"Now let me see the rooms," said Mr. North. "I suppose my man may as well carry the traps up stairs now—the place is certain to suit me."
Caleb looked at the stylish colored individual who was leaning, in a graceful attitude, over the luggage, and a brilliant idea struck him.
"I say you," he called, "I've got a ticket that'll just suit you, Mr.——What's your name?"
"If you are redressing me," replied the sable gentleman, majestically, "my name is Mr. Julius Hannibal."
"Want to know!" said Caleb. "Wal, here's an invite that was just meant for a fine-looking chap like you."
Caleb drew one of the notes from his pocket, and held it out. Hannibal took it with considerable dignity, doubtful how to receive such unceremonious compliments.
"You are in luck, Ju," said his master. "What's it all about, Mr. Benson?"
"Why, Mr. Mellen—he's one of our rich men down here—is going to be married this week, so his servants thought they'd have a blow-out to-night, for fear they wouldn't get the chance after the new mistress comes."
"Go, by all means," said North, almost eagerly. "Make all the friends you can, Ju, for we shall be here a good deal—go, certainly."
Hannibal drew himself up, bowed to his master, and said to Caleb in a stately way——