330 WILD SCENES AND WILD HUNTERS. 
We passed the night 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 attémpt 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 :— 
“T 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 see 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 off 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 offered 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 :— 
