d the interior chamber of the cave. After
the lapse of many minutes he returned, dragging, as from a dungeon, into
the light of day, a wretch who could scarcely have expected ever to
behold that blessed boon again,--he was so abject, so filled with joy
and trembling. It was Deslow. Then turning to the corner where Augustus
sat confined, the negro cut his bonds and lifted him to his feet. Poor
Bythewood, rheumatic, stiff in the joints, and terribly wasted by
anxiety and chagrin, presented a scarcely less piteous spectacle than
Deslow; nor were his fallen spirits revived by the sight of this craven,
whom he had supposed to be long since past the memory of the wrong he
had done him, and the earthly passion for revenge.

"My friends," said Pomp, leading them to the entrance, and showing them
to each other in the gray glimmer of that cloudy afternoon, "our little
accounts are now closed for the present, and my business with you ends.
You are at liberty to depart. Deslow, do not hate too bitterly this man
for betraying you into my hands. Remember that you set the example of
treachery, and that the cause to which you are both sworn is itself
founded on treachery. As for you, Mr. Bythewood, I trust that you will
pardon the inconvenience I have found it necessary to subject you to. I
have restrained you of your liberty for some days. You restrained me of
mine for nearly as many years. I have no longer any ill will towards
either of you. Go in peace. I emancipate you. I shall not hunt you with
hounds, because I have been your master for a little while. I shall not
put iron collars on your necks. I shall neither brand nor beat you. You
are free! Does the word sound pleasant to your ears? Think then of those
to whom it would sound just as sweet. Has the rule of a hard master
seemed grievous to you? Remember those to whom it is no less grievous.
If might makes right, then you have been as much my property as ever
black man was yours. Is there no law, no justice, but the power of the
strongest? You have had a few days' experience of that power, and can
judge what a life's experience of it might be. Reflect upon it, my
friends."

He led them to the opening of the cave. Then he pointed to the clouds.
"You cannot see the sun; but the sun is there. You do not see God,
through the troubled affairs of this world; but God is over all. He
governs, although you have left him quite out of your plans. Your plans
are, no doubt, very great and m