"I do not believe in it, Mr. Whipple."
The Judge shot out of his chair like a long jack-in-the box, and towered to his full height.
"Mr. Brice, did you, or did you not, buy a woman at auction to-day?"
"I did, sir."
Mr. Whipple literally staggered. But Stephen caught a glimpse of the
Colonel's hand slipping from his chin cover his mouth.
"Good God, sir!" cried the Judge, and he sat down heavily. "You say that you are an Abolitionist?"
"No, sir, I do not say that. But it does not need an Abolitionist to condemn what I saw this morning."
"Are you a slave-owner, sir?" said Mr. Whipple.
"Yes, sir."
"Then get your coat and hat and leave my office, Mr. Brice."