heirs of their substance. Probably there is not a state in the Union
where such relations have not existed. Seeing such usages, Mary might
have reasoned that she had as good a right to marry the one she loved
most as anybody else, particularly as she was in a "free country."

* * * * *

"SAM" NIXON ALIAS DR. THOMAS BAYNE.

THE ESCAPE OF A DENTIST ON THE U.G.R.R.--HE IS TAKEN FOR AN
IMPOSTOR--ELECTED A MEMBER OF CITY COUNCIL IN NEW BEDFORD--STUDYING
MEDICINE, ETC. But few could be found among the Underground Rail Road
passengers who had a stronger repugnance to the unrequited labor system,
or the recognized terms of "master and slave," than Dr. Thomas Bayne.
Nor were many to be found who were more fearless and independent in
uttering their sentiments. His place of bondage was in the city of
Norfolk, Va., where he was held to service by Dr. C.F. Martin, a dentist
of some celebrity. While with Dr. Martin, "Sam" learned dentistry in all
its branches, and was often required by his master, the doctor, to
fulfil professional engagements, both at home and at a distance, when it
did not suit his pleasure or convenience to appear in person. In the
mechanical department, especially, "Sam" was called upon to execute the
most difficult tasks. This was not the testimony of "Sam" alone; various
individuals who were with him in Norfolk, but had moved to Philadelphia,
and were living there at the time of his arrival, being invited to see
this distinguished professional piece of property, gave evidence which
fully corroborated his. The master's professional practice, according to
"Sam's" calculation, was worth $3,000 per annum. Full $1,000 of this
amount in the opinion of "Sam" was the result of his own fettered hands.
Not only was "Sam" serviceable to the doctor in the mechanical and
practical branches of his profession, but as a sort of ready reckoner
and an apt penman, he was obviously considered by the doctor, a valuable
"article." He would frequently have "Sam" at his books instead of a
book-keeper. Of course, "Sam" had never received, from Dr. M., an hour's
schooling in his life, but having perceptive faculties naturally very
large, combined with much self-esteem, he could hardly help learning
readily. Had his master's design to keep him in ignorance been ever so
great, he would have found it a labor beyond his power. But there is no
reason to suppose that Dr. Martin was opposed to Sam's