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 other reply, but "I shall attend you, Sir," my father quitted the house.

He employed the intermediate time in writing to me; lamented his inability to provide for me, and advised me, rather than submit to be confined as a pensioner of the Count's, "to take the veil, if it might be allowed to me under my own name, or the one I bore in the convent." This letter he carried in his pocket to the field of action the next morning, and was very soon joined by the Count and a surgeon, the gentleman who had kindly taken me from the place of my confinement. This gentleman he was astonished to see. He had formerly been a surgeon to a regiment in which my father had a company. On recognizing my father, he advanced, and expressed his regret at being called to attend in such an affair between two gentlemen he respected, and inquired, with some earnestness, if the dispute could not be amicably settled.

"My father replied in the negative—"His own honour, and the peace and ho-


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Rh the trip. They had the forethought to stock up with provisions for several days, although the run to Blacksnake Island would not take them many hours, because they realized that the search might keep them away from home longer than they expected.

It was afternoon before they were able to get away, and all through the lunch hour they were in a constant state of apprehension lest Aunt Gertrude prevail upon their mother to withdraw her permission for the journey.

"They'll never come back alive, mark my words!" declared their aunt. "They'll be bitten by those snakes on Blacksnake Island, as sure as fate. Why, even grown-up men won't go on that island. It's a terrible place. I've read all about it."

"We're not planning to explore the island, Aunt Gertrude," Frank explained. "We're going to cruise around it and see if we can find any sign of the fellows."

"Cruise around it!" their aunt sniffed. "As if I don't know boys! You'll not be satisfied until you've tramped from one end of the island to the other. But go ahead. Go ahead. I wash my hands of the affair. If you want to commit suicide, it's your own lookout," and she swept from the room in great indignation.

Mrs. Hardy did not share her fears. She knew her sons well enough to realize that they

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 nour of his daughter, had been irreparably injured." "One favour, Sir," added he, "I will request, because in your power to serve me in. If I fall, in my pocket you will find a letter addressed to my child, under the name of Miss Sultsbach; promise me to convey that letter into her hands, under whatsoever name she may now bear. She is in the convent a few miles from the city;—but until I can do her character justice, I wish not to see her. Perhaps that blessing may be for ever denied to me." The friendly surgeon engaged to observe his request, and the two gentlemen presently engaged.

They fought desperately; several wounds were given and received on both sides, 'till at length each sheathed his sword in the body of his antagonist; both fell, to all appearance, lifeless. Two servants of the Count's had attended at some distance; to those the surgeon made a signal; and as they advanced, two peasants happened to pass through the field, and were likewise called upon to lend their assistance. My father the


text: Batrachomuomachia: or, the Battle of the Frogs and Mice/Batrachomuomachia


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 surgeon most humanely ordered to his own house, and the Count was conveyed to his son's. The blood had been stanched before their removal, and another skillful man was called in to attend upon my father, the surgeon being previously engaged by the Count.

The wounds of both were apprehended at first to be mortal. The Count's verified their fears; for on the third day, all hopes were over. Being informed of his situation, he sent for both surgeons, and the two servants who had carried him home; before them all, he declared he had wronged Mr. Hautweitzer, and had provoked his fate.—He was then sensible that he had injured him in his fame and in his fortune; and he bitterly regretted that his son's marriage put it out of his power to do Miss Hautweitzer justice.

After this, he had some serious conversation with his son; but there is every reason to believe, that son, so devoid of truth and


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 honour, even in that awful hour, persisted in denying his marriage with me, to his father.

The Count's death was concealed from my father; and though he anxiously wished to see me, yet he would not consent that I should be acquainted with his situation.—The young Count and his family left Ulm on the same day the father died. It was above ten days after this event, before an application was made to the Bishop, for an order to the Abbess to liberate me, which was easily obtained; for the Bishop was nearly related to the Wolfran family, and wished to have the affair as little known or talked of as possible. Therefore the duel was generally supposed to have originated from a military quarrel, and the son's name not mentioned in the business."

This was the information that I received from my beloved parent. Alas! bitter were my self-reproaches; he was wounded both in mind and body; his situation afforded him no means of providing for himself or me; I could adduce no proofs of my marriage, and


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88 would not run into needless dangers, and when she kissed them good-bye her only request was that they would not stay away any longer than was necessary.

The bay was calm when they started out, and the Sleuth was running, as Joe expressed it, "like a watch."

It was a beautiful summer afternoon and the cool breeze out on the water was in welcome relief to the sweltering heat of the city streets. Spray flicked into their faces as the motorboat raced along toward the eastern gap. When they passed out of Barmet Bay and reached the open sea Frank headed the boat down the coast in the direction of Blacksnake Island.

"It isn't far from the coast. There's a channel of a little over a mile," he said to his brother. "We won't be able to make it to-night, but we'll stop over at Rock Harbor and go on again in the morning. By that time, Tony and the others shouldn't be far behind."

Toward the end of the afternoon they were in sight of Rock Harbor, a small port, where they spied a schooner at anchor in the distance. Rock Harbor was not a shipping point of great importance, but there were always a number of miscellaneous craft in evidence.

To enter the harbor they were obliged to pass within a short distance of the schooner, swinging about beneath the bows of the vessel.

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 my assertions would but little avail against the power of an opulent family, who were all interested in preserving the character and honour of their worthless relation. The surgeon, to whom my father related my whole story, sympathized in our distresses. He saw no prospect of good to us in prosecuting my claims. The Count was married in the face of the world; had now a son and heir; no inducements, therefore, of honour or justice, would have any probability of success, where every thing militated against us. "My dear friends," added he, "to Heaven you must leave this unworthy man: Doubt not, but in it's own good time, providence will revenge your wrongs, and punish him. At this moment his feelings are not to be envied.—He must be callous, indeed, if the crimes he has committed, and the death of his father, who fell a victim to his deceptions, does not fill him with horror and hourly regret.

My dear father recovered very slowly;—and we held frequent consultations in what


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 manner we should provide for our mutual support. I believe the anxiety of his mind retarded his recovery, and certainly undermined his constitution, which had long been delicate, from the difficulties and misfortunes he had to struggle with. For myself, a retrospection on the past, and the prospect of the future, was so dark, so afflictive, and so humiliating, that 'tis a miracle how I supported my health, or preserved my reason.

I had resided with my father near a month; he was yet unable to leave his bed, when I was one day informed a lady requested to see me. The message surprised me; but I went down to the apartment, and saw a very elegant woman in deep mourning, who rose at my approach. "Do I see Miss Hautweitzer?" said she, in a very plaintive voice. I answered in the affirmative, and requested she would be seated. She took a letter from her pocket—"Forgive me, Madam, for thus recalling to you such distressing events, but permit me to ask if this letter is of your writing?" I saw it was the letter I had


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Rh As the Sleuth plunged through the water, in the very shadow of the ship, Joe suddenly gave an exclamation of surprise.

"Frank! Look up on deck—quick!"

Frank glanced hurriedly upward. He was just in time to see the figure of a boy moving away from the rail, but there was something familiar about the young fellow that made him look incredulously at his brother.

"Chet!"

"I'm sure it's him," returned Joe hurriedly. "I didn't get a very good look at his face, because he only looked over the rail and then he drew back—but I'm almost positive it was Chet!"

"But what on earth can he be doing on that schooner?"

"Probably he's a prisoner. Let's give him a hail."

They shouted the name of their chum half a dozen times, but their only response was from a villainous looking sailor who glared over the side at them and bade them get away from the ship.

"No use causing trouble," said Frank, in a low voice. "We'll go now, but we'll come back later."

He steered the motorboat away from the vicinity of the schooner, but instead of going on into the harbor he put out to sea again.

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 written to my father, and immediately judged the lady before me was the Count's wife. I trembled excessively, and replied, in a faltering voice, "Yes, Madam, it was written by me, and the contents are a solemn truth."

"I do not doubt it," said she, tenderly; "your appearance sufficiently convinces me of it. I am, Madam, equally unfortunate, and equally innocent with yourself; but never will I stand between you and justice.—The cruelty of an unprincipled man cannot annihilate your rights. I have none—nor have I parents or relations. Fortunately I have still a large income in my own possession sufficient for my ill-star'd child, without any claims on his worthless father. I have quitted the Count, Madam, for ever.—Wretch as he is, he knows we cannot expose him without entailing disgrace on ourselves. You, for want of proofs, and myself on account of my child. To the justice of Heaven, therefore, we must leave him.

"My visit to you was to a sister in affliction; permit me the privileges of one.—-


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 I have made very minute inquiries into your character and circumstances; pardon the liberty. Fortune, I hear, has dealt unkindly by Mr. Hautweitzer, and unjust to his merit. From Count Wolfran, I am sure, you will accept no assistance, unless by repentance he restores you to your rights. Deign, then, to make me happy, by permitting me the inexpressible pleasure of preserving you from further distress. Accept an annuity that will place you above want, without having the weight of an obligation to cold unfeeling minds." She rose, embraced me, and burst into tears.

