“How can I assist?” said Mrs. Willmington, “I think of it!” she ran hastily out of the room, and returned a few moments afterwards, with a large knife.
With this, she cut the cords which bound the limbs of the unfortunate Jack. A task of no little labour, for those who secured him, had done so with a marvellous amount of skill and success.
“Do the rest for yourself, now,” she said, when she had completed part of the work.
Jack required no exhortation, but as soon as his arms were free, he began with all his might to pluck out the number of things, with which his not incapacious mouth had been filled.
“Tenk Gad,” he cried, as he nimbly jumped on his legs, and shook himself like a newfoundland dog coming from the water.
“Where is your master?” quickly inquired Mrs. Willmington.
“Me massa, ma’am!” answered Jack in the manner that is rather peculiar to his class.
“Yes, your master; and where are the other servants?” Mrs. Willmington asked again.
“Dem gane?” asked Jack again, in his turn.
“Who, gone?” inquired Mrs. Willmington.