Engraved on wood by Timothy Cole
GEORGE W. CABLE
Author of “Belles Demoiselles Plantation.”
FROM AN EARLY PORTRAIT BY ABBOTT H. THAYER
Three times more the fond father, thus goaded, managed, by accident—business accident—to see old Charlie and increase his offer; but in vain. He finally went to him formally.
“Eh?” said the deaf and distant relative. “For what you want him, eh? Why you don’t stay where you halways be ’appy? This is a blame’ old rat-hole; good for old Injin Charlie, tha’s all. Why you don’t stay where you be halways ’appy? Why you don’t buy somewhere else?”
“That’s none of your business,” snapped the planter. Truth was, his reasons were unsatisfactory even to himself.
A sullen silence followed. Then Charlie spoke:
“Well, now, look here; I sell you old Charlie’s house.”
“Bien, and the whole block,” said the colonel.