The “poor white” was the first one that was questioned.
“Who are you?” asked Biassou.
“I am Jacques Belin, carpenter to the Hospital of the Fathers, at Cap.”
Surprise and shame struggled for the mastery in the features of the general.
“Jacques Belin!” repeated he, biting his lips.
“Yes,” replied the carpenter; “do you not recognize me?”
“Begin,” retorted the general, furiously, “by recognizing me and saluting me.”
“I do not salute my slave,” replied the carpenter, sturdily.
“Your slave, wretch!” cried the general.
“Yes,” replied the carpenter; “yes, I was your first master, you pretend not to recognize me, but remember, Jean Biassou, that I sold you for thirty piastres in the Saint Domingo slave market.”