"What is the matter, my boy?" "The same old trouble, father, these unfortunate negroes." "Hang 'em; let them go to the d--l, at once. They are not worth all this consarn on your part." "Father, they possess immortal souls, and are a part of Christ's purchase." "Oh, that kind of talk does very well for preachers and church members." "It should do for all humanity." "I doesn't know what pity means whar a nigger is consarned." "And 'tis this feeling in you that has cost me my life." "Confound thar black hides. Every one of 'em that ever growed in Afriky isn't worth that price." "Their souls are as precious in God's eyes as ours, and the laws of man should recognize their lives as valuable." "Oh, now, my boy! don't talk any more 'bout it. It only 'stresses you for nothing." "No, it distresses me for a great deal. For the value of Christ-purchased souls." Mr. Peterkin concluded the argument as he usually did, when it reached a knotty point, by leaving. All that evening I noticed that young master was unusually restless and feverish. His mournful eyes would follow me withersoever I moved about the room. From the constant and earnest movement of his lips, I knew that he was engaged in prayer. When Miss Bradly came in and looked at him, I thought, from the frightened expression of her face, that she detected some alarming symptoms. This apprehension was confirmed by the manner of Dr. Mandy. All the rest of the evening I wandered near Miss Bradly and the doctor, trying to catch, from their conversation, what they thought of young master's condition; but they were very guarded in what they said, well knowing how acutely sensitive Mr. Peterkin was on the subject. Miss Jane and Miss Tildy did not appear in the least anxious or uneasy about him. They sewed away upon their silks and laces, never once thinking that the angel of death was hovering over their household and about to snatch from their embrace one of their most cherished idols. Verily, oh, Death, thou art like a thief in the night; with thy still, feline tread, thou enterest our chambers and stealest our very breath away without one admonition of thy coming!