open, the horses harnessed in readiness for "meeting," and the Colonel
pacing to and fro on the piazza, smoking a cigar. He perceived us, and
halted in the doorway.

"So you've brought that d---- bloodthirsty villain into my house!" he
said to Madam P---- in a tone of strong displeasure.

"How could I help it? The negroes are mad, and would kill him anywhere
else," replied the lady, with a certain self-confidence that showed she
knew her power over the Colonel.

"Why should _you_ interfere between them and him? Has he not insulted
you enough to make you let him alone? Can you so easily forgive his
taunting you with"--He did not finish the sentence, but what I had
learned on the previous evening from the old nurse gave me a clue to its
meaning. A red flame flushed the face and neck of the octoroon
woman--her eyes literally flashed fire, and her very breath seemed to
come with pain; in a moment, however, this emotion passed away, and she
quietly said, "Let me settle that in my own way. He has served _you_
well--_you_ have nothing against him that the law will not punish."

"By ----, you are the most unaccountable woman I ever knew," exclaimed
the Colonel, striding up and down the piazza, the angry feeling passing
from his face, and giving way to a mingled expression of wonder and
admiration. The conversation was here interrupted by Jim, who just then
made his appearance, hat in hand.

"Well, Jim, what is it?" asked his master.

"We'se gib'n Sam twenty lashes, ma'am, but he beg so hard, and say he so
sorry, dat I tole him I'd ax you 'fore we gabe him any more."

"Well, if he's sorry, that's enough; but tell him he'll get fifty
another time," said the lady.

"What Sam is it?" asked the Colonel.

"Big Sam, the driver," said Jim.

"Why was he whipped?"

"He told me _you_ were his master, and insisted on whipping Moye,"
replied the lady.

"Did he dare to do that? Give him a hundred, Jim, not one less," roared
the Colonel.

"Yas, massa," said Jim, turning to go.

The lady looked significantly at the negro and shook her head, but said
nothing, and he left.

"Come, Alice, it is nearly time for meeting, and I want to stop and see
Sandy on the way."

"I reckon I wont go," said Madam P----.

"You stay to take care of Moye, I suppose," said the Colonel, with a
slight sneer.

"Yes," replied the lady, "he is badly hurt, and in danger of
inflammation."

"Well, suit yourself. Mr. K----, come, _we'll_ go--you'l