I followed him out, and we went in to our breakfast, where the position was pretty well discussed.
“Let them be, poor wretches,” said my father at last. “By and by, perhaps, they will find out that all white people do not mean evil by them. It is very unfortunate, and I had made a vow that I would never have a slave, and here I am with two of my own purchasing.”
As soon as I could get away, I hurried off to the shed to hear a quick rustling sound as I neared the door, and I got to the opening time enough to see some of the corn-stalks in motion, betraying where the boy had rushed off to on hearing my steps.
I did not make a rush after him, for fear of making him more wild, but took up the bowl to find it empty, and I looked at our invalid and laughed. But he made no sign, only gazed at me with the same weary sullen look, and I went away feeling a little disheartened.
“Hullo, Master George, been to see my deppyties?” said Morgan. “I was just going to look at ’em. That big black isn’t going to die, is he?”
I turned back with him to the door of the shed, and he stood gazing in.
“No; he won’t die this time. But I don’t much like his looks, Master George. Seems the sort of fellow to turn ugly and knock me down with the big hoe, and I shan’t like that, nor my wife neither. Where’s young smutty?”
“Under the corn-stalks in the corner.”
“What, hiding?”
“Yes.”