I was so astonished, so penetrated with wonder and admiration, at a generosity and greatness of mind so uncommon, that unable to move or speak, I mingled my tears with her's, and pressed her to my bosom with an ardor that spoke my whole soul. She understood the expression of my heart. "Compose yourself," said she, "my amiable friend. Tell me how your worthy father does?"—When speech was lent me, I was not back-


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 ward in delineating the feelings of admiration with which she had inspired me, and related to her, without reserve, my dear father's situation. She desired to see him; I flew to acquaint him of the dear lady's visit, and the scene that ensued between us, beggars all description. Long my father resisted her generous offers; but at length her irresistible tenderness conquered. She then proposed our living at Stutgard. She had a small estate on the skirts of the city, with a neat house on it: That, and a moderate income, for my father would only accept a very moderate one, she declared should be ours, for our joint lives; and whenever I should have the misfortune to lose my father, she would claim me as a sister, and as an inmate of her dwelling, wheresoever it was.—At present, added she, I design to retire into the convent you have quitted, until I have deliberately fixed on my future plan of life. I am sorry to say, Baron Nolker, who is a worthy man, is yet so prepossessed in favour of his nephew, that your story is entirely dis-


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 credited, and I am accused of injustice and caprice in separating myself from the Count. 'Tis impossible to argue against prejudice, or to open the eyes of the blind. I submit, therefore to the censures and opinions I cannot controvert; but I will judge for myself; and if I had ever entertained any doubts, your appearance, Madam, must instantly remove them."

I cannot repeat to you a tenth part of the kind and polite attentions we received from this noble-minded lady. My father was affected even to tears, and besought her to add additional value to her favours, by residing with us. She expressed herself obliged to our wishes, but said, the convent was for the present her preferable choice; that it was not unlikely but that hereafter she might pay us a visit; but even that depended on circumstances. "You are not the only one unhappy," said she, taking my hand kindly; "and you have a blessing I never enjoyed, a worthy father." Then rising and taking leave, she said, I should hear from her the


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90 "It won't be long until it gets darker. Then we'll go back. If Chet is on that ship we'll get word to him somehow."

"Well, if it isn't Chet Morton it's his double," declared Joe. "Even if I didn't get a very good look at him, I know he was just about the same height and build and the same general appearance. What puzzles me is why he didn't call out to us. And why did he draw back from the rail in such a hurry?"

"He mightn't have had time to call to us. Perhaps he managed to escape just for a minute or so and they dragged him back before he could give a shout."

"There's something in that. And of course he mightn't have recognized us."

"He would have recognized the boat, I'm sure."

"There's something queer about it. If we come back later on we may be able to see him again. Did you notice the name of the schooner?"

"Yes," answered Frank. "I watched for it. The Persis. I think what we'd better do is this: We'll go back down the coast and loaf around until it gets darker. Then we'll come back to the harbor and try to come up to the schooner quietly. If there's a rope ladder handy I'll go up over the side and see what I can find out."

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 following week, and she promised to herself much pleasure in my correspondence. When this dear generous lady had left me, I felt ready to have resigned my claims, to have submitted to bear the ignominy the Count wished to throw on me, rather than be the cause of distressing such a mind as her's.—Yet, on a retrospection of every thing, I could not perceive that sorrow or affection had any share in her regrets for the necessity she conceived that had obliged her to leave the Count, I was thoroughly persuaded her love for him never could have equalled mine, from the composure with which she mentioned him; and that idea afforded me no small consolation.

The next week, a gentleman came to us from our generous benefactress, and settled every thing relative to our taking possession of her gift at Stutgard, with a handsome sum for our present wants. This last I declined; for having still by me the money which the Count had left to me, and which was sent with my clothes; I resolved to make use of


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 that without any scruple. My dear father had been so extremely reduced by loss of blood, and anxiety of mind, that his recovery was long, tedious, and fluctuating. Near three months we remained at the surgeon's, during which, I received three letters from the Countess. She had altered her intention of fixing in the convent near Ulm, by the persuasions of an old friend, who had professed in a convent not many miles from Baden; and from that situation, I had last the pleasure of hearing from her.

At length my father thought himself able to bear the fatigue of travelling. We took leave of the friendly gentleman to whose care and skill we had been so much indebted, and set off on our journey; but on the second day, it proved more than his strength could support; he was taken ill on the road, and was confined six weeks at an inn before we could proceed. Once more we continued our route, and by easy stages, had reached the skirts of the wood within two miles of this village, when suddenly we were attacked by


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Rh "It looks like our only chance. You'll have to go easy. If Chet and Biff are held prisoners on that ship they'll be well guarded. You might be captured yourself."

"That's where you will come in. If you hear sounds of a struggle or if I don't come back, go right into the harbor and notify the police so they can have the schooner searched."

Joe nodded. "All right. I'll keep watch."

Frank steered the motorboat back along the coast again and for the next hour or more they cruised about, waiting for twilight. At length sunset came and gradually the shadows fell. Lights began to twinkle in the town. Lights glowed from the mysterious schooner, now but a rakish shadow at the entrance to the harbor. When the lads judged that it was sufficiently dark to cover their approach, they returned, then crept quietly up on the ship.

They drew up close to the schooner's stern without being noticed and to Frank's relief he saw that a rope was dangling over the side. From the boat he reached out and seized it. The rope held fast; it supported his weight.

There were vague sounds from the deck above. The shuffling of feet. A burst of laughter from forward. Most of the men, he judged, would be in port, but it behooved him to move with caution.

"All set," he whispered to Joe.

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 five or six banditti, who rifled the carriage, took from us our portmanteau and money, cut the traces of the horses, and then bid us walk to the place of our destination, as we had now no baggage to encumber us.

There was no alternative; night was drawing on; and we were compelled to walk; for the horses being loosened, they run away through the wood, and the post boy went in pursuit of them. With infinite difficulty, my poor father crept to the inn, where his troubles in this life were to have an end. A very miserable bed was allowed for him, and I watched by the side of it in inexpressible agonies. The next morning the landlord told us, "we must turn out; he had no bed to spare for sick folkes." I sought to reason with him, and assured him I should soon have money amply to reward him, if he would accommodate my dying father: But in vain I tried to reason with a selfish brute. He insisted upon our departure before night; and though he assisted me in getting him down from the hovel which he


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 called a bed-chamber, and saw that he was too weak even to stand alone, nothing could soften his obduracy. The rest you know. My dear, my suffering father, whose life had been a series of misery, was at length, by the folly and fond credulity of his imprudent daughter, cruelly destroyed. That fatal duel, the effects falling on a broken constitution and a wounded spirit, with fatigue and anxiety, at last terminated a life marked out with continual sorrows, from the day of his marriage.

Those sorrows, my misconduct, and the baseness of another, greatly aggravated, and must entail remorse upon my mind to the last day of my existence."

Thus concludes the narrative of the unfortunate Louisa, which she communicated at different periods, as her weakness permitted, and which Miss D'Alenberg was allowed to commit to paper, for the perusal of her father and his friend.


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92 "Right."

Frank swung himself away from the motor boat and began to climb slowly to the deckk. [sic] Water lapped against the schooner's hull. The night was very quiet. Complete darkness had fallen by now. In a few moments Joe could only distinguish his brother as an obscure shadow as he clambered slowly upward.

Anxiously, Joe Hardy watched. He saw his brother climb higher and higher until at last his head and shoulders were silhouetted above the side of the ship.

Then Frank scrambled quietly over onto the deck. He had removed his shoes so as to proceed with a minimum of sound, so that once he had disappeared over the side Joe could hear nothing. He crouched in the boat, waiting.

Finally he heard a low whistle from the deck above. He looked up. He could see Frank leaning over the side. His brother's face was only a grey blur. He motioned with his arm, indicating that Joe was to follow him.

The motorboat had been tied fast so, although Joe was somewhat puzzled, he was nothing loath to share the adventure. Seizing the rope, he swung himself free of the motorboat, then began to climb nimbly toward the deck.

The rope cut into his hands and the climb taxed his strength, but in a few minutes he

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Rh was near the top. Frank had moved back from the side into the darkness again.

He scrambled over the side and dropped lightly onto the deck. Frank was crouched in the shadows waiting for him.

And at that moment a heavy hand fell on his shoulder and a gruff voice said in his ear:

"All right, young fellow. Now we've got you both!"

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CHAP. VI.

Ferdinand had gone through this long story with an indignation and pity natural to a feeling and well-disposed mind, there were some circumstances that struck him in the perusal of it, which led him to believe the lady in the convent where Eugenia was, whom he had supposed to be Claudina, was the Countess of Wolfran, and that she had mistaken him from a coincidence in particular points, for the Count. He was charmed with the character of this lady, and lamented her destiny little less than he


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 grieved for the ill-treated Louisa. Yet it appeared very unaccountable to him that the Count should think of paying his address to another lady, when his recent marriage at Ulm could not be forgotten; and when his uncle was so well acquainted with all those circumstances, was it not natural to suppose that Mr. D'Alenberg would take care to be well informed of the character and connexions of a man with whom he entrusted the happiness of his daughter, previous to the marriage; and if he had made any investigation, by what means had the Count escaped detection, or how could any man expect that he should go unpunished, or not be exposed by those he had already deceived?

In short, the conduct and character of the Count was strange and inexplicable to him; the more he sought to penetrate into either, the more he was puzzled to account for his baseness and folly. Reflecting deliberately on the story of Louisa, he traced the misfortunes of her father to an imprudent marriage in early life, and the subsequent distress of


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An address to the inhabitants of the British settlements, on the slavery of the Negroes in America

Ah! Why will men forget that they are Bretheren? — Why delight in human sacrifice? — why burst the ties Of Nature, that should knit their Souls together In One fast band of Amity and Love? — Was it for this Thy breath divine, kindled within his breast, The vital flame?—For this, was thy fair Image Stampt on his Soul with god-like liniaments? For this, dominion given him absolute O'er all thy works, only that he might reign Supreme in woe? — — O! better far, Still had he slept in uncreated Night, If this the Lot of Being! - Proteus

SO much hath been said upon the subject of Slave-Keeping, that an Apology may be required for this Address. The only one I shall offer is, that the Evil still continues. This may in part be owing to the great attachment we have to our own Interest, and in part, to the subject not being fully exhausted. The design of the following address is to sum up the leading arguments against it, several of which have not been urged by any of those Authors who have written upon it.

