As soon as Wool had gone and the good woman was left alone with the sailor, she stooped and said:
"I did not wish to inquire before the servant man, but, my good sir, I do not know whether it is right to buy from you!"
"Why so, ma'am?" asked the sailor, with an injured look.
"Why, I am afraid—I am very much afraid you risk your life and liberty in an unlawful trade!"
"Oh, ma'am, on my soul, these things are honestly come by, and you have no right to accuse me!" said the sailor, with a look of subdued indignation.
"I know I haven't, and I meant no harm, but did these goods pass through the custom house?"
"Oh, ma'am, now, that's not a fair question!"
"It is as I suspected! I cannot buy from you, my good friend. I do not judge you—I don't know whether smuggling is right or wrong, but I know that it is unlawful, and I cannot feel free to encourage any man in a traffic in which he risks his life and liberty, poor fellow!"
"Oh, ma'am," said the sailor, evidently on the brink of bursting into laughter, "if we risk our lives, sure, it's our own business, and if you've no scruples on your own account, you needn't have any on ours!"
While he was speaking the sound of many shuffling feet was heard along the passage, and the room was soon half filled with colored people come in to deal with the sailor.