make inquiries. His idea was that they were to be
sold, but he said that he would try and find out. Though looked upon as
a slave, he was allowed more liberty than they were, it being supposed
that he would not desert them. Had they possessed money they would thus
have had no difficulty in procuring food, but as they had been deprived
of every coin they had had about them, they were entirely dependent on
others. The appearance of old Sam Stokes somewhat relieved their minds
on that score, as they hoped he would find means to supply their wants.
When Jumbo came back late in the evening, he looked very melancholy.

"Me afraid Ibraim sell us. Cruel master. Make workee; little food;
plenty stick."

"Patience," said Roger. "We must try to work hard and avoid the stick;
and as to the food, we must be content with little if we cannot get
much, and hope some day to get away."

A guard was placed at the door of the yard, so that Jumbo could not get
out during the night. The next morning Ibraim appeared with several
other persons, one of whom, by his dress and the way he swaggered along,
appeared to be a person of some consideration. Ibraim summoned the two
lads and Jumbo much as he would have called as many dogs, and seemed to
be expatiating on their various qualifications. The stranger, whom they
heard called Hamet, then put several questions to them through Jumbo,
chiefly relating to their previous mode of life. He seemed satisfied,
and at once turning to Ibraim counted out the money which he had
promised to pay for them. Scarcely looking at them, or uttering a word
of farewell, the old Sheik pocketed the coin and walked away, while the
new purchaser beckoned to Stephen, Roger, and Jumbo to follow him.

"This is unbearable," exclaimed Stephen; "the old fellow treats us like
goods and chattels. He fancies that we are willingly to be turned over
to the man to whom he has thought fit to sell us. We must show him that
we do not intend to be treated in that way."

"What had we better do?" asked Roger.

"Stay where we are, and refuse to follow him," said Stephen.

"Oh, massa, don't do dat," cried Jumbo. "Dey soon show wid de bastinado
dat dey got de power."

Hamet, their new master, by the frown gathering on his brow as he
observed their hesitation, soon showed them what they might expect, and
they agreed that it would be wiser to submit to circumstances. They
accordingly followed him as he led the way throu