Without entering into the History of the facts which relate to the Slave Trade, I shall proceed to combat the principal arguments which are used to support it.

I need hardly say any thing in favour of the Intellects of the Negroes, or of their capacities for virtue and happiness, although these have been supposed, by some, to be inferior to those of the inhabitants of Europe. The accounts which travellers give us of their ingenuity, humanity, and strong attachment to their parents, relations, friends and country, show us that they are equal to the Europeans, when we allow for the diversity of temper and genius which is occasioned by climate. We have many well-attested anecdotes of as sublime and disinterested virtue among them as ever adorned a Roman or a Christian character. But we are to distinguish between an African in his own country, and an African in a state of slavery in America. Slavery is so foreign to the human mind, that the moral faculties, as well as those of the understanding are debased, and rendered torpid by it. All the vices which are charged upon the Negroes in the southern colonies and the West-Indies, such as Idleness, Treachery, Theft, and the like, are the genuine offspring of slavery, and serve as an argument to prove that they were not intended for it.

Nor let it be said, in the present Age, that their black color (as it is commonly called) either subjects them to, or qualifies them for slavery (1). The vulgar notion of their being descended from Cain, who was supposed to have been marked with this color, is too absurd to need a refutation.—Without enquiring into the Cause of this blackness, I shall only add upon this subject, that so far from being a curse, it subjects the Negroes to no inconveniencies, but on the contrary qualifies them for that part of the Globe in which providence has placed them. The ravages of heat, diseases and time, appear less in their faces than in a white one; and when we exclude variety of color from our ideas of Beauty, they may be said to possess every thing necessary to constitute it in common with the white people.(2)

It has been urged by the inhabitants of the Sugar Islands and South Carolina, that it would be impossible to carry on the manufactories of Sugar, Rice, and Indigo, without negro slaves. No manufactory can ever be of consequence enough to society to admit the least violation of the Laws of justice or humanity. But I am far from thinking the arguments used in favour of employing Negroes for the cultivation of these articles, should have any Weight.—M. Le Poivre, late envoy from the king of France, to the king of Cochin-China, and now intendant of the isles of Bourbon and Mauritius, in his observations upon the manners and arts of the various nations in Africa and Asia, speaking of the culture of sugar in Cochin-China, has the following remarks.—"It is worthy observation too, that the sugar cane is there cultivated by freemen, and all the process of preparation and refining, the work of free hands. Compare then the price of the Cochin-Chinese production with the same commodity which is cultivated and prepared by the wretched slaves of our European colonies, and judge if, to procure sugar from our colonies, it was necessary to authorize by law the slavery of the unhappy Africans transported to America.(3) From what I have observed at Cochin-China, I cannot entertain a doubt, but that our West-India colonies, had they been distributed, without reservation amongst a free people, would have produced double the quantity that is now procured from the labour of the unfortunate negroes."

"What advantage, then, has accrued to Europe, civilized as it is, and thoroughly versed in the laws of nature, and the rights of mankind, by legally authorizing in our colonies, the daily outrages against human nature, permitting them to debase man almost below the level of the beasts of the field? These slavish laws have proved as opposite to its interest, as they are to its honour, and to the laws of humanity. This remark I have often made."

"Liberty and property form the basis of abundance, and good agriculture: I never observed it to flourish where those rights of mankind were not firmly established. The earth, which multiplies her productious with a kind of profusion, under the hands of the free-born labourer, seems to shrink into barrenness under the sweat of the slave. Such is the will of the great Author of our Nature, who has created man free, and assigned to him the earth, that he might cultivate his possession with them sweat of his brow; but still should enjoy his Liberty." Now if the plantations in the islands and the southern colonies were more limited, and freemen only employed in working them, the general product would be greater, although the profits to individuals would be less,—a circumstance this, which by diminishing opulence in a few, would suppress Luxury and Vice, and promote that equal distribution of property, which appears best calculated to promote the welfare of Society.—(4) I know it has been said by some, that none but the natives of warm climates could undergo the excessive heat and labor of the West-India islands. But this argument is founded upon an error; for the reverse of this is true. I have been informed by good authority, that one European who escapes the first or second year, will do twice the work, and live twice the number of years that an ordinary Negro man will do nor need we be surpriz'd at this, when we hear that such is the natural fertility of soil, and so numerous the spontaneous fruits of the earth in the interior parts of Africa, that the natives live in plenty at the expence of little or no labor, which, in warm climates, has ever been found to be incompatible with long life and happiness. Future ages, therefore, when they read the accounts of the Slave Trade (—if they do not regard them as fabulous) — will be at a loss which to condemn most, our folly or our Guilt, in abetting this direct violation of the Laws of nature and Religion.

But there are some who have gone so far as to say that Slavery is not repugnant to the Genius of Christianity, and that it is not forbidden in any part of the Scripture. Natural and Revealed Religion always speak the same things, although the latter delivers its precepts with a louder and more distinct voice than the former. If it could be proved that no testimony was to be found in the Bible against a practice so pregnant with evils of the most destructive tendency to society, it would be sufficient to overthrow its divine Original. We read it is true of Abraham's having slaves born in his house; and we have reason to believe, that part of the riches of the patriarchs consisted in them; but we can no more infer the lawfulness of the practice, from the short account which the Jewish historian gives us of these facts, than we can vindicate telling a lie, because Rahab is not condemned for it in the account which is given of her deceiving the king of Jericho. (5) We read that some of the same men indulged themselves in a plurality of wives, without any strictures being made upon their conduct for it; and yet no one will pretend to say, that this is not forbidden in many parts of the Old Testament(6). But we are told the Jews kept the Heathens in perpetual bondage (7). The Design of providence in permitting this evil, was probably to prevent the Jews from marrying amongst strangers, to which their intercourse with them upon any other footing than that of slaves, would naturally have inclined them (8). Had this taken place—their national religion would have been corrupted—they would have contracted all their vices (9), and the intention of Providence in keeping them a distant people, in order to accomplish the promise made to Abraham, that "in his seed all the nations of the earth should be blessed," would have been defeated; so that the descent of the Messiah from Abraham, could not have been traced, and the divine commission of the Son of God, would have wanted one of its most powerful arguments to support it. But with regard to their own countrymen, it is plain, perpetual slavery was not tolerated. Hence, at the end of seven years or in the year of the jubilee, all the Hebrew slaves were set at liberty (10), and it was held unlawful to detain them in servitude longer than that time, except by their own Consent.(11) But if, in the partial Revelation which God made, of his will to the Jews, we find such testimonies against slavery, what may we not expect from the Gospel, the Design of which was to abolish all distinctions of name and county. While the Jews thought they complied with the precepts of the law, in confining the love of their neighbour "to the children of their own people," Christ commands us to look upon all mankind even our Enemies (12) as our neighbours and brethren, and "in all things, to do unto them whatever we would wish they should do unto us." He tells us further that his "Kingdom is not of this World," and therefore constantly avoids saying any thing that might interfere directly with the Roman or Jewish Governments: and although he does not call upon masters to emancipate their slaves, or slaves to assert that Liberty wherewith God and Nature had made them free, yet there is scarcely a parable or a sermon in the whole history of his life, but what contains the strongest arguments against Slavery. Every prohibition of Covetousness—Intemperance—Pride—Uncleanness—Theft—and Murder, which he delivered,—every lesson of meekness, humility, forbearance, Charity, Self-denial, and brotherly-love, which he taught, are levelled against this evil;—for Slavery, while it includes all the former Vices, necessarily excludes the practice of all the latter Virtues, both from the Master and the Slave.—Let such, therefore, who vindicate the traffic of buying and selling; Souls, seek some modern System of Religion to support it, and not presume to sanctify their crimes by attempting to reconcile it to the sublime and perfect Religion of the Great Author of Christianity.(14)

There are some amongst us who cannot help allowing the force of our last argument, but plead as a motive for importing and keeping slaves, that they become acquainted with the principles of the religion of our country.—This is like justifying a highway robbery because part of the money acquired in this manner was appropriated to some religious use.—Christianity will never be propagated by any other methods than those employed by Christ and his Apostles. Slavery is an engine as little fitted for that purpose as Fire or the Sword. A Christian Slave is a contradiction in terms.(15) But if we enquire into the methods employed for converting the Negroes to Christianity, we shall find the means suited to the end proposed. In many places Sunday is appropriated to work for themselves, reading and writing are discouraged among them. A belief is even inculcated amongst some, that they have no Souls. In a word,—Every attempt to instruct or convert them, has been constantly opposed by their masters. Nor has the example of their christian masters any tendency to prejudice them in favor of our religion. How often do they betray, in their sudden transports of anger and resentment, (againsst which there is no restraint provided towards their Negroes) the most violent degrees of passion and fury!—What luxury—what ingratitude to the supreme being—what impiety in their ordinary conversation do some of them discover in the presence of their slaves! I say nothing of the dissolution of marriage vows, or the entire abolition of matrimony, which the frequent sale of them introduces, and which are directly contrary to the laws of nature and the principles of Christianity. Would to Heaven I could here conceal the shocking violations of chastity, which some of them are obliged to undergo without daring to complain. Husbands have been forced to prostitute their wives, and mothers their daughters to gratify the brutal lust of a master. This—all—this is practised—Blush—ye impure and hardened wretches, while I repeat it—by men who call themselves Christians!

