330 WILD SCENES AND WILD HUNTERS. 



We passed the niglit quietly, and had the satisfaction to 

 find in the morning that the old man had opened his eyes, 

 and after his bath, seemed entirely conscious — recognizing 

 me with a smile, and my friend with a slight but placid move- 

 ment of the head. He made no attempt to speak, and it 

 soon became apparent that he had, temporarily, at least, lost 

 the power of speech. 



We were all greatly shocked at discovering this sad mis- 

 fortune ; but the woman, although I could clearly see that 

 she shuddered at the discovery, remained apparently cool, 

 and only remarked : — 



" I said his recovery must be slow, — but whether it come 

 or not, I shall be content, for his glorious brain has been 

 spared; I can^ee that in his clear, firm eye, and if he only 

 recovers the use of his hands and body, the great work may 

 yet be accomplished !" and she turned ofi" about her domestic 

 duties, as he nodded a sublimely placid acquiescence, — at 

 least so it seemed to me ! 



The Planter was early ready to return, — telling me that 

 he would send over a servant every day, or come himself to 

 see how we were getting on. He ofi'ered to leave Tom with 

 us, but I had stoutly refused, and the woman peremptorily. 

 Tom brought up the horses the Planter had mounted, and 

 the other slave was also in the saddle, when Tom, who had 

 been standing during the moments of leave-taking, came for- 

 ward, and making a humble bow at his master's stirrup, said, 

 in a faltering voice : — 



" Massa ! — you please to gib Tom leave to stay here and 

 wait on dis gemmen and dat sick lady ?" 



" Why, Tom, she wont have you, my good fellow ! I've 

 offered to leave you already !" 



Tom seemed greatly humiliated by this speech, and bowed 

 his head with a look of deep mortification for a moment, and 

 then lifting it suddenly, exclaimed, with a droll look of eager 

 entreaty ; — 



f 



