"Wait a minnit," said Atkins, and calling to a sort of foreman, who did his roughest work, he bade him handcuff us.
How fiercely-proud looked the face of Charles, as they fastened the manacles on his wrists.
I made no complaint, nor offered resistance. My heart was maddened. I almost blamed Louise, and chided Henry for not forcing my deliverance. I could have broken the handcuffs, so strongly was I possessed by an unnatural power.
"Git in the 'bus," said the foreman, as he riveted on the last handcuff.
Just as I had taken my seat in the omnibus, Henry came frantically rushing up. The great beads of perspiration stood upon his brow; and his thick, hard breathing, was frightful. Sinking down upon the ground, all he could say was,
"Ann! Ann!"
I rose and stood erect in the omnibus, looking at him, but dared not move one step toward him.
"What is the matter with that nigger?" inquired Atkins, pointing toward Henry. Then addressing the driver, he bade him drive down to the wharf.
"Stop! stop!" exclaimed Henry; "in Heaven's name stop, Mr. Atkins, here's a gentleman coming to buy Ann. Wait a moment."
Just then a tall, grave-looking man, apparently past forty, walked up.