"I do."
"Then promise me that you will instantly manumit your slaves."
Mr. Peterkin hesitated a moment.
"Father, I shall not die happy, if you refuse me."
"Then I promise faithfully to do it."
A glad smile broke over the sufferer's face, like a sunbeam over a snow-cloud.
"Now, at least I can die contentedly! God will bless your effort, and a great weight has been removed from my oppressed heart."
Dr. Mandy now entered the room; and, taking young master's hand within his own, began to count the pulsations. A very ominous change passed over his face.
"Oh, doctor," cried the patient, "I read from your countenance the thoughts that agitate your mind; but do not fear to make the disclosure to my friends even here. It will do me no harm. I know that my hours are numbered; but I am willing, nay, anxious to go. Life has been one round of pain, and now, as I am about to leave the world, I take with me a blessed assurance that I have not lived in vain. Doctor, I call upon you, and all the dear ones here present, to witness the fact that my father has most solemnly promised me to liberate each of his slaves and never again become the holder of such property? Father, do you not promise before these witnesses?"
"I do, my child, I do," said the weeping father.