ing on that star-beam, came the solemn words, "I am the
root and offspring of David, and the bright and morning star." The
mysterious warnings and intimations of Cassy, so far from discouraging
his soul, in the end had roused it as with a heavenly call. He did not
know but that the day of his death was dawning in the sky; and his heart
throbbed with solemn throes of joy and desire, as he thought that the
wondrous _all_, of which he had often pondered,--the great white throne,
with its ever radiant rainbow; the white-robed multitude, with voices as
many waters; the crowns, the palms, the harps,--might all break upon
his vision before that sun should set again. And, therefore, without
shuddering or trembling, he heard the voice of his persecutor, as he
drew near.

"Well, my boy," said Legree, with a contemptuous kick, "how do you find
yourself? Didn't I tell yer I could larn yer a thing or two? How do yer
like it--eh? How did yer whaling agree with yer, Tom? An't quite so
crank as ye was last night. Ye couldn't treat a poor sinner, now, to a
bit of sermon, could ye,--eh?"

Tom answered nothing.

"Get up, you beast!" said Legree, kicking him again.

This was a difficult matter for one so bruised and faint; and, as Tom
made efforts to do so, Legree laughed brutally.

"What makes ye so spry, this morning, Tom? Cotched cold, may be, last
night."

Tom by this time had gained his feet, and was confronting his master
with a steady, unmoved front.

"The devil, you can!" said Legree, looking him over. "I believe you
haven't got enough yet. Now, Tom, get right down on yer knees and beg my
pardon, for yer shines last night."

Tom did not move.

"Down, you dog!" said Legree, striking him with his riding-whip.

"Mas'r Legree," said Tom, "I can't do it. I did only what I thought was
right. I shall do just so again, if ever the time comes. I never will do
a cruel thing, come what may."

"Yes, but ye don't know what may come, Master Tom. Ye think what you've
got is something. I tell you 'tan't anything,--nothing 't all. How
would ye like to be tied to a tree, and have a slow fire lit up around
ye;--wouldn't that be pleasant,--eh, Tom?"

"Mas'r," said Tom, "I know ye can do dreadful things; but,"--he
stretched himself upward and clasped his hands,--"but, after ye've
killed the body, there an't no more ye can do. And O, there's all
ETERNITY to come, after that!"

ETERNITY,--the word thrilled through the black man's soul wi