'Neber seed him afore, massa, but hab heern ob him.'
'How is it that you have lived in Georgetown for five years, and he only seventy miles off, and you never have seen him?'
'I cud hab seed him, massa, good many time, ef I'd liked, but darkies hab to be careful.'
'Careful of what?'
'Careful ob who dey knows; good many bad niggas 'bout.'
'Pshaw, Scip, you're "coming de possum;" that game won't work with me. There isn't a better nigger than Jim in all South Carolina. I know him well.'
'P'raps he am; reckon he am a good enuff nigga.'
'Good enough nigga, Scip! Why, I tell you he's a splendid fellow; just as true as steel. He's been North with the Colonel, often, and the Abolitionists have tried to get him away; he knew he could go, but wouldn't budge an inch.'
'I knew he wouldn't,' said the darky, a pleasurable gleam passing through his eyes; 'dat sort don't run; dey face de music!'
'Why don't they run? What do you mean?'