SAM

'If you'd sent word you was a-coming, we'd ha' had it repaired;' replied the imperturbable Sam.

'Never mind George Barnwell,' interrupted Sam, who had remained a wondering listener during this short colloquy;

'Who there is in the house!' said Sam, in whose mind the inmates were always represented by that particular article of their costume, which came under his immediate superintendence.

"'Now, then, Sir,' said Sam, in an encouraging tone; 'off with you, and shoe 'em how to do it.'

"'These--these--are very awkward skates; ain't they, Sam?' inquired Mr.

"'I'm afeerd there's an orkard gen'l'm'n in 'em, Sir,' replied Sam.

Black Sam, as he was commonly called, from his being about three shades blacker than any other son of ebony on the place, was revolving the matter profoundly in all its phases and bearings, with a comprehensiveness of vision and a strict lookout to his own personal well-being, that would have done credit to any white patriot in Washington.

"It's an ill wind dat blow nowhar,--dat ar a fact," said Sam, sententiously, giving an additional hoist to his pantaloons, and adroitly substituting a long nail in place of a missing suspender-button, with which effort of mechanical genius he seemed highly delighted.

Now, why shouldn't Sam?--dat's what I want to know."

Oom Sam spread out the document which Trent had handed him upon a tree-stump, and explained.

"Him white man just come," Oom Sam explained; "want see you do this."

He clutched Sam by the arm, and whispered in his ear.