"'The children of a slave belong to the owner of the mother.' In other words," added the lawyer, as he replaced the book in his pocket, "Mr. Leslie is your master as well as your father; you are, therefore, his property, and that of his creditors."
"Father!" cried Cora, wildly; "do you hear what this man says? You are silent! Oh, Heaven, it is then true?"
For a moment her anguish overcame her; then, turning to Craig, she said:
"What, then, would you do with me, sir?"
"Alas, my poor child," answered Silas, with affected compassion, "you will be sold with the others."
With a shriek of horror the Octoroon buried her face upon her father's breast.
"Sold!" she exclaimed, in a stifled voice; "sold!"
The mulatto Toby stood by, contemplating the scene with mute despair.
"Mr. Craig," said Gerald Leslie, "will not all that I possess suffice to pay the debt I owe? Why this useless cruelty? Do you fear that the produce of the sale will not be enough to repay you? If it should be so, I swear to you that I will employ the last hour of my life to endeavor to liquidate your claim. If, then, there yet remains one sentiment of pity in your heart, do not rob me of my child!"
"If I were disposed to grant your prayer, Mr. Leslie," answered Silas, "the law is inexorable. All must be sold."