captive from Sedgemore and his child. Robert
Stevens' heart at once went out to these unfortunates, and he resolved
on a scheme to make the father practically free.

"Has the slave been sold?" he asked.

"He has, and I am the purchaser," answered Hull.

"How much did you give for him?"

"Twelve pounds."

"I will give fifty."

"He is already sold," repeated Hull exultingly. He despised Robert
Stevens for his wealth and popularity. To have purchased a slave whom
Robert Stevens wanted, was great glory for Hull.

"Fear not, good man," said Robert to the unfortunate slave. "I have
money enough to purchase your freedom."

Unfortunately those words fell on the ears of Thomas Hull, and he
answered:

"It is the order of the king that all serve their term out, and none be
allowed to purchase their freedom."

"I will give you one hundred pounds for the slave," cried Robert.

"No."

"A thousand!"

"Robert Stevens, for some reason you want this slave restored to
liberty."

"No. Sell him to me, and he shall serve out his term."

"I understand your plan. You would make his servitude a luxury. You
cannot have the slave for a hundred times the sum you offer. By law, the
convict is fairly mine until he hath fully served his term. I am not so
heartless as you deem me. His child can go to my house, where she will
be cared for."

"No, no, no!" cried the captive, his eyes turned appealingly to Robert
Stevens. "You take her; you take her. Go with him, Cora."

The child sprang to the side of Robert Stevens, for already she had come
to dread the man who was her father's master. Hull's face was black with
rage. He bit his lips, but said nothing. With his slave, he hurried
home.

The name of the slave was George Waters, and he was soon to learn the
weight of a master's hand.

Thomas Hull was the owner of negro slaves, as well as white indented
servants, and he made no distinction between them. George Waters, proud,
noble as he was, was set to work with the filthy negroes in the tobacco
fields. The half-savage barbarians, with their ignorance and naturally
low instincts, were intended to humiliate the refined gentleman.

"You is one of us," said a negro. "What am your name?"

"George Waters."

"George--George, dat am my name, too," said the negro, leaning on his
hoe. "D'ye suppose we is brudders?"

"No."

"Well, why is we bofe called George?"

"I don't know."

The overseer came along at this moment and threaten