Fiction > Book editions > New York, 1885 - Dynamiter

THE FAIR CUBAN. 247
What free man in a free land, would have
credited so sudden a devotion % But this op-
pressor, through the very arts and sophistries
he had abused, to quiet the rebellion of his
conscience and to convince himself that slavery-
was natural, fell like a child into the trap I
laid for him. He praised and thanked me ;
told me I had all the qualities he valued in a
servant ; and when he had questioned me fur-
ther as to the nature and value of the treasure,
and I had once more artfully inflamed his greed,
bade me without delay proceed to carry out
my plan of action.
From a shed in the garden, I took a pick
and a shovel ; and thence, by devious paths
among the magnolias, led my master to the en-
trance of the swamp. I walked first, carrying,
as I was now in duty bound, the tools, and
glancing continually behind me, lest we should
be spied upon and followed. When we were
come as far as the beginning of the path, it
flashed into my mind I had forgotten meat;
and leaving Mr. Caulder in the shadow of a
tree, I returned alone to the house for a basket
of provisions. Were they for him ? I asked
myself. And a voice within me answered, No.
While we were face to face, while I still saw
before my eyes the man to whom I belonged
as the hand belongs to the body, my indigna-
tion held me bravely up. But now that I was