpedonshore。Themansawthefugitive，buttoolatetoseizehim。
StillinaSlaveState，Jeromewasatalosstoknowhowheshouldproceed。Hehadwithhimafewdollars，enoughtopayhiswaytoCanada，ifhecouldfindaconveyance。Thefugitiveprocuredsuchfoodashewantedfromoneofthemanyeating-houses，andthen，followingthedirectionoftheNorthStar，hepassedoutofthecity，andtooktheroadleadingtoCovington。KeepingneartheOhioRiver，JeromesoonfoundanopportunitytocrossoverintotheStateofIndiana。ButlibertywasamerenameinthelatterState，andthefugitivelearned，fromsomecoloredpersonsthathemet，thatitwasnotsafetotravelbydaylight。Whilemakinghiswayonenight，withnothingtocheerhimbuttheprospectoffreedominthefuture，hewaspounceduponbythreemenwhowerelyinginwaitforanotherfugitive，anadvertisementofwhomtheyhadreceivedthroughthemail。InvaindidJerometellthemthathewasnotaslave。True，theyhadnotcaughtthemantheyexpected;but，iftheycouldmakethisslavetellfromwhatplacehehadescaped，theyknewthatagoodpricewouldbepaidthemforthenegro’sarrest。
Torturedbytheslave-catchers，tomakehimrevealthenameofhismasterandtheplacefromwhencehehadescaped，JeromegavethemafictitiousnameinVirginia，andsaidthathismasterwouldgivealargereward，andmanifestedawillingnesstoreturntohis"oldboss。"Bythismisrepresentation，thefugitive，hopedtohaveanotherchanceofgettingaway。Alluredwiththeprospectofalargesumoftheneedful，theslave-catchersstartedbackwiththeirvictim。Stoppingonthesecondnightataninn，onthebanksoftheOhioRiver，thekidnappers，inlieuofasuitableplaceinwhichtoconfinetheirprizeduringthenight，chainedhimtothebed-postoftheirsleeping-chamber。Thewhitemenwerelateinretiringtorest，afteraneveningspentindrinking。Atdeadofnight，whenallwasstill，theslavearosefromthefloor，uponwhichhehadbeenlying，lookedaroundandsawthatMorpheushadpossessionofhiscaptors。Foronce，thoughthe，thebrandybottlehasdoneanoblework。Withpalpitatingheartandtremblinglimbs，heviewedhisposition。Thedoorwasfast，butthewarmweatherhadcompelledthemtoleavethewindowopen。Ifhecouldbutgethischainsoff，hemightescapethroughthewindowtothepiazza。
Thesleepers’clotheshunguponchairsbythebedside。Theslavethoughtofthepadlock-key，examinedthepockets，andfoundit。Thechainsweresoonoff，andthenegrostealthilymakinghiswaytothewindow。Hestopped，andsaidtohimself，"Thesemenarevillains;theyareenemiestoallwho，likeme，aretryingtobefree。ThenwhynotIteachthemalesson？"Hethendressedhimselfinthebestsuit，hunghisownworn-outandtatteredgarmentsonthesamechair，andsilentlypassedthroughthewindowtothepiazza，andlethimselfdownbyoneofthepillars，andstartedoncemorefortheNorth。
Daylightcameuponthefugitivebeforehehadselectedahiding-placefortheday，andhewaswalkingatarapidrate，inhopesofsoonreachingsomewoodlandorforest。Thesunhadjustbeguntoshowitself，whenthefugitivewasastoundedatseeingbehindhim，inthedistance，twomenuponhorseback。Takingaroadtotheright，theslavesawbeforehimafarmhouse，andsonearwashetoitthatheobservedtwomeninfrontofitlookingathim。Itwastoolatetoturnback。Thekidnapperswerebehindhim——strangemenbeforehim。Thoseintherearheknewtobeenemies，whilehehadnoideaofwhatprincipleswerethefarmers。
Thelatteralsosawthewhitemencoming，andcalledtothefugitivetocomethatway。Thebroad-brimmedhatsthatthefarmersworetoldtheslavethattheywereQuakers。
Jeromehadseensomeofthesepeoplepassingupanddowntheriver，whenemployedonasteamerbetweenNatchezandNewOrleans，andhadheardthattheydislikedslavery。He，therefore，hastenedtowardthedrab-coatedmen，who，onhisapproach，openedthebarn-door，andtoldhimto"runin。"
WhenJeromeenteredthebarn，thetwofarmersclosedthedoor，remainingoutsidethemselves，toconfronttheslave-catchers，whonowcameupanddemandedadmission，feelingthattheyhadtheirpreysecure。
"Theecan’tentermypremises，"saidoneoftheFriends，inratheramusicalvoice。
