ill some circumstances conspired against me, and then come down upon me
with the whole weight of his malignity. I determined to keep a sharp
lookout upon all his movements, and especially to avoid all cause of
offence myself. I meant to keep myself as straight as I possibly could.

I had time only to run my course through my mind before the supper-bell
was rung at the back door by Mrs. Fishley. Should I go in to supper as
usual, and meet the whole family, including Ham? I answered this
question in the affirmative, deciding that I would not sulk, or make any
unnecessary trouble to any one. I went in, and took my seat as usual at
the table, by the side of Flora. It was a very solemn occasion, for
hardly a word was spoken during the meal. If I had been ugly, I might
have congratulated myself upon the sensation I had produced.

The head of the family sweetened his tea twice, and upset the
milk-pitcher upon the table-cloth, which, under ordinary circumstances,
would have brought forth some sharp criticisms from his wife; but Mrs.
Fishley neglected to express her disapprobation of her spouse's
carelessness, even in the mildest terms. All these things assured me
that our host and hostess were busy thinking of the great event of the
afternoon. The captain looked morose and savage, and Mrs. Fishley looked
as though a new burden, or a new grief, had been added to her heavy load
of worldly cares.

I half suspected that Captain Fishley was not entirely satisfied with
the conduct of either his wife or his son. It was even possible that he
had spoken to them in disapprobation of their course; but I had no means
of knowing. It seemed to me that otherwise father, mother, and son would
have joined in a general jaw at me, as they had often done before.
Whatever good or evil had been wrought by my vigorous action, my
appetite was not impaired. I ate a hearty supper, and then went into the
store for the mail-bag, which was to be carried down to Riverport.

"Are you going after the mail, Buck?" asked Captain Fishley, in an ugly,
taunting tone, which assured me that he had not recovered from the
shock.

"Yes, sir."

"O, you are! I didn't know but you would give up work altogether,"
sneered he, apparently disappointed to find me no longer a rebel.

"I told you I should do my work just as I always did. All I want is fair
treatment for my sister and myself," I replied in the least offensive
tones I could command.

"I expect my brother,