But further—It has been said that we do a kindness to the Negroes by bringing them to America, as we thereby save their lives, which had been forfeited by their being conquered in war(16). Let such as prefer or inflict slavery rather than Death, disown their being descended from or connected with our mother countries.—But it will be found upon enquiry, that many are stolen or seduced from their friends who have never been conquered; and it is plain, from the testimony of historians and travellers, that wars were uncommon among them, until the Christians who began the slave trades stirred up the different nations to fight against each other. Sooner let them imbrue their hands in each others blood, or condemn one another to perpetual slavery, than the name of one Christian, or one American, be stained by the perpetration of such enormous crimes.

Nor let it be urged that by treating slaves well, we render their situation happier in this Country, than it was in their own.—Slavery and Vice are connected together, and the latter is always a source of misery. Besides, by the greatest humanity we can show them, we only lessen, but do not remove the crime, for the injustice of it continues the same. The laws of retribution are so strongly inculcated by the moral governor of the world, that even the ox is entitled to his reward for "treading the Corn." How great then must be the amount of that injustice, which deprives so many of our fellow creatures of the Just reward of their labor.

But it will be asked here, What steps shall we take to remedy this Evil, and what shall we do with those Slaves we have already in this Country? This is indeed a most difficult question. But let every man contrive to answer it for himself.—

The first thing I would recommend to put a stop to slavery in this country, is to leave off importing slaves. For this purpose let our assemblies unite in petitioning the king and parliament to dissolve the African committee of merchants: It is by them that the trade is chiefly carried on to America. We have the more reason to expect relief from an application at this juncture, as by a late decision in favor of a Virginia slave in Westminster-Hall, the Clamors of the whole nation are raised against them. Let such of our countrymen as engage in the slave trade, be shunned as the greatest enemies to our country, and let the vessels which bring the slaves to us, be avoided as if they bore in them the Seeds of that forbidden fruit, whose baneful taste destroyed both the natural and moral world.— As for the Negroes among us, who, from having acquired all the low vices of slavery, or who from age or infirmities are unfit to be set at liberty, I would propose, for the good of society, that they should continue the property of those with whom they grew old, or from whom they contracted those vices and infirmities. But let the young Negroes be educated in the principles of virtue and religion—let them be taught to read, and write—and afterwards instructed in some business, whereby they may be able to maintain themselves. Let laws be made to limit the time of their servitude, and to entitle them to all the privileges of free-born British subjects. At any rate let Retribution be to done God and to Society(17).

And now my countrymen, What shall I add more to rouse up your Indignation against Slave-keeping. Consider the many complicated crimes it involves in it. Think of the bloody Wars which are fomented by it, among the African nations, or if these are too common to affect you, think of the pangs which attend the dissolution of the ties of nature in those who are stolen from their relations. Think of the many thousands who perish by sickness, melancholy, and suicide, in their voyages to America. Pursue the poor devoted victims to one of the West India islands, and see them exposed there to public sale. Hear their cries, and see their looks of tenderness at each other, upon being seperated.—Mothers are torn from their Daughters, and Brothers from Brothers, without the liberty of a parting embrace. Their master's name is now marked upon their breasts with a red hot iron. But let us pursue them into a Sugar Field: and behold a scene still more affecting than this—See! the poor wretches with what reluctance they take their instruments of labor into their hands,—Some of them, overcome with heat and sickness, seek to refresh themselves by a little rest.—But, behold an Overseer approaches them—In vain they sue for pity.—He lifts up his Whip, while streams of Blood follow every stroke. Neither age nor sex are spared.—Me thinks one of them is woman far advanced in her pregnancy.—At a little distance from these behold a man, who from his countenance and deportment appears as if he was descended from illustrious ancestors—Yes—He is the son of a Prince, and was torn by a stratagem, from an amiable wife and two young children.—Mark his sullen looks!—now he bids defiance to the tyranny of his Master, and in an instant—plunges a Knife into his Heart.—But let us return from this Scene, and see the various modes of arbitrary punishments inflicted upon them by their masters. Behold one covered with stripes, into which melted wax is poured—another tied down to a block or a stake—a third suspended in the air by his thumbs—a fourth—I cannot relate it.—Where now is Law or Justice?—Let us fly to them to step in for their relief.—Alas!—The one is silent, and the other denounces more terrible, punishments upon them. Let us attend the place appointed for inflicting the penalties of the law. See here one without a limb, whose only crime was an attempt to regain his Liberty.—another led to a Gallows for stealing a morsel of Bread, to which his labor gave him a better title than his master—a third famishing on a gibbet—a fourth, in a flame of Fire! his shrieks pierce the very heavens.—O! God! where is thy Vengeance!—O! Humanity—Justice—Liberty—Religion!—Where,—where are ye fled.—

This is no exaggerated Picture. It is taken from real Life.—Before I conclude I shall take the liberty of addressing several Classes of my countrymen in behalf of our Brethren (for by that name may we now call them) who are in a state of Slavery amongst us.

In the first place let MAGISTRATES both supreme and inferior, exert the authority they are invested with, in suppressing this evil. Let them discountenance it by their example, and show a readiness to concur in every measure proposed to remedy it.

Let LEGISLATORS, reflect upon the trust reposed in them. Let their laws be made after the Spirit of Religion—Liberty—and our most excellent English Constitution. You cannot show your attachment to your King, or your love to your country better, than by suppressing an evil which endangers the dominions of the former, and will in Time destroy the liberty of the latter. (18) Population, and the accession of strangers, in which the Riches of all countries consist, can only flourish in proportion as slavery is discouraged. Extend the privileges we enjoy, to every human creature born amongst us, and let not the Journals of our Assemblies be disgraced with the records of laws, which allow exclusive privileges to men of one color in preference to another. (19)

Ye men of SENSE and VIRTUE—Ye ADVOCATES for American Liberty, rouse up and espouse the cause of Humanity and general Liberty. Bear a testimony against a vice which degrades human nature, and dissolves that universal tie of benevolence which should connect all the children of men together in one great Family.—The plant of liberty is of so tender a Nature, that it cannot thrive long in the neighbourhood of slavery. Remember the eyes of all Europe are fixed upon you, to preserve an asylum for freedom in this country, after the last pillars of it are fallen in every other quarter of the Globe.

But chiefly—ye MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL, whose dominion over the principles and actions of men is so universally acknowledged and felt,—Ye who estimate the worth of your fellow creatures by their Immortality, and therefore must look upon all mankind as equal,—let your zeal keep pace with your opportunities to put a stop to slavery. While you enforce the duties of "tithe and cummin," neglect not the weightier laws of justice and humanity. Slavery is an Hydra sin, and includes in it every violation of the precepts of the Law and the Gospel. In vain will you command your flocks to offer up the incence of Faith and Charity, while they continue to mingle the Sweat and blood of Negro slaves with their sacrifices.—If the Blood of Able cried aloud for vengeance;—If, under the Jewish dispensation, Cities of refuge could not screen the deliberate murderer—if even manslaughter required sacrifices to expiate it,—and if a single murder so seldom escapes with impunity in any civilized country, what may you not say against that trade, or those manufactures—or Laws, (20) which destroy the lives of so many thousands of our fellow creatures every year?—If in the Old Testament "God swears by his holiness, and by the excellency of Jacob, that the Earth shall tremble and every one mourn that dwelleth therein for the iniquity of those who oppress the poor and crush the needy," who buy the poor with silver, and the needy with a pair of shoes,(21) what judgments may you not denounce upon those who continue to perpetrate these crimes, after the more full discovery which God has made of the law of Equity in the New-Testament. Put them in mind of the Rod which was held over them a few years ago in the Stamp, and Revenue Acts. Remember that national crimes require national punishments, and without declaring what punishment awaits this evil, you may venture to assure them, that it cannot pass with impunity, unless God shall cease to be just or merciful.

THE END.

(Footnote 1) Montesquieu, in his Spirit of the Laws, treats this argument with the ridicule it deserves.

"Were I to vindicate our right to make slaves of the negres, these should be my arguments.

The Europeans, having extirpated the Americans, were obliged to make slaves of the Africans, for clearing such vast tracts of land.

Sugar would be too dear if the plants which produce it were cultivated by any other than slaves.

These creatures are all over black, and with such a flat nose that they can scarcely be pitied.

It is hardly to be believed that God, who is a wise Being, should place a soul, especially a good soul, in such a black ugly body.

The negroes prefer a glass necklace to that gold which polite nations so highly value. Can there be a greater proof of their wanting common sense?

It is impossible for us to suppose these creatures to be men, because, allowing them to be men, a suspicion would follow that we ourselves are not Christians."

(2) "Qamvis ille niger, qamvis tu candidus effes. — — Nimium ne crede colori. Alba Ligustra cadunt; Vaccinia nigra leguntur.  VIRGIL"  "I am black, — but comely." SONG OF SOLOMON.

