"I was a strolling player," the man answered, his fine tragic eyes fixed firmly on the officers. "My company had reached a town one day, in which we were to play at night, and just as I was getting ready to go to the theatre, the Duke of Monmouth entered. He was on his way to Sedgemore, and I was forced to join him. My child followed on foot and watched the battle as it raged. When it was over I could have escaped, had I not come upon Cora, who was seeking me. I took her up in my arms and was hurrying away, when the cavalry of the enemy overtook me and I was made a prisoner."
The simple story made an impression on all who heard it save the obdurate master. The magistrate asked the slave what he would have done with his child.
"Let her stay in the colony until my term of service is ended, then I will labor to remunerate any who would keep her."
At this Hull said he would take the maid, and she might always be near the father. All who knew Hull looked with suspicion on the proposition.
A new-comer had arrived on the scene. This was a young man of about the same age as the prisoner. He was a wealthy Virginian named Robert Stevens, noted for his kindness of heart and charity. He did not arrive on the scene until after the indented slave had been sold; but he soon heard the story of the captive from Sedgemore and his child. Robert Stevens' heart at once went out to these unfortunates, and he resolved on a scheme to make the father practically free.
"Has the slave been sold?" he asked.
"He has, and I am the purchaser," answered Hull.
"How much did you give for him?"
"Twelve pounds."