Pompey had originally been a slave, as he showed by his language at times.
"Well, Pompey, have you been to the post-office?"
"Yes, sar."
"I suppose you found a paper for me, didn't you?"
"No, massa, didn't see nothing of no paper," said Pompey; "but I found this letter," and he displayed a letter in a yellow envelope.
"Give it to me."
Mr. Grey took it in his hand, and saw that it was post-marked "Cincinnati." The handwriting he did not recognize. His curiosity was aroused.
"You can go, Pompey," he said, waving his hand.
"I'm gone, massa."
James Grey tore open the letter hastily, and turned at once to the signature.