"Why, who else could have done it, doctor?" exclaimed Isabel excitedly. "We all know the colored people have done just such things repeatedly. They are simply awful. They ought to be punished. I for one believe they were a good deal better off in slavery. It's where they belong."
"Isabel!" said Mr. Vernon.
"It's what I believe. The miserable creatures! Of what use are they?"
"I feel the same," cried Winifred. "I think every negro in Freetown ought to be transported to Africa, so we could get Merton forever rid of them. There's no question in my mind that this wretch Williams is guilty; and, if Claude dies, he ought to be hung."
Suddenly the family was startled by a voice from the room where Claude was lying.
"Mother!" he called.
The doctor stepped into the room, followed by the rest.
Claude still lay with his eyes closed. Mrs. Vernon went up and kneeled by him. He feebly moved one of his hands. His mother took it, and, bending her head over it, placed her lips upon it while her tears fell fast.
"Do you know me, Claude?"
"Yes. Tell father and the rest—Burke Williams—Freetown—."