s and gave him a motherly hug, while I stood
amongst the trees speechless.

"Missie cry her eyes cos she whip Pompey?"

"Yes, my poor boy," cried Sarah. "But his father shall know. Ah, you
may well stop in hiding, sir; it's a shame." Then, ever so much louder,
"It's a shame!"

"Don't 'cold Massa George, missie," said Pompey. "Him nebber do
nuffin."

"Do nothing, indeed!" cried Sarah. "You come along in with me, and I'm
very, very sorry I whipped you."

"Pompey done mind, missie," said the boy, showing his teeth.

"There, you're a very good, forgiving boy," said Sarah, as she caught up
the uniform to take it in; "and I wish I could forgive myself."

Then, catching Pomp by the arm, she led him into the house, from which
he soon after returned with a corn-cake and half a pot of prime jam of
Sarah's own make.

And there I stood all the time thinking seriously among the trees, and
unable to make up my mind what to do. If I did not speak, I should bear
the blame, and Sarah would remain angry with me. If I told all, poor
Hannibal, who had been led into the indulgence in a bit of vanity by his
boy, would be in disgrace, and I knew that the poor fellow would feel it
keenly. If I did not tell all, that young rascal would triumph in his
cunning and deceit, and enjoy letting me have the credit of playing the
trick on Sarah.

"I will tell," I said, sharply, as I saw Pomp come out licking his thick
lips, and enjoying the jam.

Then I thought of how patiently he had borne Sarah's blows, so as to
save his father from getting into disgrace, and that disarmed me again;
so that my mind see-sawed about in the most tiresome way, till I gave up
in despair, coming to no conclusion, and leaving the matter to settle
itself, but determined to give Master Pomp a good thrashing soon, so as
to get some satisfaction out of the affair.

"Pomp," I said, half aloud, "Pomp. Yes, I called him Pomp; and after
what I saw in the hut I ought to call old Hannibal Vanity. So I will--
Pomp and Vanity. I wish I could make up my mind what to do."

I had something else to think of the next moment, for I heard a shout,
and Hannibal himself came running along the path from the stream.

"Hi--hi--Mass' George!" he shouted, breathlessly.

"What's the matter?" I said, running towards the house to get a gun.
"Here, quick, come in here."

I strained my eyes as I ran, expecting to see Indians in pursuit of him,
but he alone was visible, and h