Rosco saw at once the absurdity of giving way to anger, and restrained himself.
“But you cannot restrain my voice, Ebony,” he continued, “and I promise you that I will shout till I am heard.”
“Shout away, massa, much as you please. Bu’st you’s lungs if you like, for you’s in de bow’ls ob de hill here.”
Rosco felt that he was in the negro’s powers and remained silent.
“I’s berry sorry to leave you tied up,” said Ebony, rising to quit the place, “but when men is foolish like leetil boys, dey must be treat de same. De straw will keep you comf’rable. I daren’t leave de torch, but I’ll soon send you food by a sure messenger, and come back myself soon as iver I can.”
“Stay, Ebony, I’m at your mercy, and as no good can come of my remaining bound, I must give in. Will you unbind me if I promise to remain quiet?”
“Wid pleasure,” said the negro cheerfully, as his glistening teeth showed themselves. “You promise to wait here till I come for you?”
“I promise.”
“An’ you promise not to shout?”
“I do.”