Thenegro-catchersurgedtheirclaimtotheslave，andintimatedthat，unlesstheywereallowedtosecurehim，theywouldforcetheirwayin。Bythistime，severalotherQuakershadgatheredaroundthebarn-door。Unfortunatelyforthekidnappers，andmostfortunatelyforthefugitive，theFriendshadjustbeenholdingaquarterlymeetingintheneighborhood，andanumberofthemhadnotyetreturnedtotheirhomes。
Aftersometalk，themenindrabpromisedtoadmitthehunters，providedtheyprocuredanofficerandasearch-warrantfromajusticeofthepeace。Oneoftheslave-catcherswaslefttoseethatthefugitivedidnotgetaway，whiletheotherswentinpursuitofanofficer。Inthemeantime，theownerofthebarnsentforahammerandnails，andbegannailingupthebarn-door。
Afteranhourinsearchofthemanofthelaw，theyreturnedwithanofficerandawarrant。TheQuakerdemandedtoseethepaper，and，afterlookingatitforsometime，calledtohissontogointothehouseforhisglasses。ItwasalongtimebeforeAuntRuthfoundtheleathercase，andwhenshedid，theglasseswantedwipingbeforetheycouldbeused。Aftercomfortablyadjustingthemonhisnose，hereadthewarrantoverleisurely。
"Come，Mr。Dugdale，wecan’twaitallday，"’saidtheofficer。
"Well，willtheereaditforme？"returnedtheQuaker。
Theofficercomplied，andthemanindrabsaid，——
"Yes，theemaygoin，now。Iaminclinedtothrownoobstaclesinthewayoftheexecutionofthelawoftheland。"
Onapproachingthedoor，themenfoundsomefortyorfiftynailsinit，inthewayoftheirprogress。
"Lendmeyourhammerandachisel，ifyouplease，Mr。Dugdale，"
saidtheofficer。
"Pleasereadthatpaperoveragain，willthee？"askedtheQuaker。
Theofficeroncemorereadthewarrant。
"IseenothingtherewhichsaysImustfurnishtheewithtoolstoopenmydoor。Iftheewantsahammer，theemustgoelsewhereforit;Itelltheeplainly，theecan’thavemine。"
Theimplementsforopeningthedoorareatlengthobtainedandafteranotherhalf-hour，theslave-catchersareinthebarn。ThreehoursisalongtimeforaslavetobeinthehandsofQuakers。
Thehayisturnedover，andthebarnisvisitedineverypart;butstilltherunawayisnotfound。UncleJosephhasaglowuponhiscountenance;Ephraimshakeshisheadknowingly;littleElijahisaperfectknow-nothing，and，ifyoulooktowardthehouse，youwillseeAuntRuth’ssmilingface，readytoannouncethatbreakfastisready。
"Theniggerisnotinthisbarn，"saidtheofficer。
"Iknowheisnot，"quietlyansweredtheQuaker。
"Whatwereyounailingupyourdoorfor，then，asifyouwereafraidwewouldenter？"inquiredoneofthekidnappers。
"IcandowhatIpleasewithmyowndoor，can’tI，"saidtheQuaker。
Thesecretwasout;thefugitivehadgoneinatthefrontdoorandoutattheback;andthereadingofthewarrant，nailingupofthedoor，andotherpreliminariesoftheQuaker，wastogivethefugitivetimeandopportunitytoescape。
Itwasnowlateinthemorning，andtheslave-catcherswerealongwayfromhome，andthehorseswerejadedbytherapidmannerinwhichtheyhadtravelled。TheFriends，inhighglee，returnedtothehouseforbreakfast;themanofthelaw，aftertakinghisfee，wenthome，andthekidnappersturnedback，muttering，"Betterlucknexttime。"
CHAPTERXXI
SELF-SACRIFICE。
Nowinherseventeenthyear，Clotelle’spersonalappearancepresentedagreatcontrasttothetimewhenshelivedwitholdMrs。Miller。Hertallandwell-developedfigure;herlong，silkyblackhair，fallingincurlsdownherswan-likeneck;herbright，blackeyeslightingupherolive-tintedface，andasetofteeththataTuscaroramightenvy，shewasapictureoftropical-ripenedbeauty。Attimes，therewasaheavenlysmileuponhercountenance，whichwouldhavewarmedtheheartofananchorite。Suchwasthepersonalappearanceofthegirlwhowasnowinprisonbyherownacttosavethelifeofanother。Wouldshebehangedinhisstead，orwouldshereceiveadifferentkindofpunishment？ThesequestionsClotelledidnotaskherself。Open，frank，free，andgeneroustoafault，shealwaysthoughtofothers，neverofherownwelfare。
ThelongstayofClotellecausedsomeuneasinesstoMissWilson;
yetshedarednottellherfather，forhehadforbiddentheslave-girl’sgoingtotheprisontoseeherlover。Whiletheclockonthechurchnearbywasstrikingeleven，GeorgianacalledSam，andsenthimtotheprisoninsearchofClotelle。
"Thegirlwentawayfromhereateighto’clock，"wasthejailer’sanswertotheservant’sinquiries。
