"Two things surprise me," Clayton said; "that Joe Johnson would venture to raid Dover itself after the licking I got him; and that free darkeys could make such a defence."
"Ah! John Clayton," spoke Jonathan Hunn, "there was a white witness there, to affirm that they only defended their lives."
"It was Captain Van Dorn that raided Dover," Levin spoke; "Joe Johnson is a coward."
"Judge Custis," said Mr. Clayton, "you and I can save this peninsula, at least, from the sectional excitements that are coming. You must surrender to Delaware old Patty Cannon and her household. She now lives on your side of the line. Come over to the Governor's office with me, and I will get a requisition for her on the business of last night. Young Dennis here knows the band; friend Hunn saw the attack."
Judge Custis's face grew suddenly troubled.
"Clayton," he said, "I would rather not appear in this matter. Indeed, you must excuse me."
"What!" said Clayton; "hesitate to do a little thing like this, after the free opinions you have expressed?"
There was a long, awkward pause. The Quaker arose, and, looking well at Judge Custis, said:
"None but Almighty God knows the secrets of a slave-holder's mind. No son of Adam is fit to be absolute over any human creature."
"Amen!" Judge Custis said, meekly.