ne, addressing Mr. Dinsmore.

"Yes, my daughter's, which amounts to the same thing," that gentleman
replied in a tone of indifference; then changing the subject, made some
inquiries about the speed and safety of the boat, the length of her trips,
etc.

The captain answered pleasantly, showing pride in his vessel. Then they
spoke of other things: the country, the crops, the weather.

"Sit down, mammy," said Elsie pityingly, as they reached the settee where
she and her father had been sitting; "you are trembling so you can
scarcely stand."

"O darlin', dat's true 'nuff, I'se mos' ready to drop," she said
tremulously, coming down heavily upon a trunk that stood close at hand.
"Oh, de good Lord hab bring me face to face wid my ole Uncle Joe; oh, I
neber 'spected to see him no more in dis wicked world. But dey'll take 'im
off again an' dis ole heart'll break," she added, with a bursting sob.

"No, no, mammy, you shall have him, if money can accomplish it."

"You buy 'im, darlin'? Oh, your ole mammy can neber t'ank you 'nuff!" and
a low, happy laugh mingled with the choking sobs. "But dey'll ask heaps ob
money."

"You shall have him, let the price be what it will," was Elsie's
assurance. "See papa is bargaining with the captain now, for they look at
Uncle Joe as they talk."

Chloe regarded them with eager interest; yes, they were looking at Uncle
Joe, and evidently speaking of him.

"By the way," Mr. Dinsmore remarked carelessly, "does Uncle Joe belong to
you? or is he merely a hired hand?"

"He's my property, sir."

"Would you like to sell?"

"I am not anxious; he's a good hand, faithful and honest: quite a
religious character in fact," he concluded with a sneer; "overshoots the
mark in prayin and psalm-singing. But do you want to buy?"

"Well yes; my daughter is fond of her old mammy, and for her sake would be
willing to give a reasonable sum. What do you ask?"

"Make me an offer."

"Five hundred dollars."

"Five hundred? ridiculous! he's worth twice that."

"I think not, he is old--not far from seventy and will soon be past work
and only a burden and expense. My offer is a good one."

"Make it seven hundred and I'll take it."

Mr. Dinsmore considered a moment. "That is too high," he said at length,
"but for the sake of making two poor creatures happy, I will give it."

"Cash down?"

"Yes, a check on a New Orleans bank."

"Please walk down into the cabin then, sir, and we'll conclude the
busines