"Dun know; hain't nothing to sell 'cept my t'other hat and a bushel of hickory-nuts," answered Bob; "but I reckon how marster ax about five hundred, 'case I's right spry when I hain't got the rheumatiz."
"Got the rheumatiz, have you, Bob? Where?"
"In my belly, sar," answered Bob. Here the young men burst into a loud laugh, and Raymond said, "Five hundred is cheap, Bob; I'll give more than that."
Bob opened his large white eyes to their utmost extent, and looking keenly at Raymond slowly quitted the room. [pg 084] On reaching the kitchen he told Aunt Judy, who was his mother, "that ef marster ever acted like he was goin' for to sell him to that ar chap, what poked fun at him, he'd run away, sartin."
"And be cotched and git shet up," said Aunt Judy.
"I'd a heap rather be shet up 'tarnally than to 'long to anybody 'sides Marster Josh," said Bob.
During breakfast Mr. Middleton suddenly exclaimed, while looking at Stanton, "I've been tryin' ever since you've been here to think who you look like, and I've jest thought. It's Dr. Lacey."
"Who, sir?" said Stanton in some surprise.
"Dr. Lacey. D'ye know him?" asked Mr. Middleton.
"Dr. Lacey of New Orleans?" asked Stanton.