"You can try it then down yonder. I will ride down to-night or to-morrow, and speak to Mr. Fuller. You can be thinking it over. You have been a good girl--I owe you something. If you can't stand it there--and I know you can't--I will give you papers of manumission and money to take you to Richmond. You have a close mouth--do not speak of this. Well, keep up heart and God bless you." The master and servant parted--the one to ride wearily to his unpeaceful home, the other to journey along more hopefully to the shadeless cabins in the fields. CHAPTER XIV. CHINA--UNCLE MAT'S PRAYER MEETING. Compared to the field-hands, who were little more than heathen and barbarian, our favorite China was a princess. One day and night among them proved to the unhappy girl that her master was in the right--she could not live with them. If she had met with suspicion, jealousy, and envy beneath her master's roof, she could not expect to escape it in her new home, where ignorance and all the baser passions ruled. Toward night on the following day, which was Saturday, the master appeared at the cabins. He found China weeping disconsolately in the shade of a tree. So profoundly was she buried in her grief, she saw not her master until she heard his voice. For many hours had she watched his coming. When she had ceased to look for him, his kind voice aroused her to a momentary gladness. "O, Master Duncan! Master Duncan!" was all she could utter. "Bad enough, yes; I knew how it would be; I knew you would be willing to leave Kennons after you had tried this. I have just returned from Flat Rock; have had all the papers made for you; China, you are a free woman!" "O, Master Duncan! good Master Duncan!" was all she could say again. "Here, China, this is probably the last present I shall ever make you," handing to her a portmonnaie containing a few pieces of silver and gold, as also the invaluable papers of manumission. He withdrew it again as she was extending her hand, remarking: "It is better, however, that it should be in the hands of Mr. Fuller. He is to go with you to-night to Flat Rock. You will remain at the 'Bald Eagle' until the train passes on Monday. You could remain at Petersburg if you chose, but my friends at Richmond can help you. I have written them, and they will see you properly cared for. Mr. Fuller will hand you this"--referring to the portmonnaie--"and you must guard it carefully. It is not sufficient that you carry it in your pocket; you should secrete it in some part of your dress, fastening it securely. You have a needle and thread? Well, then, do as I have told you. Be a good girl--honest and truthful; when I come to Richmond I will see you. There, don't cry now; you can yet be happy. I must have another talk with Fuller;"--seeing that personage approaching--"I shall not see you again; take care of yourself, and good-bye;"--and the master stretched down his hand--for he was still on horseback--which China grasped and presumed to kiss.