The Indians were robbed of their lands, and driven from their homes; but the Africans not only lost their country, but were compelled to work in slavery, for men to whom they owed no allegiance, in a different climate, and with the ever-galling thought that they were once free.  It argues well for their peaceable disposition, that they have not long ago revolted, and by a terrible massacre shaken off their yoke as they did in St. Domingo.  Now, which was the worst used in this case?”

“O! the slave, papa.  I willingly surrender,” said Alfred, laughing.

“Well, if you have finished, I move we go to bed, and thence to the land of dreams,” said Mrs. Ford, rising and putting away her sewing.

It was unanimously agreed that this was the best plan, and, after giving thanks to God for his many mercies, they retired.

CHAPTER III.

“Good morning, father,” said Alfred; “I have been thinking that I surrendered too soon last night; I did not bring out all my forces, because I forgot something I heard that old Baptist minister say when he was lecturing here a few days ago.  He said that the Creek Indians would not send the poor fugitives back to their masters.  It is true they made a treaty with our government to do so, but they had too much humanity to keep it; and for not doing so, the government withheld two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which was due to the Indians for some lands, and used it to pay the masters.  But that made little difference to them, for they still persisted in disobeying the ‘Fugitive Slave Law.’  Now don’t you think that was a good trait in their character?”

“Yes, Alfred, I do; they manifested a very generous and humane disposition.”

“Well, but I think it was very dishonorable for them to break any treaty,” said Harry.

“You see, Harry, there is where you and I differ.  I think it a great deal better to break a bad promise than to keep it, answered Alfred.

“Come into breakfast, papa,” said Cornelia, peeping her little curly head in at the door, “Mamma wants you to come right away, because she has to go to Judy’s.”

“Very well, we will go now, and not keep mother waiting.  Just look at the snow!  How it sparkles!  Jack Frost has been here, for the windows are all covered and the water in the pitcher is frozen.”

“Yes, papa, and see what funny shapes the icicles are in, and the trees and bushes look as if they had their white dresses on,” said little Cornelia.

“It will be a splendid morning for a sleigh-ride.  Would you like to take one, mother?” asked Harry, after their breakfast was over and family prayer ended.

“Yes, my son, I should; I have to go to Judy’s this morning; so we can take the children to school first, and then pay my visit.  I should like to have the sleigh at the door pretty early, as I have several places to go to after coming from Judy’s.”