(3) White sugar, of the best quality, is sold for three Dollars the Cochin China Quintal, which weighs from 150 to 200 pounds French. Ninety-one pounds eight ounces French, makes one hundred punds English.

(4) From this account of Le Poivre's, we may learn the futility of the argument, that the number of vessels in the sugar trade, serve as a nursery for seamen, and that the Negroes consume a large quantity of the manufactures of Great Britain. If freemen only were employed in the islands, a double quantity of sugar would be made, and of course twice the number of vessels and seamen would be made use of in the trade. One freeman consumes usually four times the quantity of British goods that a Negro does. Slaves generally multiply slowly. Freemen multiply in proportion as slavery is discouraged. It is to be hoped therefore that motives of policy will last induce Britons to give up a trade, which those of justice and humanity cannot prevail upon them to relinquish.

(5) Josh. 2.

(6) Prov. V. 19, 12, 20

(7) Levit.XXV. 44, 45, 46.

(8) That marriage with strangers was looked upon as a crime among the Jews, we learn from Ezra ix. 1 to 6, also from the whole of Chapter x.

(9) May not this be the reason why Swine's flesh was forbidden to the Jews, least they should be tempted to eat with their Heathen neighbours, who used it in diet? This appears more probable than the opinion of Doctor MEAD, who supposes that it has a physical tendency to produce the leprosy; or that of VOLTAIRE, who asserts that the Jews learned to abstain from this Flesh from the Egyptians, who valued the Hog almost to the degree of idolatry for its great usefullness in rooting up the Ground. What makes this Conjecture the more probable is, that the Jews abstained from several other kinds of flesh used by their Heathen neighbours, which have never been accused of bringing on diseases of the skin, and which were used constantly in diet by the Egyptians. The account which Tacitus gives of the diet and customs of the Jews, is directly to our purpose —

"Bos quoque immolantur, quem AEgyptii apin colunt. AEgyptii pleraque animalia, Effigique compositas venerantur;  Judaei mente sola, unumque numen intelligunt.  Seperati Epulis, difereti Cubuilibus, Alienarum Concubitu Absitent." HISTOR. LIB. V

(11) Deuteronomy xxiv. 7.

(12) Deut. xv. 12.

(13) This is strongly inculcated in the story of the good Samaritan, Luke x.

(14) The influence of Christianity in putting a stop to Slavery, appears in the first christian emperor Constantine, who commanded, under the severest penalties, all such as had Slaves, to set them at liberty. He afterwards contrived to render the manumission of them much easier than formerly, for instead of recurring to the forms prescribed by the Roman laws, which were attended with great difficulties and a considerable expense, he gave leave to masters to infranchise their slaves in the presence of a bishop, or a minister and a christian assembly. Universal History, vol. xv. p. 574, 577 Dr. Robertson, in treating of those causes which weakened the feudal system, and finally abolished slavery in Europe, in the 14th century, has the following observations—

"The gentle spirit of the Christian Religion, together with the doctrines which it teaches, concerning the original equality of mankind, as well as the impartial eye with which the almighty regards men of every condition, and admits them to a participation of his benefits, are inconsistent with fervitude. But in this as in many other instances, Considerations of Interest and the Maxims of false Policy, led men to a conduct inconsistent with their principles. They were so sensible, however, of the Inconsistency, that to set their Fellow Christians at liberty from fervitude was deemed an act of piety highly meritorious, and acceptable to Heaven. The humane spirit of the Chriftian Religion struggled with the Maxims and Manners of the World, and contributed more than any other circumstance, to introduce the practice of manumission. The formality of manumission was executed in a church or a religious assembly.— The person to be set free, was led round the great altar, with a torch in his hand, he took hold of the horns of the altar, and there the solemn words conferring liberty, were pronounced." CHARLES V Historical Illustrations. Note xx.

(15) St Paul's letter to Philemon in behalf of Onesimus, is faid by fome to contradict this affertion, but, if viewed properly, will rather support it. He desires Philemon to receive him "not as a Servant, but as a Brother beloved," "as his Son—and part of himself." In other parts of his Writings, he obliquely hints at the impossibility of uniting the duties of a Christian, with the offices of a Slave. Ya are bought with a price, be not therefore the servants of men." 1 Cornith. vii. 23. Had he lived to see Christianity established by Law, in the countries where he preached, with what a torrent of Christian eloquence may we not suppose he would have declaimed against slavery.

(16) "From the right of killing in case of conquest politicians have drawn that of reducing to slavery; a consequence as ill grounded as the principle.

There is no such thing as a Right of reducing people to slavery, but when it becomes necessary for the preservation of the conquest. Preservation, but not servitude, is the end of conquest; though servitude may happen sometimes to be a necessary means of Preservation.

Even in that case it is contrary to the nature of things, that the slavery should be perpetual. The people enslaved ought to be rendered capable of becoming subjects."

Montesquie's Spirit of Laws, Book x. Chap 3.

Servi autem ex eo appellati sunt quod Imperatores captivos vendere, ac per hoc servare nec Occidere solent. Servitus est Constitutio Juris Gentium qua quis Dominio alieno CONTRA NATURUAM subjicitur— Juftinian. Institut. L. i. Tit. 3.

By what right are the Children of these Captives kept in slavery?"

(17) "A worthy friend of mine has favoured me with the following Extract of a letter from GRANVILLE SHARP Esq; of London.

I AM told of some Regulations that have taken Place in the Spanish Colonies, which do the Spaniards much Honor and are certainly worthy our Imitation in case we should not be so happy as to obtain an entire Abolition of Slavery and probably you wou'd find many American Subjects that wou'd be willing to promote such Regulations, tho' the same People wou'd strenously oppose the scheme of a total Abolition of Slavery. I have never seen an Account of the Spanish Regulations in writing, but I understand that they are to the following Effect: As soon as a slave is landed his Name, Price, &c. are register'd in a public Office, and the Master is obliged to allow him One Working Day in every Week to himself, besides Sundays, so that if the Slave chufes to work for his Mafter on that Day, he receives the Wages of a Freeman for it, and whatever he gains by his Labor on that Day, is so secured to him by Law, that the Master cannot deprive him of it. This is certainly a considerable Step towards the abolishing absolute Slavery. As soon as the slave is able to purchase another working Day, the master is obliged to sell it to him at a proportionable price, viz. 1-fifth Part of his original Coft: and so likewise the remaining 4 Days at the same Rate, as soon as the Slave is able to redeem them, after which he is absolutely free. This is such an Encouragement to Industry, that even the most indolent are tempted to exert themselves. Men who have thus worked out their Freedom are inured to the Labor of the Country and are certainly the most useful Subjects that a Colony can acquire. Regulations might be formed up on the same Plan to encourage the Industry of Slaves that are already imported into the colonies, which would teach them how to maintain themselves and be as useful, as well as less expensive to the Planter. They would by such Means become Members of Society and have an Interest in the Welfare of the Community, which would add greatly to the Strength and Security of each Colony; whereas, at present, many of the Planters are in continual Danger of being cut off by their Slaves.—a Fate which, they but too justly deserve!"

(18) "In moderate governments, it is a point of the highest importance, that there should not be a great number of slaves. The political liberty of those states adds to the value of civil liberty; and he who is deprived of the latter, is also deprived of the former. He sees the happiness of a society, of which he is not so much as a member; he sees the Security of Others fenced by laws, himself without so much as protection. He sees his master has a Soul, that can enlarge itself; while his own is constrained to submit to almost continual depression. Nothing more assimilates a Man to a Beast, than living among Freemen, himself a Slave. Such people as these are the natural enemies of a society, and their number must be dangerous." Spirit of Laws, Book xv. Chapt 12."

(19) "The alterations in the laws in favour of Negroes, should be gradual,—'till the evil Habits they have acquired by Slavery, are eradicated. There are several privileges, however, which might be extended to them immediately, without the least risk to Society, in particular that inestimable one of Tryal by JURIES."

(20) "If any Negro or other Slave under punishment by his master, or his order for running away, or any other crimes or misdemeanors towards his said master, unfortunately shall suffer in life or member, no person whatever shall be liable to any fine; But if any man shall of wantonness, or only of bloody mindedness, or cruel intention, wilfully kill a Negro, or other slave of his own, he shall deliver into the public treasury fifteen pounds sterling, and not be liable to any other punishment, or forfeiture for the same." Laws of Barbadoes, Act 329

(21) Amos iv. I, 2.—viii. 6, 7.


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 his daughter to the same source. Reverting then to his own perplexities, he could not but acknowledge, that, in forming a union for life with prudence, on the approbation of friends, as well as the mutual affection of the parties concerned, eventually depended the happiness of themselves and all their connexions.

"Yes," said he, with a sigh; "I am now sensible, that out of a thousand instances of wretchedness in a marriage state, there is scarcely one that does not originate from the imprudence of youth, in forming connexions contrary to the advice and inclination of their parents and friends. Parents may sometimes be selfish, arbitrary, and unfeeling; but youth is too generally impetuous, obstinate, and inconsiderate. They permit their passions to lord it over their reason, and are only convinced, by sad experience and painful consequences, of their own too hasty determinations in such points, as must decide their future happiness or misery."


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 Whilst he sat ruminating on past occurrences, the Count, having finished his business, entered the library, and roused him from his reverie. "Happily," said he, "I have now concluded all my engagements with my tenantry, and in two days shall be at liberty to attend you wherever you please."—"Indeed," cried Ferdinand, "it will be necessary to enter upon some field of action that may change the present current of my thoughts; for an indulgence of them would, in a short time, I believe, turn me into a complete misanthrope." "Nay," returned the Count, "if you are inclined to turn hermit, I am ready to concur in the design. I promise you the world holds forth no allurements to me; and it is only with a wish to forget myself, that I propose going into a public situation, if therefore you incline to solitude."

