"Oh, he is well," said the mulatto.
"What else have you to say?" asked Abner.
"Your father is George W. Tompkins, who lives on a plantation near Snagtown?"
"Yes. What of him?"
"Oh, he's well, too."
"Well, if you have anything to say, say it and be off," said Abner.
"Your sister as you call her, who was left at your door when a baby—"
"What of her?" cried Abner, eagerly. "Do you know anything of her?"
"Yes, she is well, too."
Abner, who had been started from his seat in his eagerness, sank back, and looked at his visitor in blank amazement. At length he said, sternly: "If you have nothing of importance to communicate, leave me. I have no time for pleasantry. From your manner I expected news—bad news—"