"She is owned by one man, who would not part with her, as she once belonged to a dear friend of his."
Every effort was made by Walter and his crew, by prowling round in the night, to discover the place of Peterson's confinement.
They cultivated the acquaintance of the negroes, who for their long residence on the estate, and supposed devotion to their master's interests, were promoted to the office of night watchmen, in hopes something might drop from them to throw light on the matter, while, at the same time, they dared not commit themselves by inquiry. The captain also became more and more intimate with Lemaire and the overseer, but all to no purpose, till at length the matter grew serious. The vessel was discharged, would soon begin to load, and there would be no longer any excuse for remaining.
One night, as Walter lay feverish and wakeful in his berth, his mechanical turn furnished him with an excuse for prolonging his stay.
"Monsieur," said he the next day to Lemaire, "I thought you wanted a new house for your overseer."
"So I do; but these frames are not large enough."
"Put three of them together, one on top of the other, and the third for a porch."
"That would be a great deal of work."
"I'll do it for you with my crew, if you will find us, and pay us moderate wages, cover the outside, lay the floors, and shingle the roofs."
To this the planter agreed, and forthwith all hands went to work, but in a manner very much resembling that of the negroes, as they desired to prolong the time.