The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-03-18
lcoPYRIsHT SECURED ACCORDING To LAwl
UNCLE TOMS CABIN:
OR,
LIFE MONG THE LOWLY.
BY MRS. II. b. STOWE.
CHAPTER XXXlX-Continued

NhhTihh hNAia-tOHiHutu
Legree drew in long breath, and suppress
ing his rage took Tom by the arm and, APP
preaching his face almost to his, said, in ter
rible voice
Harkee, Tom, we think cause Pve let you
off before, don't mean what ! say; but this
time I've made up my mind, and counted the
cost. You've always stood it out agn me now
I'll conquer We or kill ye, one or tother. I'll
count every drop of blood there is in We, and
take en- one by one till We give up
Tom looked up to his master, and answered.
Massr, if you was sick, or in trouble, or
dying, and | could save We, I'D giue We my
hearts blood; and if taking every drop of
blood in this poor old body would save your
precious SOUL Id give EN- freely, az the Lord
gave his for me. Oh. mass'r, don't bring this
great sin on your soul it will hurt you more
than it will me. Do the worst you can, my
troubles will be over soon but if We don't re-
pent you're wont never end"
Like a strange snatch of heavenly music.
heard in the lull of tempest this burst of
feeling made Il moments blank pause. Legree
stood aghast, and looked ut Tom, and there
was such a silence that the tick of the old
clock could be heard, measuring with silent
touch the last moments of mercy and proba-
ton to that hardened heart
1t was but moment. There was one hest
tatlng pause, one irresolnte relenting thrill and
the spirit OF evil came back with seventoid ye-
hemence, and Legree, foaming with rage, smote
his victim to the ground
Scenes of blood and cruelty are shocking to
our ear and heart! What man has nerve t.
do, man has not nerve to hear what brother
man and brother Christian must suffer, cannot
be told us in our secret chamber, it so harrows
up the soul and yet oh my country, these
things are done under the shadow of thy
laws Oh, Christ thy church sees them almost
in silence!
But of old there was one whose suffering
changed an instrument of torture degradation,
and shame, into symbol of honor and glory
and immortal life and where his spirit is,
neither degrading stripes nor blood nor insult
can make the Christian last struggle less than
glorious
Was he alone that long night, whose brave
loving heart was bearing, in that old shed, buff
tetng and brutal stripes Nay, there stood
by HIM one, seen by him alone, " like to the
Son of Cod
The tempter stood by him, too-blinded by
furious, despotic wll-every moment pressing
him to shun that agony by the betrayal of the
helpless; but the brave, true heart was firm
on the eternal rock Like his master. he knew
that if he saved others, himself he could not
save; nor could utmost extremity wiring from
him words other than of prayer and holy trust
He's most gone, mass'r, " said Sambo, touch
ed in spite of himself by the patience of his
victim.
Pay away till he gives up give it to him,
give it to him. shouted Legree. "Tll take
the last drop of his blood, unless he confesses"
Tom opened his eyes, and looked up to his
master-a high, maj este expression was in his
face.
aye poor, miserable crttur!" he said
p" there's no more ye can do. forgive ye, with
all my heart {" and he tainted entirely
I" b'lieve he's done for finally" said Legree
stepping forward to look at him has mouths
shut up at last-that's one comfort"
Yes, Legree, but who shall shut up that awful
voice in thy soul-that soul past repentance,
past prayer, past hope--in whom the fire that
never shall be quenched is already burning!
Yet Tom was not gone. His wondrous
words and pious prayers had struck upon the
hearts of the poor, embruted blacks who had
been the instrument of cruelty upon him; and
the instant that Legree withdrew, they took
him down, and in their ignorance sought to
call him back to life, as if that were any favor
to him.
"Sartin, we've been don a drefful wicked
thing said Sambo; "hope mass'r'll have TO
count fort, and not we"
They washed his wounds, they provided
rude bed for him tO lie on, and one of them
stealing up to the house, begged drink Of
brandy Of Lcgrce pretending that he was
tired, and brought it back and poured it down
his throat
"Tom," said Sambo when no revived q lit
tie, "wc's been rao wicked TO ye0
81 forgive We, with all my heart" said Tom.
"Ob Tom do tell us who il Jesus, any how"
said Sambo-" Jesus that's been standn by
you all this night Who is he 90
The word reused the failing, fainting spirit
He poured forth few energetic sentences Of
that wondrous one - his life and DEATH his
presence, and his power to forgive
and save
They wept-both the two brutal men.
"Why didn't never hear of this before
said Sambo "But do believe can't help
itu
"Poor critttrs,D said Tom, "Td DO willing
II bar all have, it could only bring ye TO
Christ. Oh, Lord, give me these two more
souls pray"
That prayer was answered.
CHAPTER XL-The Young Master.
Two days after, young man drove light
wagon up through the avenue Of China trees
and, throwing the reins hastily on the horses
neck, sprang out, and inquired for the owner
Of the place.
1t was George Shelby and to show how he