ThereturnofSamwithouthavingfoundthegirlsaddenedtheheartoftheyoungmistress。"Sure，then，"saidshe，"thepoorheart-brokenthinghasmadewaywithherself。"
Still，shewaitedtillmorningbeforebreakingthenewsofClotelle’sabsencetoherfather。
Thejailerdiscovered，thenextmorning，tohisutterastonishment，thathisprisonerwaswhiteinsteadofblack，andhisfirstimpressionwasthatthechangeofcomplexionhadtakenplaceduringthenight，throughfearofdeath。Butthisconjecturewassoondissipated;forthedark，glowingeyes，thesablecurlsupontheloftybrow，andthemild，sweetvoicethatansweredhisquestions，informedhimthattheprisonerbeforehimwasanotherbeing。
Onlearning，inthemorning，thatClotellewasinjaildressedinmaleattire，MissWilsonimmediatelysentclothestohertomakeachangeinherattire。Newsoftheheroicanddaringactoftheslave-girlspreadthroughthecitywithelectricspeed。
"Iwillselleveryniggerontheplace，"saidtheparson，atthebreak-fast-table，——"Iwillsellthemall，andgetanewlot，andwhipthemeveryday。"
PoorGeorgianaweptforthesafetyofClotelle，whileshefeltgladthatJeromehadescaped。Invaindidtheytrytoextortfromthegirlthewhereaboutsofthemanwhoseescapeshehadeffected。Shewasnotawarethathehadfledonasteamer，andwhenquestioned，shereplied，——
"Idon’tknow;andifIdidIwouldnottellyou。Icarenotwhatyoudowithme，ifJeromebutescapes。"
Thesmilewithwhichsheutteredthesewordsfinelyillustratedthepoet’smeaning，whenhesays，——
"Afearfulgiftuponthyheartislaid，Woman——thepowertosufferandtolove。"
Hersweetsimplicityseemedtodarethemtolaytheirroughhandsamidhertremblingcurls。
Threedaysdidtheheroicyoungwomanremaininprison，tobegazedatbyanunfeelingcrowd，drawnthereoutofcuriosity。Theintelligencecametoheratlastthatthecourthaddecidedtospareherlife，onconditionthatsheshouldbewhipped，sold，andsentoutoftheStatewithintwenty-fourhours。
Thisorderofthecourtshewouldhavecaredbutlittlefor，hadshenotbeensincerelyattachedtoheryoungmistress。
"Dotryandsellhertosomeonewhowilluseherwell，"saidGeorgianatoherfather，ashewasabouttakinghishattoleavethehouse。
"Ishallnottroublemyselftodoanysuchthing，"repliedthehard-heartedparson。"Ileavethefindingofamasterforherwiththeslave-dealer。"
Bathedintears，Miss。Wilsonpacedherroomintheabsenceofherfather。FormanymonthsGeorgianahadbeeninadecline，andanylittletroublewouldlayheronasickbedfordays。Shewas，therefore，poorlyabletobearthelossofthiscompanion，whomshesodearlyloved。
Mr。WilsonhadinformedhisdaughterthatClotellewastobeflogged;andwhenFelicecameinandinformedhermistressthatthepoorgirlhadjustreceivedfiftylashesonherbareperson，theyoungladyfaintedandfellonthefloor。Theservantsplacedtheirmistressonthesofa，andwentinpursuitoftheirmaster。
Littledidthepreacherthink，onreturningtohisdaughter，thatheshouldsoonbebereftofher;yetsuchwastobehislot。A
blood-vesselhadbeenruptured，andthethreephysicianswhowerecalledintoldthefatherthathemustpreparetolosehischild。
Thatmoralcourageandcalmness，whichwashergreatcharacteristic，didnotforsakeGeorgianainherhourofdeath。Shehadeverbeenkindtotheslavesunderhercharge，andtheylovedandrespectedher。Atherrequest，theservantswereallbroughtintoherroom，andtookalastfarewelloftheirmistress。Seldom，ifever，wastherewitnessedamoretouchingscenethanthis。Therelaytheyoungwoman，paleandfeeble，withdeathstampeduponhercountenance，surroundedbythesonsanddaughtersofAfrica，someofwhomhadbeenseparatedfromeveryearthlytie，andthemostofwhosepersonshadbeentornandgashedbythenegro-whip。Somewereupontheirkneesatthebedside，othersstandingaround，andallweeping。
Deathisaleveler;andneitherage，sex，wealth，norcondition，canavertwhenheispermittedtostrike。Themostbeautifulflowersmustsoonfadeanddroopanddie。So，also，withman;hisdaysareasuncertainasthepassingbreeze。Thishourheglowsintheblushofhealthandvigor，butthenext，hemaybecountedwiththenumbernomoreknownonearth。Oh，whatasilencepervadedthehousewhenthisyoungflowerwasgone！Inthemidstofthebuoyancyofyouth，thischerishedonehaddroopedanddied。Deepwerethesoundsofgriefandmourningheardinthatstatelydwellingwhenthestrickenfriends，whoseofficeithadbeentonurseandsoothethewearysufferer，beheldherpaleandmotionlessinthesleepofdeath。
