property, he is, of necessity, compelled to yield all claims to mental elevation.  And yet, forced to degradation, there are few negroes on the plantation, or in the spheres of labour, who do not note the rise and fall of their master’s fortunes, study the nature and prospects of the crop, make enquiries about the market, concoct the best economy in managing lands, and consult among themselves as to what would promote the interests of the whole.  So far is this carried out, that in many districts a rivalry for the largest amount of crop on a given space is carried on among the slaves, who not unfrequently “chafe” each other upon the superior wealth and talent of their masters.  It is a well-known fact, that John C. Calhoun’s slaves, in addition to being extremely fond of him, were proud and boastful of his talent.

Daddy Bob is an exemplification.  The faithful old slave had become sensible of something wrong on the plantation:  he saw the sheriff seizing upon the families, secreted himself in the corn crib, and fled to the woods when they were out of sight.  Here, sheltered by the myrtle, he remained until midnight, intently watching the mansion for signs of old mas’r.  Suddenly a light glimmers from the window; the old slave’s feelings bound with joy; he feels it an invitation for him to return, and, leaving his hiding-place, approaches the house stealthily, and descries his master at the window.  Confidence returns, his joy is complete, his hopes have not misled him.  Hungry and wet, he has found his way back to master, whose face at the window gladdens his heart,—­carries him beyond the bounds of caution.  Hence the cordial greeting between the old slave and his indulgent master.  We hear the oft-expressed words-"Master!  I love ye, I do!” Marston gets a candle, lights the old man to a bed in the attic, bids him good night, and retires.

CHAPTER XIV.

In which the extremes are presented.

While the gloomy prospect we have just presented hovered over Marston’s plantation, proceedings of no minor importance, and having reference to this particular case, are going on in and about the city.  Maxwell, moved by Clotilda’s implorings, had promised to gain her freedom for her; but he knew the penalty, feared the result of a failure, and had hesitated to make the attempt.  The consequences were upon him, he saw the want of prompt action, and regretted that the time for carrying his resolution into effect had passed.  The result harassed him; he saw this daughter of misfortune, on her bended knees, breathing a prayer to Omnipotence for the deliverance of her child; he remembered her appeal to him, imploring him to deliver her from the grasp of slavery, from that licentiousness which the female slave is compelled to bear.  He saw her confiding in him as a deliverer,—­the sight haunted him unto madness!  Her child! her