"No, no," said Ferdinand, rising hastily. "Solitude is only the nurse of discontent.—I am equally desirous with yourself to forget that "such things have been;" and in the


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 busy din of arms, to seek that diversity of thought which may tend to lessen my present vexations. That you may not wonder at the captious manner in which I spoke just now, I entreat you to look over that manuscript I have just finished reading of, whilst I take a walk in the park, and harmonize my mind by a view of the sun, now breaking through the clouds, and shining on the verdant lawn, which refreshed by the passing showers; by its additional enlivening verdure, captivates the eye, and tranquillizes the human breast."

Quitting the library, he strolled through the gardens and park, until the first dinner-bell warned him to return and adjust his dress. At table, he met the Count, who, with an honest energy, and a warmth of heart, which did him honour, expressed his indignation against the villainy of Count Wolfran, and equal astonishment, that in so short a period, in the same country, and in the hazard of continual detection, he should have the effrontery to pay his addresses to Miss D'Alenberg. Tis a temerity, indeed a mys-


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 tery," cried Ferdinand, "which I cannot develop. He is neither a madman nor a fool, and yet his rashness would tempt one to believe his senses must have deserted him, or his strong attachment to the sex has thrown him into situations he has not the fortitude, I may say honesty, to decline making an advantage of." "He is a worthless wretch," replied the Count, "and will doubtless meet with a severe retribution; but I am enchanted with the unfortunate lady who bears his name.—Her conduct is so generous, so noble, and so becoming a truly great mind, that I cannot enough admire her. How few women in her situation would have sought out the unhappy Louisa, after having her happiness broken in upon, her own claims let aside, and her child stigmatized, by her connexion with an infamous seducer."

"But what is still more admirable," returned Ferdinand, "is her voluntary secession from the Count, when her rights were indisputable; her marriage witnessed—allowed of; and when, by so doing, she threw


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 6 now. As soon as the sun falls, we must hurry in, for there is a fullmoon tonight. Then, too, this is a great event and I must be there early. The counselors from every region will be guests at the Palace tonight. I have heard, too, that some new proclamation is to be issued. I do not know the nature of it, though."

Graham did not answer him. His mind had gone back over the long years of his deathlike sleep, to a girl with Titian hair, a girl whose cheek showed a mischievous dimple as she smiled up archly at him. A gnawing loneliness came upon him, almost a regret that he had ever awakened from that terrible sleep. For the people of this Earthband were not his people—their minds moved in different ways, and their spirit had been crushed almost before it had begun to take form. He was alone in a strange world, and his heart was aching for a girl who had died five hundred years before.

the signal," whispered Latta through almost closed lips. "When the bronze bell sounds—that is the Master's coming."

Graham's nod was imperceptible, but under his blue helmet his eyes took on a fierce gleam. Except for this, there was nothing in which he differed from the other guards who stood impassively beside the throne-like dais in the brilliantly lighted courtroom.

He was surreptitiously scanning the throng of richly attired counselors and officials when the great bell pealed a signal note of warning. The hum of conversation ceased instantly. Stiffening into immobility, Graham faced straight ahead, following the action of the other guards.

Slowly a door at the rear of the great room opened, and a procession appeared, flanked by still other guards. Graham's pulses leaped to racing speed as he saw for the second time the malignant features of the man who called himself "Master." His writhing stride was gone, though there was still a suspicion of the hunched and twisted body. Except for this, and an increased appearance of age about his eyes, five centuries seemed to have made little change.

Beside him walked another man, one whose face also was strangely familiar. As he turned slightly toward the guards, Graham saw that it was Hayden. But all this was forgotten as his eyes rested upon two slender, robed figures following with halting steps and downcast eyes. The first was an unusually beautiful girl, with dark hair and a delicate, oval face. But the second was the one at sight of whom Graham almost jumped from his place. For the girl who followed the Master, her fair head bent in despair, was Betty—whom he had given up as dead!

Feverishly intent, he watched her approach, noting with keen anguish the deep sadness upon her lovely face. Then, realizing the danger of a sudden recognition if she should look up, he stolidly glanced away, steeling himself against any suspicious movement or expression. His fatalistic plan to sacrifice himself in killing the Master was quickly forgotten as the little procession moved by him. Why was Betty here at this time? Had she lived in some horrible slavery through all these years?

Half dazed, he listened to a proclamation read by an official as the Master mounted to his seat upon the dais. Slowly a cold horror descended upon him. Betty was to become the Master's consort! She was a super-woman (so read the proclamation) created by the Master to live forever as mistress of the Earthband. And at the same ceremony which effected this union, Hayden would be given the dark-eyed girl, Rosita. At this last, Latta reeled as though struck and his face went a sickly white.


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 up her child's claim to his inheritance, which Louisa never could have contested, from want of proof. Such heroism, such delicacy and disinterestedness, is certainly very uncommon." "True," answered the Count, "her whole conduct evinces a greatness of soul superior to any woman I ever heard of. A mind like her's never could be contented with a doubtful title, or respect a man whose honour was at least equivocal. And what a wretch must he be, who, losing such an angel, could so soon pay court to another."

"Miss D'Alenberg," said Ferdinand, "by the little I have seen of her, is both in person and mind beautiful and captivating; such as might well warrant the warmest passion; and he must be a thousand times a villain that would seek to entangle such a woman in the black catalogue of those who have suffered by his artifices. But," added he, "you see what are the wishes of Mr. D'Alenberg. Have you any curiosity; do you feel interest enough for those worthy persons, to step out of the way, and pay them a visit?"


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 of the strange new world in which he had awakened.

There now existed but one wide strip of land, running parallel to the equator, and lying above the tropical belt so that all but its most northern edge was in a mild climate. This strip was about two thousand miles wide and was broken at regular intervals, so that the band consisted of seven regions. The rest of the world was water, divided into the expanse of the north, called the North Ocean, and that on the south, called the South Ocean. The entire absence of other land made ships useless. Therefore, all transportation was by speed tubes, as Latta had indicated, in which cars traveled about five hundred miles an hour. Some kind of improved radio communication existed between the Master and his officials, but there was no general broadcasting for the regionites.

The general purpose of all laws and orders was to keep the people under close discipline and ignorant of all matters but their own particular class of work. Study of other subjects was forbidden. Each regionite, man or woman, was compelled to wear uniform clothing indicating his or her status, and each one was tattooed on the left shoulder with an identification number and letter.

Life for the regionites was usually not over forty-five years. Graham conjectured that the Master had managed to control their life span in some way so that he would get the most work from them while they were in their prime. Their early demise would also keep them from gaining too much intelligence with added years, and thus wondering at his right to such great authority and power. How this horrible peonage had been attained he understood when he questioned Latta about other regions. The youth hesitated often, and sometimes confessed to a complete ignorance, though he seemed to be above the average regionite, according to his description of his friends and comrades.

Regionites were not permitted to marry outside of their own region, and all unions were subject to approval of the officials. Money did not exist. Everything was proportioned by credits, which were given for a certain amount of work ordered by the sub-counselor or the counselor.

From one of Latta's comments Graham began to suspect that there was a powerful secret spy system throughout the Earthband, by means of which any regionite suspected of even questioning the Master's right to rule was speedily removed to the barren wastes of the northern First Region and starved to death.

It soon came to him why the Master had refrained from introducing airplanes. As long as the people were isolated and not allowed to communicate on any subjects he could control them, but given the freedom of the air they would soon be united, inevitably to rebel against him. Having never even seen a bird, the regionites would not imagine the possibility of flight.

Afternoon was drawing to a close when Latta concluded his description. Graham found he was beginning to suffer from hunger, which was not strange, he reflected grimly, when he had not eaten for over five hundred years.

"There are two things you will have to do," he told the youth. "You must get me into the Plaza and bring me some food. After that get me a uniform of some sort."

Latta inspected him critically.

"You are right. It would hardly be possible for you to walk through the halls or along the elevations under the Palace without causing curiosity. You are not small enough to wear anything of mine, but I can get the uniform of a guard who was transferred from the Palace. It is after


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 "With all my soul," replied his friend;—"we are not circumscribed as to time, and I shall be happy to see such characters as may put one in good humour with human nature."—This point settled, on the second day after, the Count, having taken leave of his tenantry, and recommended them to the kind offices of his steward, whose integrity was beyond all doubt, and whose attachment to his interest had stood the test of time and temptation. He readily accorded with what he saw was the inclination of Ferdinand, and they took the route towards the mansion of Mr. D'Alenberg.

Their presence was equally welcome as unexpected; they were no sooner announced, than the good old gentleman hastened to meet them with a cordiality that was truly gratifying to his visitors. "You have agreeably surprised me," said he to Ferdinand, after saluting the Count.—"My wishes were stronger than my hopes, and I am pleased to find that you gave due credit to my sincerity. You have enhanced the obligation of


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 this visit, by affording me an opportunity of paying my respects to Count M." Neither of the gentlemen were deficient in proper acknowledgments for the kindness of this reception, and, after a little desultory conversation, Mr. D'Alenberg introduced them to the ladies. Surprise and pleasure were strongly blended in the features of his daughter; nor did the melancholy Louisa appear less gratified, though the languor which hung over her whole frame, gave her less animation. Mr. D'Allenberg, in a cheerful voice, bid them "rally their spirits; and now that he had been fortunate enough to take two gallant knights prisoners, he expected the ladies of the Castle would do their best to make their chains easy, and their captivity light."