WhocanimaginethefeelingwithwhichpoorClotellereceivedtheintelligenceofherkindfriend’sdeath？Thedeepgashesofthecruelwhiphadprostratedthelovelyformofthequadroon，andshelayuponherbedofstrawinthedarkcell。Thespeculatorhadboughther，buthadpostponedherremovaltillsheshouldrecover。
Herbenefactresswasdead，and——
"Hopewitheringfled，andmercysighedfarewell。"
"IsJeromesafe？"shewouldaskherselfcontinually。Ifherlovercouldhavebutknownofthesufferingsofthatsweetflower，——
thatpolyanthusoverwhichhehadsooftenbeeninhisdreams，——。
hewouldthenhavelearnedthatshewasworthyofhislove。
Itwasmorethanafortnightbeforetheslave-tradercouldtakehisprizetomorecomfortablequarters。LikeAlcibiades，whodefacedtheimagesofthegodsandexpectedtobepardonedonthegroundofeccentricity，somenwhoabuseGod’simagehopetoescapethevengeanceofhiswrathunderthepleathatthelawsanctionstheiratrociousdeeds。
CHAPTERXXII
LOVEATFIRSTSIGHTANDWHATFOLLOWED。
ItwasabeautifulSundayinSeptember，withacloudlesssky，andtheraysofthesunparchingthealreadythirstyearth，thatClotellestoodatanupperwindowinSlater’sslave-peninNewOrleans，gaspingforabreathoffreshair。Thebellsofthirtychurcheswerecallingthepeopletothedifferentplacesofworship。CrowdswereseenwendingtheirwaytothehousesofGod;
onefollowedbyanegroboycarryinghismaster’sBible;anotherfollowedbyhermaid-servantholdingthemistress’fan;athirdsupportinganumbrellaoverhismaster’sheadtoshieldhimfromtheburningsun。Baptistsimmersed，Presbyterianssprinkled，Methodistsshouted，andEpiscopaliansreadtheirprayers，whileministersofthevarioussectspreachedthatChristdiedforall。
Thechimingofthebellsseemedtomockthesighsanddeepgroansofthefortyhumanbeingsthenincarceratedintheslave-pen。
TheseimprisonedchildrenofGodweremanyofthemMethodists，someBaptists，andothersclaimingtobelieveinthefaithofthePresbyteriansandEpiscopalians。
0h，withwhatanxietydidthesecreaturesawaitthecloseofthatSabbath，andthedawnofanotherday，thatshoulddeliverthemfromthosedismalandclosecells。Slowlythedaypassedaway，andoncemoretheeveningbreezefounditswaythroughthebarredwindowsoftheprisonthatcontainedtheseinjuredsonsanddaughtersofAmerica。TheclockonthecalaboosehadjuststrucknineonMondaymorning，whenhundredsofpersonswereseenthreadingthegatesanddoorsofthenegro-pen。Itwasthesamegangthathadthedaypreviousbeensteppingtothetuneandkeepingtimewiththemusicalchurchbells。TheirBibleswerenotwiththem，theirprayer-bookswereleftathome，andeventheirlongandsolemnfaceshadbeenlaidasidefortheweek。Theyhadcometotheman-markettomaketheirpurchases。Methodistswereinsearchoftheirbrethren。Baptistswerelookingforthosethathadbeenimmersed，whilePresbyterianswerewillingtobuyfellowChristians，whethersprinkledornot。ThecrowdwassoongazingatandfeastingtheireyesuponthelovelyfeaturesofClotelle。
"Sheishandsomer，"mutteredonetohimself，"thantheladythatsatinthepewnexttomeyesterday。"
"Iwouldthatmydaughterwashalfsopretty，"thinksasecond。
Groupsareseentalkingineverypartofthevastbuilding，andthetopicon’Change，isthe"beautifulquadroon。"Byandby，atallyoungmanwithaforeignface，thecurlingmustacheprotrudingfromunderafinely-chiselednose，andhavingtheairofagentleman，passesby。Hisdarkhazeleyeisfastenedonthemaid，andhestopsforamoment;thestrangerwalksaway，butsoonreturns——helooks，heseestheyoungwomanwipeawaythesilenttearthatstealsdownheralabastercheek;hefeelsashamedthatheshouldgazesounmanlyontheblushingfaceofthewoman。Asheturnsuponhisheelhetakesouthiswhitehankerchiefandwipeshiseyes。Itmaybethathehaslostasister，amother，orsomedearonetowhomhewasbetrothed。Againhecomes，andthequadroonhidesherface。Shehasheardthatforeignersmakebadmasters，andsheshunshispiercinggaze。Againhegoesawayandthenreturns。Hetakesalastlookandthenwalkshurriedlyoff。
