ight never was good, but to make up for it I believe I had the
sharpest ears that ever was, and I don't think anybody could have heard
that whispering but me. I saw a little glimmer of light through the
chinks that showed me where the door was, and so I creeped up to it and
put my ear to the key-hole. Still they whispered so low that no ears
could o' heard them but my sharp ones. The first words I heard good was
a grumbling voice asking:

"'How old?'

"'Fifty--more or less, but strong, active, a good nurse and a very light
mulatto,' says my willain's voice.

"'Hum--too old,' says the other.

"'But I will throw the child in.'

"A low, crackling laugh the only answer.

"'You mean that would be only a bother. Well, I want to get rid of the
pair of them,' said my willain, 'so name the price you are willing to
give.'

"'Cap'n, you and me have had too many transactions together to make any
flummery about this. You want to get shet o' them pair. I hain't no
objections to turning an honest penny. So jest make out the papers--bill
o' sale o' the 'oman Kate, or whatsoever her name may be, and the child,
with any price you please, so it is only a make-believe price, and I'll
engage to take her away and make the most I can of them in the
South--that won't be much, seeing it's only an old 'oman and
child--scarcely a fair profit on the expense o' takin' of her out. Now,
as money's no object to you, Cap'n----'

"'Very well; have your own way; only don't let that woman escape and
return, for if you do----'

"'I understand, Cap'n; but I reckon you needn't threaten, for if you
could blow me--why, I would return you the same favor,' said the other,
raising his voice and laughing aloud.

"'Be quiet, fool, or come away farther--here.' And the two willains
moved out of even my hearing.

"' I should o' been uneasy, master, if it hadn't been the 'oman they
were talking about was named Kate, and that wasn't my name, which were
well beknown to be Nancy.'

"Presently I heard the carriage drive away. And almost 'mediately after
the door was unlocked, and a great, big, black-bearded and black-headed
beast of a ruffian came in, and says he:

"'Well, my woman, have you had any supper?'

"'No,' said I, 'I hain't; and ef I'm to stay here any length of time I'd
be obleeged to you to let me have some hot water and milk to make pap
for this perishing baby.'

"'Follow me,' says he.

"And he took me into the kitchen at the back of the