Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1857-08-13


1t was fortunate for Maitland that he possessed
such slave-the very soul of honor, and de-
voted to his ownwer's interests, else long be-
fore, his estate would have been Impoverished
through the fraudulent transactions of the
oversecr. Between Harley and Lawson strong
dislike had sprang up, and the former-save
though he was-could not, and would not.
bear the insolence of the overseer Various
were the devices by which Lawson had at.
tempted 70 dispose st Harley or, by course
Of ill-treatment, induce himto run awdy from
the plantation bat none of these had, as yet,
succeeded
A few moments elapsed after the servant had
left the room when Harley made his appear
ance
Good morning, Mr.. Maitland. You are
such ii stranger here that it seems like old
times to have you back once more.'
" assure you, Harley, ! am glad to get
back to the old plantation again" said Matt
land, grasping the extended hand.
There was no frown upon Maitland's face
now A smile in which beamed generous
pleasure at seeing Harley, usurped its place.
AS the syren sings in strains of heavenly sweet
ness in order to decoy, so Maitland by an out
ward show of pleasure, invited the confidence
of his slave, that he might the better further
his base and ignobe designs. Were it not for
fln al h.,,. Il,
his brow, no one would have suspected Harley
to be of negro origin. His eyes were black,
and his forehead high aud prominent, unlike
that of the negro. His mouth, too, was small,
his lips slightly compressed, and his features
altogether eminently prepossessing
Well, Harley, how have affairs gone since
my last visit asked Maitland, as he invited
the other to q seat.
Pretty much as usual, believe"
"Where is Lawsonl" think have not
seen him since | returned"
" He was out all day yesterday with the
hounds, after Brutus, the slave you bought of
the New Orleans planter"
lltiS DTuJUE uDSCUHutu
Yes; and Lawson has just come in unable
to get trace of him .
What was the cause of this!"
Lawson in a fit of anger, knocked down
his wife A fight followed, in which Lawson
was severely bruised, and ended by Brutus
leaving tho estate.
~ I ko,,n ba, ,,.n ak r. IL r.
niggerstrking white man Had been in
4 Lawson's place, I'd -haae shat-llim OF the
spot!"
81 tell you, Mr.. Maitland, you are injuring
yourself by keeping Lawson. There's not
slave on the plantation but that diskes him"
Perhaps it is as you say. | will inquire
into the matter. Now Harley, want to know
how my poeuniary affairs stand This strug
gle in the Territory has go occupied my mind
that have not attended to business as |
should"
ITO begin then, DeLacey was here last
week"
DeLacey! What was his business :" ask
f ed Maitland, in a quick tone, his voice tren
bling.
4" lie came for his pay on the notes which
are held against you by Williams q Co.. Of
Q New Orleans"
5 - What answer did you give him !! "
1 :" was absent at the time he arrived, but
? coming in soon after, found Lawson in the
oot Of ov,oll;n, him, f,n,o tbo horso
Lawson expellng DeLacey from the house /!
s Harley, you did not suffer this to be done!--
With that man for an enemy, am ruined
. " Fortunately was enabled TO prevent such
an occurrence; but only got curses and abuse
t from Lawson for my Interference.
$ : owe you much, Harley for this, and you
= shall lose nothing by the care you have taken of
! my interests. But 60 on.
v As hard words had already passed between
DeLacey and the overseer it was with no
! small amount Of persuasion that he was induced
to delay an execution on the estate for two
4 months, told him that at the expiration Of
that time if it were possible the demands should
= be paid
Two months is longer time than expec-
ted him to delay this, but even then shall be
I unable to meet his notes
+" think we Can do it by disposal Of part
h Of the slaves
= But the plantation will suffer by doing
that"
II think not With proper oversecr one
half the slaves are amply sufficient 10 perform
the work.
a :" What was the exact amount of his de
rnands!"
The whole, including the interest, ffteer
thousand dollars.
"What will the crops already sold net "
}, " Five or six thousand"
2 And the rest will not be ready for marke
for two months yet"
!. No-and perhaps not for longer time"
= " Then it is useless for me to think Of paying
IS those notes, have contracted debts sine In,
1t last visit more than sufficient to cover what
y am worth after DeLaccy is paid.
" 1t is best not to despair, Mr.. Maitland
l. You can ] think borrow Il sum Of some of you
= friends to cancel those notes.
,i +" Ii is possible, Harley. You have saved m
re from many II perplexity, and hope you can d
Al it now care, to tell the TRUTH but littl
20 whether lose or retain the estate. Wealth
" not the object am to live for hencelorth.
s have greater one in view. To sell half tn
70 slaves would reveal the true state Of my affair
r. and throw me into disgrace If all must 60
- Harley, you shall have your freedom, and some
,e thing to start in life wiIh besides. will chea
II the law out OF at least IL share Of what it woul
Is take from me. But enough OF this for the pres
10 ent | have q greater subject dwelling in m