Thedaywearsaway，butlongbeforethetimeofclosingthesalethetallyoungmanoncemoreenterstheslave-pen。Helooksineverydirectionforthebeautifulslave，butsheisnotthere——
shehasbeensold！Hegoestothetraderandinquires，butheistoolate，andhethereforereturnstohishotel。
HavingenteredamilitaryschoolinPariswhenquiteyoung，andsoonafterbeensentwiththeFrencharmytoIndia，AntoineDevenanthadneverdabbledinmattersoflove。Heviewedallwomenfromthesamestand-point——respectedthemfortheirvirtues，andoftenspokeofthegoodnessofheartofthesex，butneverdreamedoftakingtohimselfawife。TheunequalledbeautyofClotellehaddazzledhiseyes，andeverylookthatshegavewasadaggerthatwenttohisheart。Hefeltashortnessofbreath，hisheartpalpitated，hisheadgrewdizzy，andhislimbstrembled;butheknewnotitscause。Thiswasthefirststageof"loveatfirstsight。"
Hewhobowstotheshrineofbeautywhenbeckonedbythismysteriousagentseldomregretsit。Devenantreproachedhimselffornothavingmadeinquiriesconcerningthegirlbeforeheleftthemarketinthemorning。Hisstayinthecitywastobeshort，andtheyellowfeverwasraging，whichcausedhimtofeellikemakingastillearlierdeparture。Thediseaseappearedinaformunusuallysevereandrepulsive。Itseizeditsvictimsfromamongstthemosthealthyofthecitizens。Thedisorderbeganinthebrainbyoppressivepainaccompaniedorfollowedbyfever。Fieryveinsstreakedtheeye，thefacewasinflamedanddyedofadarkdullredcolor;theearsfromtimetotimerangpainfully。Nowmucoussecretionssurchargedthetongueandtookawaythepowerofspeech;
nowthesickonespoke，butinspeakinghadforesightofdeath。
Whentheviolenceofthediseaseapproachedtheheart，thegumswereblackened。Thesleepbroken，troubledbyconvulsions，orbyfrightfulvisions，wasworsethanthewakinghours;andwhenthereasonsankunderadeliriumwhichhaditsseatinthebrain，reposeutterlyforsookthepatient’scouch。Theprogressofthefeverwithinwasmarkedbyyellowishspots，whichspreadoverthesurfaceofthebody。Ifthen，ahappycrisiscamenot，allhopewasgone。Soonthebreathinfectedtheairwithafetidodor，thelipswereglazed，despairpainteditselfintheeyes，andsobs，withlongintervalsofsilence，formedtheonlylanguage。Fromeachsideofthemouth，spreadfoamtingedwithblackandburntblood。Bluestreaksmingledwiththeyellowallovertheframe。Allremedieswereuseless。Thiswastheyellowfever。Thedisorderspreadalarmandconfusionthroughoutthecity。Onanaveragemorethanfourhundreddieddaily。Inthemidstofdisorderandconfusion，deathheapedvictimsonvictims。Friendfollowedfriendinquicksuccession。Thesickwereavoidedfromthefearofcontagion，andforthesamereasonthedeadwereleftunburied。
Nearlytwothousanddeadbodieslayuncoveredintheburial-
ground，withonlyhereandtherealittlelimethrownoverthem，topreventtheairbecominginfected。Thenegro，whosehomeisinahotclimate，wasnotproofagainstthedisease。Manyplantationshadtosuspendtheirworkforwantofslavestotaketheplacesofthosewhohadbeentakenoffbythefever。
CHAPTERXXIII
MEETINGOFTHECOUSINS。
THEclockinthehallhadscarcelyfinishedstrikingthreewhenMr。
Taylorenteredhisowndwelling，afineresidenceinCampStreet，NewOrleans，followedbytheslave-girlwhomhehadjustpurchasedatthenegro-pen。Clotellelookedaroundwildlyasshepassedthroughthehallintothepresenceofhernewmistress。Mrs。
Taylorwasmuchpleasedwithherservant’sappearance，andcongratulatedherhusbandonhisjudiciouschoice。
"But，"saidMrs。Taylor，afterClotellehadgoneintothekitchen，"howmuchshelookslikeMissJaneMorton。"
"Indeed，"repliedthehusband，"Ithought，themomentIsawherthatshelookedliketheMortons。"
"IamsureIneversawtwofacesmorealikeinmylife，thanthatgirl’sandJaneMorton’s，"continuedMrs。Taylor。
