gerous devil; the police
are after her, besides, for a whole series of murders; but after all,
what then? To be sure, she has a great influence with you coloured folk.
But what in fortune's name can be her errand here?"

"The jewels," I replied. "Ah, sir, had you seen that treasure, sapphire
and emerald and opal, and the golden topaz, and rubies, red as the
sunset--of what incalculable worth, of what unequalled beauty to the
eye!--had you seen it, as I have, and alas! as _she_ has--you would
understand and tremble at your danger."

"She has seen them!" he cried, and I could see by his face that my
audacity was justified by its success.

I caught his hand in mine. "My master," said I, "I am now yours; it is
my duty, it should be my pleasure, to defend your interests and life.
Hear my advice then; and, I conjure you, be guided by my prudence.
Follow me privily; let none see where we are going; I will lead you to
the place where the treasure has been buried; that once disinterred, let
us make straight for the boat, escape to the mainland, and not return to
this dangerous isle without the countenance of soldiers."

What free man in a free land would have credited so sudden a devotion?
But this oppressor, through the very arts and sophistries he had abused,
to quiet the rebellion of his conscience and to convince himself that
slavery was natural, fell like a child into the trap I laid for him. He
praised and thanked me; told me I had all the qualities he valued in a
servant; and when he had questioned me further as to the nature and
value of the treasure, and I had once more artfully inflamed his greed,
bade me, without delay, proceed to carry out my plan of action.

From a shed in the garden I took a pick and shovel; and thence, by
devious paths among the magnolias, led my master to the entrance of the
swamp. I walked first, carrying, as I was now in duty bound, the tools,
and glancing continually behind me, lest we should be spied upon and
followed. When we were come as far as the beginning of the path, it
flashed into my mind I had forgotten meat; and leaving Mr. Caulder in
the shadow of a tree, I returned alone to the house for a basket of
provisions. Were they for him? I asked myself. And a voice within me
answered, No. While we were face to face, while I still saw before my
eyes the man to whom I belonged as the hand belongs to the body, my
indignation held me bravely up. But now that I was alone, I conceived a
si