"No, no! I was afraid to show myself. De men was armed an' I wasn't—an' I didn't want to git in no trouble."
"Where were they taking Jack?"
"I can't say as to dat. I met dem on the ole mill trail near de blasted tree."
"You saw nobody else around?"
"No, missus."
"It is very strange why Jack should be carried off in this fashion. I wish you had followed them and seen what became of my boy."
"Perhaps I kin follow dem by de trail, missus. Ise putty good at dat."
"Then do so by all means, and I will reward you for your work."
"T'ank yo,' missus; yo' was always de lady to remember poor niggers."
"If you wish, you can take Old Ben with you. He is good at trailing, too."