“Yes, sah,” was the reply; and it was given with such calm dignity that colour, the half-nude figure, and the blur of slavery were forgotten by the lookers-on, and the feeling of wonder at the lieutenant’s treatment of their guide died out.
“How came you here?” said the lieutenant quietly.
“There was war, sah, and my people were beaten. There were many prisoners, and we were sold to the man—sold.”
“Hah! Hard—very hard for you,” said the lieutenant, looking at their guide thoughtfully. “How long is that ago?”
“Twenty year, sah.”
“And you have been this Mr Huggins’s slave ever since?”
“No, sah; not long time. Caesar sold free time before Mr Allen bought me; and he was good massa. He call me Caesar, and make me lub him.”
“Not for christening you Caesar, of course. Then he treated you well?”
“Yes, sah. Then Massa Huggin come and make Massa Allen like slave.”
“Indeed! Well, I have heard something of this from Mr Allen himself, and you will most likely see that this slave-driving scoundrel’s reign is over. Do you understand my English?”