"'Deed and 'deed, Miss Claudia, I didn't know what I was a-doing of no more than the dead when I jumped out'n the b'rouche! 'Clare to my Marster in heben I didn't!" whined Sam.
"Perhaps not; but keep out of my way!" repeated Claudia, with her eyes kindling. .
"But please, miss, mayn't I drive you home now?"
"What? after nearly breaking my neck, which was saved only at the cost of this poor boy's life, perhaps?"
"Please, Miss Claudia, I'll be careful another time—"
"Careful of your own life!"
"Please, miss, let me drive you home this once."
"Not to save your soul!"
"But what'll ole Marse say?" cried Sam, in utter dismay.
"That is your affair. I advise you to keep out of his way also! Begone from my sight! Go on, men!" finally ordered Miss Merlin.