'The same, sir.'
'Well, Mr. Kirke, I'm sorry to say you're just now in d—d pore business.'
'I have been, sir. I've done yours for some years, and I'm heartily ashamed of it. I'll try to mend in that particular, however.'
'Well, no more words, Colonel Dawsey,' said Joe. 'Here's a Derringer, if you'd like a pop at me.'
'Tain't an even chance,' replied Dawsey; 'you know it.'
'Take it, or promise not to whip the woman. I won't waste more time on such a sneaking coward as you are.'
Dawsey hesitated, but finally, in a dogged way, made the required promise, and took himself off.
While this conversation was going on, Preston and the negro man had untied the woman. Her back was bleeding profusely, and she was unable to stand. Lifting her in their arms, the two conveyed her to the top of the bank, and then, making a bed of their coats, laid her on the ground. We remained there until the negro returned from the house with a turpentine wagon, and conveyed the woman 'home.' We then returned to the plantation, and that afternoon, accompanied by Frank and Joe, I resumed my journey.
By way of episode, I will mention that the slave woman, after being confined to her bed several weeks, recovered. Then Dawsey renewed his attack upon her, and, from the effects of a second whipping, she died.