when, some how or
other, Eva lost her balance. She fell right over the side of the boat
into the water.

Tom was standing just under her, on the lower deck, as she fell. In one
moment he sprang after her. The next he had caught her his arms, and was
swimming with her to the boat-side, where eager hands were held out to
take her.

The whole boat was in confusion. Every one ran to help Eva, while the
poor slave went back to his place, unnoticed and uncared for.

But Mr. St. Clare did not forget.

The next day Tom sat on the lower deck, with folded arms, anxiously
watching him as he talked to Haley.

Eva's father was a very handsome man. He was like Eva, with the same
beautiful blue eyes and golden-brown hair. He was very fond of fun and
laughter, and though he had quite made up his mind to buy Tom, he was
now teasing Haley, and pretending to think that he was asking too much
money for him.

[Illustration]

'Papa do buy him, it's no matter what you pay', whispered Eva softly,
putting her arms around her father's neck. 'You have money enough, I
know. I want him.'

'What for, pussy? Are you going to use him for a rattle-box, or a
rocking-horse, or what?'

'I want to make him happy.'

Mr. St. Clare laughed; but after making a few more jokes about it, he
gave Haley the money he asked for, and Tom had a new master.

'Come, Eva,' said Mr. St. Clare, and, taking her hand, went across the
boat to Tom.

'Look up, Tom,' he said to him, 'and see how you like your new master.'

Tom looked up. Mr. St. Clare had such a gay, young, handsome face, that
Tom could not help feeling glad. Grateful tears rushed to his eyes as he
said, 'God bless you, mas'r.'

'Can you drive horses, Tom?'

'I've been allays used to horses,' said Tom.

'Well, I think I'll make you a coachman. But you must not get drunk.'

Tom looked surprised and a little hurt.

'I never drink', mas'r,' he said.

'Never mind, my boy,' said Mr. St. Clare, seeing him look so grave; 'I
don't doubt you mean to do well.'

'I certainly do, mas'r,' said Tom.

'And you shall have good times,' said Eva. 'Papa is very good to
everybody, only he always will laugh at them.'

'Papa is much obliged to you,' said Mr. St. Clare laughing, as he walked
away.

CHAPTER VIII

ELIZA AMONG THE QUAKERS

While Uncle Tom was sailing South, down the wide river, to his new
master's home, Eliza with her boy was travelling north to Canada.

Kind people helped he