Dr。Morton，thepurchaserofMaron，theyoungestdaughterofAgnes，andsistertoIsabella，hadresidedinCampStreet，neartheTaylors，formorethaneightyears，andthefamilieswereonveryintimateterms，andvisitedeachotherfrequently。EveryonespokeofClotelle’scloseresemblancetotheMortons，andespeciallytotheeldestdaughter。Indeed，twosisterscouldhardlyhavebeenmorealike。Thelarge，darkeyes，black，silk-likehair，tall，gracefulfigure，andmouldoftheface，werethesame。
ThemorningfollowingClotelle’sarrivalinhernewhome，Mrs。
Taylorwasconversinginalowtonewithherhusband，andbothwiththeireyesfollowingClotelleasshepassedthroughtheroom。
"Sheisfarabovethestationofaslave，"remarkedthelady。"I
sawher，lastnight，whenremovingsomebooks，openoneandstandoveritamomentasifshewasreading;andsheisaswhiteasI
am。Ialmostsorryyouboughther。"
Atthisjuncturethefrontdoor-bellrang，andClotellehurriedthroughtheroomtoanswerit。
"MissMorton，"saidtheservantasshereturnedtothemistress’
room。
"Askhertowalkin，"respondedthemistress。
"Now，mydear，"saidMrs。Taylortoherhusband，"justlookandseeifyoudonotnoticeamarkedresemblancebetweenthecountenancesofJaneandClotelle。"
MissMortonenteredtheroomjustasMrs。Taylorceasedspeaking。
"HaveyouheardthattheJamisonsaredownwiththefever？"
inquiredtheyounglady，afteraskingaboutthehealthoftheTaylors。
"No，Ihadnot;Iwasinhopesitwouldnotgetintoourstreet;"
repliedMrs。Taylor。
AllthiswhileMr。andMrs。TaylorwerekeenlyscrutinizingtheirvisitorandClotelleandeventhetwoyoungwomenseemedtobeconsciousthattheywereinsomewaytheobjectsofmorethanusualattention。
MissMortonhadscarcelydepartedbeforeMrs。TaylorbeganquestioningClotelleconcerningherearlychildhood，andbecamemorethaneversatisfiedthattheslave-girlwasinsomewayconnectedwiththeMortons。
Everyhourbroughtfreshnewsoftheravagesofthefever，andtheTaylorscommencedpreparingtoleavetown。AsMr。Taylorcouldnotgoatonce，itwasdeterminedthathiswifeshouldleavewithouthim，accompaniedbyhernewmaidservant。JustasMrs。TaylorandClotelleweresteppingintothecarriage，theywereinformedthatDr。Mortonwasdownwiththeepidemic。
Itwasabeautifulday，withafinebreezeforthetimeofyear，thatMrs。Taylorandherservantfoundthemselvesinthecabinofthesplendidnewsteamer"Walk-in-the-Water，"boundfromNewOrleanstoMobile。Everyberthintheboatwadoccupiedbypersonsfleeingfromthefearfulcontagionthatwascarryingoffitshundredsdaily。
Lateintheday，asClotellewasstandingatoneofthewindowsoftheladies’saloon，shewasastonishedtoseenearher，andwitheyesfixedintentlyuponher，thetallyoungstrangerwhomshehadobservedintheslave-marketafewdaysbefore。Sheturnedhastilyaway，buttheheatedcabinandthewantoffreshairsoondroveheragaintothewindow。Theyounggentlemanagainappeared，andcomingtotheendofthesaloon，spoketotheslave-girlinbrokenEnglish。Thisconfirmedherinherpreviousopinionthathewasaforeigner，andsherejoicedthatshehadnotfallenintohishands。
"Iwanttotalkwithyou，"saidthestranger。
"Whatdoyouwantwithme？"sheinquired。
"Iamyourfriend，"heanswered。"Isawyouintheslave-marketlastweek，andregrettedthatIdidnotspeaktoyouthen。I
returnedintheevening，butyouwasgone。"
Clotellelookedindignantlyatthestranger，andwasaboutleavingthewindowagainwhenthequiveringofhislipsandthetremblingofhisvoicestruckherattentionandcausedhertoremain。
"Iintendedtobuyyouandmakeyoufreeandhappy，butIwastoolate，"continuedhe。
"Whydoyouwishtomakemefree？"inquiredthegirl。
"BecauseIoncehadanonlyandlovelysister，whodiedthreeyearsagoinFrance，andyouaresomuchlikeherthathadInotknownofherdeathIshouldcertainlyhavetakenyouforher。"
"HowevermuchImayresembleyoursister，youareawarethatIamnotshe;why，then，takesomuchinterestinonewhomyouhaveneverseenbeforeandmayneverseeagain？"
"Thelove，"saidhe，"whichIhadformysisteristransferredtoyou。"
Clotellehadallalongsuspectedthatthemanwasaknave，andthisprofessionofloveatonceconfirmedherinthatbelief。Shethereforeimmediatelyturnedawayandlefthim。
