Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1857-08-13
CHAPTER XIX.
Have Chattels Souls

Continued.
CHAPTER XIX.
Have Chattels Souls?
The plantation of Maitland formed strik-
ing contrast to that Of Col Montague. Orig
inally 1t had been its superior, bat since it had
come into Maitland's possession, its value had
decreased, as is inevitably the case upon a
Southern estate if there be not u prudent mana
ger to direct its affairs, instead of leaving eve
rythng in the eye of an overseer. Since the
commencement of the difficulties in Kansas,
Maitland rarely staid long at Il time on his
plantation, and when he passed few days there,
he did not care to occupy his mind by investi-
eating his affairs. The mansion had once been
one of great beauty, but by neglect it was now
fast approaching ruin and decay. The grounds
in front and around the mansion were laid out
with great taste, but these too shared n the
general neglect, and where once flowers of every
hue bloomed in the richest prolusion, nothing
but rank weeds were visible.
The overseer was a man whom no one but
Maitland would have hired and for miles
around, the slaves on adjoining plantations
mentioned his name with fear No greater
punishment could be inflicted upon them for
msdemeanors than the threat of hiring them
out to Maitland. The name of both master
and ovcrseer was associated in their minds with
all that was terrible and they were impeled
to greater di ligence in the fear that such fate
as falling into the hands of either awaited
them did they not pay strict attention to their
duties.
1t was not little strange that man of Col.
Montagues s temperament, and holding the po-
sition in society which he did, should have
J chosen Maitland as friend. Maitland, while
with him, was different being than at other
a s.imes, and carefully studying the others char
acter, he endeavored to conform Ais own, while
in his presence, to suit him, and in this he sue
ceeded. If conscious of the reports in reference
to Maitands character, Col. Montague did not
give credence to them, but his eyes once opened
to his real nature, he despised him far more
than he had ever esteemed
After the escape of Waldo and Walton at
Lawrence, Maitland returned to his plantation,
his whole nature eugrossed by the one ruling
passion, revenge. While basking in the favor
Of Col. Montague he could carry Oh his designs
with greater secresy and less fear Of detection ;
but since his last interview with him he felt
that the main channel of his operations was
destroyed. Willingly would he have given half
Of his plantation for the possession of Gertrude.
Since her purchase by Walton, he had seen her
but once, and all illusions TO her when at Oak
land was studously avoided by members of the
household. How he was to get her into bis
possession was the question which he asked
himself, and to it he could form no satisfactory
answer. She rarely left Oak land unless accom-
panied by Clara or the servants 30 that an al
tempt to gain possession of her by force, was
both hazardous and unfeasible.
1t was late on the morning following the
night which Maitland reached his plantation,
that he arose. The night had passed, but it
brought no slumber to his eyelids, and his
mind was tortured by contending emotions.-
Hastily completing his toilet, he rang bell
near him, and then took seat by window
which overlooked his estate A mulatto wo-
man of perhaps thirty years of age, answered
the summons.
Have you breaklasted, Kitty +" asked
- Maitland, as the woman entered the ROOM
g Breakfasted! Lor' bless yer, yis, Massa--
two houls ago. It's most noon now"
g Noon " exclaimed Maitland in surprise.
"Yis. Yer breakfast is waiting-shall
send it up!"
" No, Kitty. It's 50 late will dispense witt
eating till the dinner hour. But stay mo-
mcnt-is Harley in ?"
g Yis he's jist cum from de Colonel's.''
/" Was he at Montague's yeserday?"
"Yis de whole day. most"
" Has he been there often, Kitty since wa
ut home last "
Z" Been dare ebry day but one Tor week."
Did Lawson know of his going -
Yis.o
g Then why did lie not keep him at home
and not permit him to spend his time fooin,
around that girl
. Reckons he couldn't do it no how, AIassa
Yer see de first day he went dare, Massa Law
son tolc him he mus go only Sundays, Go
yer d forbid it. Then Harley toe him he wa n
under his control, noways, and if yer'd goL an
commands, to tole him fore you left
This is the advantage Of having an educa
ted nigger exclaimed Maitland to himself
" Heaven only knows what would become q
the Institution if Northern philanthropiss wer
permitted to carry out their educatona
schemes. The insolcnl puppy You may 6
: now Kitty, and tell Harley wish to see him,
There was deep frown upon Maitland
brow as the servant left the room Tue slay
referred to was one which Maitland had pur
chased some time before, OF Col. Montague
He had received a thorough education, and tn
account Of the productions of the estate, ,as wei
as much of Maitland's private business, wa
transacted by him. His wife, a mulatto wa