“Lawd! Lawd! She’ll skin you!” They looked at him admiringly. Only Sandy shook his head. “Not good!” was his only comment. And Frederick, sitting there on the empty box, agreed with Sandy. * * * * * Mrs. Freeland’s cane slipped to the floor as the door closed behind the two slaves. Her hand was shaking. Her son was puzzled as he bent to pick up the cane. “Mother, you have upset yourself. I’m so sorry. But I declare I don’t see why.” The small white head jerked up. “You don’t! So this is your idea of better material. That--That mongrel!” Her words were vehement. “Oh, Mother! For heaven’s sake!” The scene he had witnessed suddenly took on meaning. Was “bad blood” getting to be an obsession with her? “Strutting in here with his airs and impudence!” “I’ll confess he is a little cocky.” Then he sought to mollify her. “He’s probably been spoilt. I told you he was from Colonel Lloyd’s place. He’s not just a common hand.” She managed to control the trembling of her lips. _I must not fight with William._ She pressed back her tears and got to her feet. “Keep him, if you like. He looks strong. Only I will not have him in the house.” She started across the floor, her cane muffled by the rug. In the hallway she turned. “I don’t like him. A nigger who looks you straight in the eye is dangerous. Send Tessie to me!” The keys hanging at her side rattled. She ascended the stairs, the cane taps growing fainter. “I’ll be damned!” He spoke the words under his breath, looking after her. Then, returning to the room, he reached for his pipe. Standing there, he crushed the bits of dried tobacco leaf into its bowl. “Wonder if the old girl’s right.” He sat a while smoking before he went out back. He forgot about Tessie. The folks in the yard were surprised when Frederick was sent to the fields. Obviously he had been considered for houseboy. Then, after he offended Old Missus, they thought he would go scuttling. But, after a time, Master William came stomping into the yard. He wore his high boots and he carried his riding crop. In a loud voice he asked where that boy was hiding. One little pickaninny began to whimper. Everybody thought that boy was going to get it. But he came right on out of the barn. The master just stood there, waiting, drawing the whip through his hands. He didn’t say anything until the boy was quite close. Then he spoke so low they couldn’t hear. “Do you want to work on my place?” Frederick was so surprised by the question that he barely managed to gasp, “Oh, yes, sir! I do, sir!” The master’s next words were louder. “Then get down to the bottom tract.” He pointed with his whip. “And hurry!” he almost shouted. Without another word the boy streaked off across the field. Master William yelled for his horse and went riding lickety-split after him. The yard folks stared: _Well!_ * * * * *