"Of course," the Carolinian answered; "how else would you keep the black rascals in subjection? Are we not horrified almost every week by reports of some of their outrages? Swamps and canebrakes have become the haunts of runaway blacks, who, having murdered their master, seek to wreck vengeance on innocent children or women."
Mr. Tompkins started at these assertions, as though he felt a pang at his heart.
"My friend, what you say is true, too true," he said; "but is the master always blameless? The negro possesses feelings, and even a beast may be goaded to madness. Is it not an unrighteous system which is crushing and cursing our beloved country?"
"What system?"
"Slavery."
"Why, sir, you are a singular slave-holder," cried the Southerner. "Are you going to turn a Martin Van Buren and join the Free-soilers?"
"There is a great deal in that question, sir, outside of politics. I believe in slavery, else I would not own a slave; but, if our slaves are to be treated as animals, it were better if the institution were abolished."
"How would you treat them?"
"Discharge the overseers, to begin with."
"I am sure, you would fail."