the factory, to see what this intelligent chattel had been
about. He was received with great enthusiasm by the employer, who
congratulated him on possessing so valuable a slave. He was waited
upon over the factory, shewn the machinery by George, who, in high
spirits, talked so fluently, held himself so erect, looked so handsome
and manly, that his master began to feel an uneasy consciousness of
inferiority. What business had his slave to be marching round the
country, inventing machines, and holding up his head among gentlemen?
He'd soon put a stop to it. He'd take him back, and put him to hoeing
and digging, and "see if he'd step about so smart." Accordingly, the
manufacturer and all hands concerned were astounded when he suddenly
demanded George's wages, and announced his intention of taking him
home.

"But, Mr Harris," remonstrated the manufacturer, "isn't this rather
sudden?"

"What if it is? Isn't the man _mine_?"

"We would be willing, sir, to increase the rate of compensation."

"No object at all, sir. I don't need to hire any of my hands out,
unless I've a mind to."

"But, sir, he seems peculiarly adapted to this business."

"Daresay he may be; never was much adapted to anything that I set him
about, I'll be bound."

"But only think of his inventing this machine," interposed one of the
workmen, rather unluckily.

"O yes!--a machine for saving work, is it? He'd invent that, I'll be
bound; let a nigger alone for that any time. They are all
labour-saving machines themselves, every one of 'em. No, he shall
tramp!"

'George had stood like one transfixed at hearing his doom thus
suddenly pronounced by a power that he knew was irresistible. He
folded his arms, tightly pressed in his lips, but a whole volcano of
bitter feelings burned in his bosom, and sent streams of fire through
his veins. He breathed short, and his large dark eyes flashed like
live coals; and he might have broken out into some dangerous
ebullition, had not the kindly manufacturer touched him on the arm,
and said, in a low tone: "Give way, George: go with him for the
present. We'll try to help you yet."

'The tyrant observed the whisper, and conjectured its import, though
he could not hear what was said; and he inwardly strengthened himself
in his determination to keep the power he possessed over his victim.
George was taken home, and put to the meanest drudgery of the farm. He
had been able to repress every disrespectful word; but the