've seen more than double your years, I
reckon, and I never seen a man come from the free states that wasn't a
little teched with abolitionism. It's nateral like and onnateral to change
their mind so mighty soon. So I advise you to keep your opinions to
yourself for a spell, any way. A heap on 'em come here, and are surprised
not to find a whippin' post stuck up in a corner of every yard. I don't
say you are one of 'em; but we don't think no better of a body when they
jine in with us so soon."

This speech somewhat disconcerted young Raymond, who was anxious to get
into Mr. Middleton's good graces; but his discomfiture was soon removed by
his saying, "Boy, don't take what I've said in high dudgeon. Folks allus
see the roughest side of me first; I'm a friend to you, and allus will be
as long as you do well." Then chancing to think his guests were hungry, he
called out, "Saints and angels! Why don't you bring in supper, you lazy
bones thar in the kitchen? Do you hear?"

"Yes, marster," said three or four negroes at once, "supper'll be ready
d'rectly."

In a few moments the nicely-cooked spare-rib was smoking on the table,
together with hot coffee, boiled turnips and egg bread, which Southern
cooks know so well how to make. Besides this there was the golden-colored
butter, white flaky honeycomb, and the Sunday pitcher overflowing with
rich creamy milk. "Come, boys, set by and have some fodder!" said Mr.
Middleton.

The young gentlemen took their seats at the table and Mr. Middleton
continued, "Now lay into 't and help yourselves. I ain't used to perlite
strains, and if I should try you'd all larf at me--mebby you want to now.
Tempest say's I'm enough to make a dog larf."

"Who is Tempest? One of your servants?" asked Stanton.

"Christopher Columbus! One of my servants!" answered Mr. Middleton. "How
Tempest would rar to hear that. Why, she's my oldest gal."

"I beg your pardon," said Stanton.

"Not a bit on't," answered Mr. Middleton. "I don't wonder you thought so,
such an oudun name! Her real name is Julia, but I call her Tempest, 'case
that's jist like her. She's a regular thunderstorm of lightning, hail and
iron slugs. You'll see her in Frankfort. Goin' into the law thar, are
you?"

Stanton answered that he thought he should.

"Well," said Mr. Middleton, "I'll give you all my suits, just because you
wouldn't drink and tell a lie to that little gal at home. I despise liars.
Let me catch a body telling me a li