“Not so berry much to begin wid,” said Daph, producing a bit of rag from her pocket, in which some small change, the result of her traffic in chickens, was stored. “Not much money, Massa Cap’in, as you see for yeself; but what do you tink ob dese?” Daph loosened her dress, and showed on her black neck several gold chains, hung with rings of great richness and value, and an old-fashioned necklace, set with precious stones. “What do you tink ob dese, Massa Cap’in?” she repeated, as she displayed her treasures to his astonished sight. Daph had put her valuables on for safe-keeping, doubtless, yet not without a certain satisfaction in wearing articles which so gratified the love of finery common to the black race. The captain looked at the jewelry with a sober, pitying expression, as he said, compassionately, “Poor Daph! If you should offer one of those rich chains for sale in New York, you might be hurried off to jail as a thief, in a twinkling; then what would become of my pets?” Daph betook herself to tears for a few moments, and then rallied, and said, stoutly, “Daph can work for de babies. She’s a strong darky. Heard massa say many a time, Daph would bring a big price. Daph will make heaps of money, and keep young massa and missus libbing like great folks, as dey should.” At this idea, Daph’s face regained all its usual cheerfulness, and she could not be shaken by the further doubts and fears brought forward by Captain Jones. “Keep what you have round your neck safely then, Daph,” said the honest sailor, “and never try to sell them, unless you are ready to starve. Here’s a little purse of solid gold, that I meant as a present for my mother; she, good soul, would rather you had it, I know. This will keep you till you can get a start, and then, may be, you can work for the dear children, as you say. I have an acquaintance in New York, who may let you a room or two, and if she can take you in, you may get along.” “I knew de great Lord would look out for us. His name be praised!” said the poor negro, gratefully, as she kissed the hand of Captain Jones. “Ye wont lose your reward, Massa Cap’in; He’ll reckon wid ye!” and she pointed reverently upwards. “May He reckon with me in mercy, and not count up my sins!” the captain said, solemnly, and then bade Daph “good-night.” IV. The Red House with the Blue Shutters. Captain Jones was a prompt and upright business-man, faithful to his engagements, at any sacrifice. He was pledged to remain in New York the shortest possible space of time, he therefore had not, after attending to necessary business, even an hour to devote to Daph and the little ones. It was a sad moment to him, when he strained Charlie to his breast for the last time, and kissed his “Water-lily,” as he loved to call Louise.