Theresa answered her father in his own style; and in a short time, the conversation became animated and entertaining. Even Louisa sometimes joined in it when applied to, though it was pretty evident that the


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 effort was painful, and that she had a mind but ill at ease.

In the evening, after the ladies had retired, Mr. d'Allenberg of himself reverted to Louisa's story, and observed that he had to congratulate himself on the discovery of Count Wolfran's baseness, and also, that the heart of his daughter was much less attached to him than might have been expected from his handsome person and insinuating manners. "She has even told me," said he, "that her predilection was never decidedly strong in his favour; but that, having no attachment to another, no reasonable objection could be made against him. On the contrary, all appearances being to his advantage, and seeing that his addresses met with my approbation, she thought herself happy in complying with my wishes, where there was every prospect of future happiness to herself.—What a fortunate escape has my dear child experienced," added he.

"But my dear Sir," cried Ferdinand, "will you pardon me for observing, that it


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 appears rather extraordinary you should not have well informed yourself of the Count's character and circumstances, previous to your consent for addressing Miss d'Allenberg." "You cannot suppose, my young friend," answered he, 'that I neglected a duty so important to a parent. I actually did make inquiries, the gentleman at whose house we met with him, told me, that he was a widower; that he had married some time ago a ward of his uncle's, who died soon after she was brought to bed. His father, he said, had been killed in a duel by an officer, on account of an old regimental quarrel;—and that he had the misfortune to lose his worthy uncle very shortly after, for whom he then wore mourning. In short, my friend represented him as a worthy young man, who had met with great distresses from the premature death of his connexions, and congratulated me on the power of restoring him to happiness, by giving him the hand of my daughter."


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 I have not the smallest doubt but that my friend implicitly believed every syllable he told me. Louisa's story was known to none but such whose interest it was to keep it secret. The Countess, or more properly speaking, the lady he had married, withdrawing herself and child, declaredly to him, for ever. The death of his uncle soon after that of his father, to whom only he was accountable for his actions, left him at liberty to promulgate what stories he pleased. None were interested either to doubt or to investigate them.—From our earliest acquaintance, I had understood he was going to make a tour to England; and when he had obtained my permission to address Theresa, he warmly solicited us both to join in his intended plan, which coinciding with our inclinations.—When you met with me at the village, I was returning to this house, with the double purpose of making preparations for the wedding, and at least a twelvemonth's absence. The Count and my friend were to join us in a week, when the marriage was to be com-


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 pleted, and we were directly to have set off on our tour. Thus you see he run no risk of an immediate detection, and doubtless would have remained abroad some time, or have changed his usual residence.

But providence often defeats the deep-laid schemes of villainy, and unmasks the contriver to the world. I have written a circumstantial account to my friend, and besought him to treat the base betrayer with the contempt and ignominy he deserves, nor as he values my friendship to engage in any personal resentment with a wretch so unworthy of his sword, but to let disgrace mark his steps, and his character fly before him. To the Count I disdained to write. Louisa and my daughter have both written to the Countess; the former, at our request, gratefully declining the generous settlement designed for her father and herself; my daughter, in terms of the warmest admiration of her noble conduct, relating to her the late occurrences, and earnestly entreating her to pay us a visit. Should she do us that favour, there will be a


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 singular trio, two wives, and one intended to make a third.

"Upon my word," said Count M, "I know not which to admire most, the temerity, or the villainy of the man. Such unprecedented baseness in the same province, among his own acquaintance, where so many doubtful circumstances must have appeared against him, had any particular inquiry been set on foot, is truly astonishing." "It would have been more so," observed Ferdinand, "had not many points coincided in his favour. Mr. Hautweitzer's assertions before the old Count and the company, bore no proofs of the marriage which the young one disclaimed. He represented Louisa as his mistress; his father and uncle doubtless believed her to be such. She could adduce no evidence to prove the contrary. Therefore, though his connexion with her was reprehensible, even from his own acknowledgment, yet it bore not the marks of guilt attending a double marriage; nor had his lady sufficient conviction to authorize her withdrawing herself


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 and child from him, had he persisted in his claims. But her honour and delicacy could not be satisfied with a disputed title; and from the Count's subsequent conduct, there is but too much reason to believe, that in possession of her fortune, and weary of being confined to one object, and to a dissembled regularity of life, inconsistent with his libertine principles, he made use of no endeavours to reconcile her doubts, or establish her claims, but left her to her own painful conjectures, the termination of which was in all probability little less satisfactory to him than to herself, as it left him at liberty to form fresh projects, and seek for new objects."

"Upon my word," returned Mr. D'Alenberg, "I believe you have represented the affair in its true point of view; and as a man, without honour or principle, governed by the most sensual and selfish passions, his conduct wants no further explanation; nor can we wonder he should succeed with the ladies, when setting aside his personal attractions, he certainly has the most insinuating address,


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 the most plausible manners I ever beheld; so much so, that you would scarce feel an inclination to make inquiries that you must consider as equally an insult to him, and to your own discernment. But enough of this disgrace to society; let him no more be remembered among us."

Two days past away in this hospitable mansion with such celerity, from the delightful suavity and uncommon cheerfulness which Mr. D'Alenberg exerted to entertain his guests, and the more refined and elegant conversation of the ladies; that, on the third day, which the gentlemen had fixed upon for their departure, they felt infinite reluctance to give up the charms of such society, and relinquish domestic happiness for the clangor of arms, and destructive war. A sigh of heart-felt regret, and painful retrospection, escaped from both, when they met at the breakfast table, prepared for their journey.

"How," said Mr. D'Alenberg; "do you mean to throw a cloud over our little party, by deserting us? Did you come here


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 with the ill-natured purpose of engaging our esteem, of giving us a relish for those pleasures arising from entertaining and improving conversation, and then suddenly leave us to regret and disappointment? In truth, my good friends, this is not well done of you;—and I expect you will give up your intention and your boots together, unless you will escort the ladies in an airing this morning."—"I hope, Sir," replied Ferdinand, with a look of earnestness, and in a tone of dejection; "I hope, Sir, you will believe there needs no persuasion to induce us to comply with your kind wishes, which so well accords with our own inclinations; but there are particular circumstances—motives of honour and delicacy—feelings which impel us to give up the happiness we have found in this society, and to follow that plan we have chalked out for ourselves, from whence we expect to derive neither profit nor pleasure, but, in the tumult of a camp, to lose the remembrance of ourselves."


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128 horse, and managed to pull himself up into the saddle, and the horse mounted into the air with him. Then they all shouted and cried: ‘The warrior who has fought for us is a god! He must be a god.’

And throughout all the kingdom nothing else was spoken about, and all the people said: ‘Who can the hero be who has fought for us in so many battles? He cannot be a man, he must be a god.’

And the king said: ‘If only I could see him once more, and if it turned out that after all he was a man and not a god, I would reward him with half my kingdom.’

Now when the prince reached his home—the gardener’s hut where he lived with his wife—he was weary, and he lay down on his bed and slept. And his wife noticed the handkerchief bound round his wounded leg, and she wondered what it could be. Then she looked at it more closely and saw in the corner that it was embroidered with her father’s name and the royal crown. So she ran straight to the palace and told her father. And he and his two sons-in-law followed her back to her house, and there the gardener lay asleep on his bed. And the scarf that he always wore bound round his head had slipped off, and his golden hair gleamed on the pillow. And they all recognised that this was the hero who had fought and won so many battles for them.

Then there was great rejoicing throughout the land, and the king rewarded his son-in-law with half of his kingdom, and he and his wife reigned happily over it.

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 "Far be it from me, to pry impertinently into your motives," returned Mr. D'Alenberg, "or urge you to favour us with your company one moment longer than is consistent with your inclinations and engagements. I must regret that both will not allow you to oblige me, but you must be masters of your own time and actions." The Count made suitable acknowledgments to the old gentleman, and lamented the necessity which forced them to relinquish their present happiness.

The ladies spoke not a word; a general dejection pervaded at the table with a silence of some minutes. Mr. D'Alenberg was the first to recover. "Plague on it," said he, affecting a gay tone, 'that we cannot always command our wishes, though perhaps they may be sometimes extravagant, and militate against the interests of our friends. Aye, aye, we are not the best judges of the fit, and the unfit, I believe, and so must try to reconcile ourselves to present mortifications, looking forward to more pleasing expecta-


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 tions hereafter; and this hope, my friends, I will not relinquish, that we shall one day meet again, when the joy of meeting will amply recompense us for this temporary separation." They all joined cordially in "this hope;" and the moment breakfast was ended, Miss d'Allenberg arose. "I have an utter aversion," said she, with a faint smile, 'to formal taking leave. You have my best wishes, gentlemen, for your health and happiness. I flatter myself you will sometimes remember us." With those words hastily pronounced, she quitted the room, followed by Louisa, who made them a similar compliment, without waiting for an answer.

"The girls are sorry to lose their beaus," said the old gentleman: "Their pleasure has been very transient; and if I have any skill in physiognomy, this parting accords as little with your feelings as with ours; and yet it must be, I suppose?"

