“‘I take all the blame on myself. If there is to be any more flogging, give it to me.’
“His father pushed him violently aside, and aimed a stroke at the young negro; but Theodoric sprang in front of him and received the descending rod upon his shoulders.
“Was this magnanimity? or was it not rebellion, rather?
“‘Do you presume to dictate to me?’
“‘I do not. I simply protest against an injustice.’
“These were not the words of a boy, nor was the look a boy’s look; but his father, blinded by the odium theologicum, could not see that a man’s spirit shone in those dark, kindling eyes.
“‘How dare you!’ said the father, seizing him by the arm.
“The boy held his ground.
“This resistance maddened Mr. Poythress, and the rod came down with a sounding whack. It was one blow too many!
“Instantly the boy tossed back his head, and folding his arms, met his father’s angry look with one of calm ferocity.