to give it to her
mistress, and she returned to the saloon for that purpose; but on
finding Mrs. Taylor engaged in conversation with some ladies, she did
not deem it proper to interrupt her.

Again, therefore, Clotelle seated herself by the window, and again the
stranger presented himself. She immediately took the paper from her
pocket, and handed it to him; but he declined taking it, saying,--

"No, keep it; it may be of some service to you when I am far away."

"Would that I could understand you," said the slave.

"Believe that I am sincere, and then you will understand me," returned
the young man. "Would you rather be a slave than be free?" inquired he,
with tears that glistened in the rays of the moon.

"No," said she, "I want my freedom, but I must live a virtuous life."

"Then, if you would be free and happy, go with me. We shall be in
Mobile in two hours, and when the passengers are going on shore, you
take my arm. Have your face covered with a veil, and you will not be
observed. We will take passage immediately for France; you can pass as
my sister, and I pledge you my honor that I will marry you as soon as
we arrive in France."

This solemn promise, coupled with what had previously been said, gave
Clotelle confidence in the man, and she instantly determined to go with
him. "But then," thought she, "what if I should be detected? I would be
forever ruined, for I would be sold, and in all probability have to end
my days on a cotton, rice, or sugar plantation." However, the thought
of freedom in the future outweighed this danger, and her resolve was
taken.

Dressing herself in some of her best clothes, and placing her veiled
bonnet where she could get it without the knowledge of her mistress,
Clotelle awaited with a heart filled with the deepest emotions and
anxiety the moment when she was to take a step which seemed so rash,
and which would either make or ruin her forever.

The ships which leave Mobile for Europe lie about thirty miles down the
bay, and passengers are taken down from the city in small vessels. The
"Walk-in-the-Water" had just made her lines fast, and the passengers
were hurrying on shore, when a tall gentleman with a lady at his side
descended the stage-plank, and stepped on the wharf. This was Antoine
Devenant and Clotelle.

CHAPTER XXIV

THE LAW AND ITS VICTIM.

The death of Dr. Morton, on the third day of his illness, came like a
shock upon his wife and daughters. The corpse