“The next morning I sent Ham to the farm on horseback to bring some vegetables. Early in the forenoon we heard a noise as if the running of a horse down the street, and looking out saw Ham coming under heavy pressure, with sails spread. I ran out on the porch, and Ham pulled in opposite the little yard gate. I called to him, and asked what was the trouble. The old darky was so scared that he stammered and made motions, but I could get nothing of an intelligent character from him. I made him dismount, tie up his horse, and come in. By this time the family were all out inquiring into the trouble. Ham sat down on the edge of the porch near the entrance and fanned himself with his hat. Great drops of perspiration were rolling down his face. He seemed to be in much distress. Finally Jennie said to him: “'Ham, where is the lettuce, the asparagus, and the butter we sent you after?' “Ham, finding by this time that he was not dead, essayed to speak. He raised himself to his full height. “'W'y! W'y! Yeas! Yeas! De--de--de--dey done gone!' “'Gone where?' asked Jennie. “'Dey done gone on de road, missus. I jes' tell you-uns dey's Sesh in heah. 'Spec dey got dem, dey eat dem for dey dinner. Dey got dem, sho.' “'Well, what about the “Sesh,” as you call them? “'O, I tole you all 'bout dem. 'Pore de Laud, I mus' rest fust. I is powerful tired, missis--I is.' “'Well, Ham, put up your horse and get over your fright, and then perhaps you can explain more satisfactorily what has happened to you.' “'Yeas, missus, I 'spect dat am de bes' way.' “So, when Ham had cooled off, we had him give us his experience. He said: