, which has been obtained in this country. And when
we are all called to account, we shall have equal justice. Now, my dear
father, you have my opinion."

"Yes, my dear, this is all very well in the abstract; but how does it
work?"

"It works well. The luxury, the pampered state, the idleness--if you
please, the wickedness of the rich, all contribute to the support, the
comfort, and employment of the poor. You may behold extravagance--it is
a vice; but that very extravagance circulates money, and the vice of one
contributes to the happiness of many. The only vice which is not
redeemed by producing commensurate good, is avarice. If all were equal
there would be no arts, no manufactures, no industry, no employment. As
it is, the inequality of the distribution of wealth may be compared to
the heart, pouring forth the blood like a steam-engine through the human
frame, the same blood returning from the extremities by the veins, to be
again propelled, and keep up a healthy and vigorous circulation."

"Bravo, Jack!" said Dr Middleton. "Have you anything to reply, sir?"
continued he, addressing Mr Easy.

"To reply, sir?" replied Mr Easy with scorn, "why, he has not given me
half an argument yet--why, that black servant even laughs at him--look
at him there, showing his teeth. Can he forget the horrors of slavery?
can he forget the base unfeeling lash?--no, sir, he has suffered, and he
can estimate the divine right of equality. Ask him now, ask him if you
dare, Jack, whether he will admit the truth of your argument."

"Well, I'll ask him," replied Jack, "and I tell you candidly that he was
once one of your disciples. Mesty, what's your opinion of equality?"

"Equality, Massa Easy?" replied Mesty, pulling up his cravat; "I say
damn equality, now I major domo."

"The rascal deserves to be a slave all his life."

"True, I ab been slave--but I a prince in my own country--Massa Easy
tell how many skulls I have."

"Skulls--skulls--do you know anything of the sublime science; are you a
phrenologist?"

"I know man's skull very well in Ashantee country, anyhow."

"Then if you know that, you must be one. I had no idea that the science
had extended so far--maybe it was brought from thence. I will have some
talk with you to-morrow. This is very curious, Dr Middleton, is it
not?"

"Very, indeed, Mr Easy."

"I shall feel his head to-morrow after breakfast, and if there is
anything wrong I shall correct it with my