Hourselapsed。Twilightwasjust"lettingdownhercurtainandpinningitwithastar，"astheslave-girlseatedherselfonasofabythewindow，andbeganmeditatinguponhereventfulhistory，meanwhilewatchingthewhitewavesastheyseemedtosportwitheachotherinthewakeofthenoblevessel，withtherisingmoonreflectingitssilverraysuponthesplendidscene，whentheforeigneroncemoreappearednearthewindow。Althoughagitatedforfearhermistresswouldseehertalkingtoastranger，andbeangry，Clotellestillthoughtshesawsomethinginthecountenanceoftheyoungmanthattoldherhewassincere，andshedidnotwishtohurthisfeelings。
"Whypersistinyourwishtotalkwithme？"shesaid，asheagainadvancedandspoketoher。
"Iwishtopurchaseyouandmakeyouhappy，"returnedhe。
"ButIamnotforsalenow，"shereplied。"Mypresentmistresswillnotsellme，andifyouwishedtodosoeversomuchyoucouldnot。"
"Then，"saidhe，"ifIcannotbuyyou，whenthesteamerreachesMobile，flywithme，andyoushallbefree。"
"Icannotdoit，"saidClotelle;andshewasjustleavingthestrangerwhenhetookfromhispocketapieceofpaperandthrustitintoherhand。
Afterreturningtoherroom，sheunfoldedthepaper，andfound，toherutterastonishmentthatitcontainedaonehundreddollarnoteontheBankoftheUnitedStates。Thefirstimpulseofthegirlwastoreturnthepaperanditscontentsimmediatelytothegiver，butexaminingthepapermoreclosely，shesawinfaintpencil-marks，"Rememberthisisfromonewholovesyou。"Anotherthoughtwastogiveittohermistress，andshereturnedtothesaloonforthatpurpose;butonfindingMrs。Taylorengagedinconversationwithsomeladies，shedidnotdeemitpropertointerrupther。
Again，therefore，Clotelleseatedherselfbythewindow，andagainthestrangerpresentedhimself。Sheimmediatelytookthepaperfromherpocket，andhandedittohim;buthedeclinedtakingit，saying，——
"No，keepit;itmaybeofsomeservicetoyouwhenIamfaraway。"
"WouldthatIcouldunderstandyou，"saidtheslave。
"BelievethatIamsincere，andthenyouwillunderstandme，"
returnedtheyoungman。"Wouldyouratherbeaslavethanbefree？"inquiredhe，withtearsthatglistenedintheraysofthemoon。
"No，"saidshe，"Iwantmyfreedom，butImustliveavirtuouslife。"
"Then，ifyouwouldbefreeandhappy，gowithme。WeshallbeinMobileintwohours，andwhenthepassengersaregoingonshore，youtakemyarm。Haveyourfacecoveredwithaveil，andyouwillnotbeobserved。WewilltakepassageimmediatelyforFrance;youcanpassasmysister，andIpledgeyoumyhonorthatIwillmarryyouassoonaswearriveinFrance。"
Thissolemnpromise，coupledwithwhathadpreviouslybeensaid，gaveClotelleconfidenceintheman，andsheinstantlydeterminedtogowithhim。"Butthen，"thoughtshe，"whatifIshouldbedetected？Iwouldbeforeverruined，forIwouldbesold，andinallprobabilityhavetoendmydaysonacotton，rice，orsugarplantation。"However，thethoughtoffreedominthefutureoutweighedthisdanger，andherresolvewastaken。
Dressingherselfinsomeofherbestclothes，andplacingherveiledbonnetwhereshecouldgetitwithouttheknowledgeofhermistress，Clotelleawaitedwithaheartfilledwiththedeepestemotionsandanxietythemomentwhenshewastotakeastepwhichseemedsorash，andwhichwouldeithermakeorruinherforever。
TheshipswhichleaveMobileforEuropelieaboutthirtymilesdownthebay，andpassengersaretakendownfromthecityinsmallvessels。The"Walk-in-the-Water"hadjustmadeherlinesfast，andthepassengerswerehurryingonshore，whenatallgentlemanwithaladyathissidedescendedthestage-plank，andsteppedonthewharf。ThiswasAntoineDevenantandClotelle。
CHAPTERXXIV
THELAWANDITSVICTIM。
THEdeathofDr。Morton，onthethirddayofhisillness，camelikeashockuponhiswifeanddaughters。Thecorpsehadscarcelybeencommittedtoitsmotherearthbeforenewandunforeseendifficultiesappearedtothem。BythelawsoftheSlaveStates，thechildrenfollowtheconditionoftheirmother。Ifthemotherisfree，thechildrenarefree;ifaslave，thechildrenareslaves。BeingunacquaintedwiththeSoutherncode，andnoonepresumingthatMarionhadanynegrobloodinherveins，Dr。Mortonhadnotgiventhesubjectasinglethought。Thewomanwhomhelovedandregardedashiswifewas，afterall，nothingmorethanaslavebythelawsoftheState。Whatwouldhavebeenhisfeelingshadheknownthatathisdeathhiswifeandchildrenwouldbeconsideredashisproperty？Yetsuchwasthecase。Likemostmenofmeansatthattime，Dr。Mortonwasdeeplyengagedinspeculation，andthoughgenerallyconsideredwealthy，wasverymuchinvolvedinhisbusinessaffairs。