"Dear Sir," cried Ferdinand, "how kindly is that question put, and what justice do you allow to our sentiments. Yes, we


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 must go," added he, rising. "May every good angel guard you and your family, and uninterrupted happiness attend your lovely daughter and her suffering friend."

"I thank you most cordially—I thank you," replied Mr. D'Alenberg; "health and success will, I hope, be your's. We may one day meet again."

No more was said; they proceeded down the avenue which led to a gate, where their horses and servants were in waiting. The Count shook the old gentleman's hand, and vaulted into the saddle. As Ferdinand prepared to do the same, he whispered in the other's ear,

"Pity two unfortunate men, both married, and unhappy. You will do justice to the motives which hastens our departure."

He sprung upon the horse, and waving his hand, they were out of sight in a moment.—Mr. d'Allenberg stood all astonishment, looking after them, his lips half unclosed—words trembling on his tongue; but they were gone; he turned towards the house, deeply


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 musing on Ferdinand's last words, and with a sigh of pity that two such men should be "married and unhappy."

Count M and his friend pursued their route for some miles without stopping or speaking, absorbed each in his own painful reflections; the other was unheeded; until, coming out of a wood, and ascending a rising ground a little to the left, Ferdinand saw the hills on which the city of Baden was situated, and instantly recollected his little Charles. Ah! thought he, shall I not once more fold him in my arms; the dear, unhappy, forsaken boy, perhaps soon to be an orphan, without a father or a friend. He stopped his horse, and turning, saw the Count galloping towards him, who, observing his agitation, eagerly inquired if any accident had befallen him.

"No," replied Ferdinand, "but do you not see those distant hills? A little beyond, you know, stands Baden: I have a son."

"I understand you," said the Count;—and guess what passes in your heart. But my


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 good friend, you have lately seen him; you know he is in safe and honourable hands.—Why then would you seek a renewal of sorrow to yourself, without conveying a single benefit to him?"

"Enough," returned Ferdinand, pulling his hat over his eyes. "You have convinced me I ought not to seek a selfish gratification, which can only tend to harrow up my soul, and unman my resolutions; no, I will not go."

He spurred on his horse, and was again silent, until they arrived at a small village, where they were obliged to halt, and refresh the poor animals, almost dead with fatigue.

Each being desirous of amusing the other, they soon fell into a cheerful conversation, and sought to forget the past, by talking of their future plans. The war, which was now to be carried on with great vigour against the Turks; the marriage which the Emperor had projected for his daughter, afterwards so famous in history, as Queen of Hungary; and many other common topics, that carried them out of themselves.


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 Thus they spent some hours, until they resumed their journey, purposing to sleep at a small town about twelve miles further; but the roads were so bad, and they were so much impeded in their progress, that they were constrained to halt at a wretched inn on the skirts of a small hamlet, and pass a sleepless night, without any tolerable accommodations; but they were going to the army, and therefore disdained to complain of hardships, though they paid the price of luxuries.

The dawn of the morning saw them on horseback; and as they rode on, new scenes, and brighter prospects, gave a relief to their minds, and cheered their conversation. The remainder of their journey grew more pleasant; was passed without any accidents, and in due time they arrived in safety at Vienna.


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CHAP. VII.

the busy preparations for the recruiting of the army, the Court of the Emperor, and the multitude of strangers resident there at that time, could not fail of attracting attention, and inspiring ardor in the bosoms of two brave men who wished to distinguish themselves in a cause against their common enemy. Count M. was introduced to the Emperor, Charles the Sixth, who, having just received an account of the death


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 of that brave and successful General, Prince Eugene, without knowing any one deserving, or capable of undertaking the command of his army, was at that time greatly perplexed, and gratefully acknowledged the volunteer services offered by the Count.—Ferdinand had heretofore been honoured with his approbation, and both gentlemen had abundant cause to be satisfied with their reception.

They passed some weeks at Vienna, in the usual amusements of the city, before the army was ready to take the field; during which time, they had received letters from their friends that had helped to tranquillize their minds. Ferdinand heard from Mr. Dunloff, that his son, and the good old Ernest, were in health; and he had also a letter from his brother, informing him, 'that he was married to the Lady Amelia Bonhorff; but at the same time assuring him, that his present engagements did not weaken his regard for Ferdinand, who, whenever he was disposed to prefer services from a brother, to pecu-


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Author:Mary Harris Jones

Works

 * Autobiography of Mother Jones

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fourscore years ago, there used to be seen sauntering on the terraces of Sans Souci, for a short time in the after-noon, or you might have met him elsewhere at an earlier hour, riding or driving in a rapid business manner on the open roads or through the scraggy woods and avenues of that intricate amphibious Potsdam region, a highly interesting lean little old man, of alert though slightly stooping figure ; whose name among strangers was King Friedrich the Second, or Frederick the Great of Prussia, and at home among the common people, who much loved and esteemed him, was Vater Fritz,—Father Fred,—a name of familiarity which had not bred contempt in that instance. He is a King every inch of him, though without the trappings of a King. Presents him-self in a Spartan simplicity of vesture : no crown but an old military cocked-hat,—generally old, or trampled and kneaded into absolute softness, if new ;—no sceptre but one like Agamemnon's, a walking-stick cut from the woods, which serves also as a riding-stick (with which he hits the horse 'between the ears,' say authors);—and for royal robes, a mere soldier's blue coat with red facings, coat likely to be old, and sure to

VOL. I.


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 honoured Portuguese, Diego and Lopez, should have been called microbes, and I have no regrets about my fights for the honour of the Niger for my own countrymen, nor for my constant attempts to take the conceit out of my French and Portuguese friends, as a set-off for "the conceit about England" they were always trying to take out of me, by holding forth on what those Carthaginians had done on the West Coast before France or Portugal were so much as dreamt of.

The Portuguese discoveries you can easily read of in Major's great book on Prince Henry; and as this book is fully accepted as correct by the highest Portuguese authorities, it is safer to do so than to attempt to hunt your Portuguese hero for yourself, because of the quantity of names each of them possesses, and the airy indifference as to what part of that name their national chroniclers use in speaking of them. I have tried it, and have several times been in danger of going to my grave with the idea that I was investigating the exploits of two separate gentlemen, whereas I was only dealing with two parts of one gentleman's name; nevertheless, it is a thing worth learning Portuguese for. And, in addition to Major's book, we have now, thanks to the Hakluyt Society, that superb thing, the Chronicle of the Discovery and Conquest of Guinea, by Gomez Eanes de Zurara—a work completed in 1453. This work is one on which we are largely dependent for the details of the early Portuguese discoveries, because Gomez Eanes spent the later part of his life in tidying up the Torre do Tombo—namely, the national archives, of which he was keeper—and his idea of tidying up included the lady-like method of destroying old papers. It makes one cold now to think of the things De Zurara may have

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 destroyed; but he evidently regarded himself, as does the nineteenth century spring-cleaner, as a human benefactor; and, strange to say, his contemporaries quite took his view; indeed, this job was done at the request of the Cortes, and with the Royal sanction. There is also an outstanding accusation of forgery against Zurara, but that is a minor offence, and is one we need only take into consideration when contemplating the question as to whether a man capable of destroying early manuscripts and forgery might not be also capable of leaving out of his Chronicle, in honour of the Navigator, any mention of there being Frenchmen on the Coast, when he sent out his emissaries to discover what might lay hidden from the eye of man down in the Southern Seas. I do not, however, think De Zurara left out this thing intentionally, but that he had no knowledge of it if it did exist, for no man could have written as he wrote, unless he had a heart too great for such a meanness. Certain it is Prince Henry never knew, for these are the five reasons given by Zurara, in the grave, noble splendour of his manner, why the Prince undertook the discoveries with which his name will be for ever associated. I give the passage almost in full because of its beauty. "And you should note well that the noble spirit of this Prince (Henry the Navigator) by a sort of natural constraint was ever urging him both to begin and carry out very great deeds; for which reason after the taking of Ceuta, he always kept ships well armed against the Infidel, both for war and because he also had a wish to know the land that lay beyond the Isles of Canary and that Cape called Bojador, for that up to his time neither by writings nor by the memory of man was known with any certainty the nature of the land beyond that Cape. Some said indeed Saint Brandan had passed that way,

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 and there was another tale of two galleys rounding the Cape which never returned and because the said Lord Infant wished to know the truth of this—since it seemed to him if he, or some other Lord, did not endeavour to gain that knowledge, no mariners or merchants would ever dare to attempt it, (for the reason that none of them ever trouble themselves to sail to a place where there is not a sure and certain hope of profit,) and seeing also that noother prince took any pains in this matter, he sent out his own ships against those parts, to have manifest certainty of them all, and to this he was stirred up by his zeal for the service of God, and of King Dom Duarto, his Lord and brother, who then reigned; and this was the first reason of his action."

"The second reason was that if there chanced to be in those lands a population of Christians or some havens into which it would be possible to sail without peril, many kinds of merchandise might be brought to this nation which would find a ready market, and reasonably so because no other people of these parts traded with them, nor yet people of any other that were known; and also the products of this nation might be taken there, which traffic would bring great profit to our countrymen."

"The third reason was that as it was said that the power of the Moors in that land of Africa was very much greater than was commonly supposed, and that there were no Christians among them nor any other race of men, and because every wise man is obliged by natural prudence to wish for a knowledge of the power of his enemy; therefore the said Lord Infant exerted himself to cause them to be fully discovered to make it known determinedly how far the power of those Infidels extended."

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