the program to take place that nobody
on the grounds knows anything about except Mrs. LeMonde and myself. I
request at this time that my son George go to the slaves' gathering and
bring back with him my servant Mose."

Without a moment's hesitation George started to do the errand his
father asked. By the time the ices had disappeared the white man and
the black man came on to the lawn. A look of curiosity and wonder
passed over the company, and all gazed in the direction of the Judge
and his servant.

As to Mose he was much taken aback. He appeared confused and
bewildered. He thought it was not possible that his master would blame
him for neglecting some duty or doing a bad deed on such a day and
before such a company.

The Judge, calling his servant to come near, arose and said: "I have
decided on this memorable occasion to repay in some measure the
devotion and sacrifice of a very faithful and trustworthy servant. I
have found Mose honest, obedient, kind, and always willing to do his
part of the work. More than this he has risked his life to protect his
young mistress from falling into the hands of desperate outlaws.
Because of this heroic endeavor I have decided, Mose, to set you free.
I hold in my hand the paper properly made out, and from this hour you
are free to go where you will. But we do not want to lose you from the
plantation. If you stay, I will pay you suitable wages for your work. I
will also give you three acres of good land near the negroes' quarters
and will build a nice frame house upon it. I am sure my daughter Viola
will be glad to furnish the house as a reward for the service you
rendered her. In due time you can bring the young woman to whom you are
engaged to the house as your bride.

"What do you say, Mose, will you go or stay?"

The poor black man was almost too overcome with emotion to answer a
word. Tears streamed down his cheeks, and he could scarcely stand.
However, he managed to say: "Mas'r LeMonde, how kin Ah thank you fur
yo' kindness! Leave you an' dis plantation? Not while de sun shines in
de heavens. As Ah was willin' to die fer Miss Viola, I would any time
lay dow my life fer you, Judge, or ary one of de fambly."

"Well, you are a good boy, and," after handing him the paper, "now you
can go to your friends at the quarters."

When the curtain was rung down on this scene, in a metaphorically
sense, it rose on another of much interest.

The wedding party and guests were still