AfterthediseasewithwhichDr。Mortonhadsosuddenlydiedhadtosomeextentsubsided，Mr。JamesMorton，abrotherofthedeceased，wenttoNewOrleanstosettleuptheestate。Onhisarrivalthere，hewaspleasedwithandfeltproudofhisnieces，andinvitedthemtoreturnwithhimtoVermont，littledreamingthathisbrotherhadmarriedaslave，andthathiswidowanddaughterswouldbeclaimedassuch。Thegirlsthemselveshadneverheardthattheirmotherhadbeenaslave，andthereforeknewnothingofthedangerhangingovertheirheads。
AninventoryofthepropertyofthedeceasedwasmadeoutbyMr。
Morton，andplacedinthehandsofthecreditors。Thesepreliminariesbeingarranged，theladies，withtheirrelative，concludedtoleavethecityandresideforafewdaysonthebanksofLakePonchartrain，wheretheycouldenjoyafreshairthatthecitydidnotafford。Astheywereabouttakingthecars，however，anofficerarrestedthewholeparty——theladiesasslaves，andthegentlemanuponthechargeofattemptingtoconcealthepropertyofhisdeceasedbrother。Mr。Mortonwasoverwhelmedwithhorrorattheideaofhisniecesbeingclaimedasslaves，andaskedfortime，thathemightsavethemfromsuchafate。HeevenofferedtomortgagehislittlefarminVermontfortheamountwhichyoungslave-womenoftheirageswouldfetch。Butthecreditorspleadedthattheywerean"extraarticle，"andwouldsellformorethancommonslaves，andmustthereforebesoldatauction。
Theunclewasthereforecompelledtogivethemuptotheofficersofthelaw，andtheywereseparatedfromhim。Jane，theoldestofthegirls，aswehavebeforementioned，wasveryhandsome，bearingacloseresemblancetohercousinClotelle。Alreka，thoughnotashandsomeashersister，wasneverthelessabeautifulgirl，andbothhadalltheaccomplishmentsthatwealthandstationcouldprocure。
Thoughonlyinherfifteenthyear，AlrekahadbecomestronglyattachedtoVolneyLapie，ayoungFrenchman，astudentinherfather’soffice。Thisattachmentwasreciprocated，althoughthepovertyoftheyoungmanandtheextremeyouthofthegirlhadcausedtheirfeelingstobekeptfromtheyounglady’sparents。
Thedayofsalecame，andMr。Mortonattended，withthehopethateitherthemagnanimityofthecreditorsorhisownlittlefarminVermontmightsavehisniecesfromthefatethatawaitedthem。Hishope，however，wasinvain。Thefeelingsofallpresentseemedtobelostinthegeneralwishtobecomethepossessoroftheyoungladies，whostoodtrembling，blushing，andweepingasthenumerousthronggazedatthem，orastheintendedpurchaserexaminedthegracefulproportionsoftheirfairandbeautifulframes。NeitherthepresenceoftheunclenoryoungLapiecouldatalllessenthegrosslanguageoftheofficers，orstaytherudehandsofthosewhowishedtoexaminethepropertythusofferedforsale。Afterafiercecontestbetweenthebidders，thegirlsweresold，onefortwothousandthreehundred，andtheotherfortwothousandthreehundredandfiftydollars。Hadthesegirlsbeenboughtforservantsonly，theywouldinallprobabilityhavebroughtnotmorethanninehundredorathousanddollarseach。Hereweretwobeautifulyounggirls，accustomedtothefondestindulgence，surroundedbyalltherefinementsoflife，andwiththetimidityandgentlenesswhichsuchalifewouldnaturallyproduce，barteredawaylikecattleinthemarketsofSmithfieldorNewYork。
Themother，whowasalsotohavebeensold，happilyfollowedherhusbandtothegrave，andwassparedthepangsofabrokenheart。
Thepurchaseroftheyoungladiesleftthemarketintriumph，andtheuncle，withaheavyheart，startedforhisNewEnglandhome，withnoearthlyprospectofeverbeholdinghisniecesagain。
Theseizureoftheyoungladiesasslaveswastheresultoftheadministrator’shavingfoundamongDr。Morton’spapersthebill-of-saleofMarionwhichhehadtakenwhenhepurchasedher。
Hehaddoubtlessintendedtoliberateherwhenhemarriedher，buthadneglectedfromtimetotimetohavetheproperpapersmadeout。Sadwastheresultofthisnegligence。
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