Pedlar. Want a good cane to-day, sir? Here’s one from Goat Island,—very good, sir,—straight and neat,—only one dollar. I’ve a wife and nine small children,—youngest is nursing, and the oldest only three years old. Here’s a cane from Table Rock, sir. Please buy one! I’ve had no breakfast to-day. My wife’s got the rheumatics, and the children’s got the measles. Come, sir, do buy a cane! I’ve a lame shoulder, and can’t work.
Mr. White. Will you stop your confounded talk, and let me alone? Don’t you see that I am sketching? You’ve spoiled a beautiful scene for me, with your nonsense.
Enter 2d Pedlar, R.
2d Pedlar. Want any bead bags, or money purses? These are all real Ingen bags, made by the Black Hawk Ingens. Here’s a pretty bag, sir, only 75 cents. Here’s a money purse, 50 cents. Please, sir, buy something! My wife’s got the fever and ague, and the house is full of children, and they’re all sick. Come, sir, do help a worthy man!
Mr. White. Will you hold your tongue? You’ve spoiled some of the finest pictures in the world. Don’t you see that I am sketching?
[Exit Pedlars, R., grumbling.
I am glad those fellows have gone; now I’ll go a little further up the shore, and see if I can find another boat. I want to get over.
[Exit, L.
Enter Dr. Gaines, Scragg, and an Officer.
Officer. I don’t think that your slaves have crossed yet, and my officers will watch the shore below here, while we stroll up the river. If I once get my hands on them, all the Abolitionists in the State shall not take them from me.