Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1892-11-11

The last bid came from Augustus
Horton, and the auctiOneer's hammer
descended with an ominous sound.
Cora was his.
Gilbert Marsrave Sprang forward. as
If he would have struck the planter
but friendly hand was laid upon his
shoulder, and he was dragged back by
group OF Americans.
Better keep your dander down.
straf one of the men whispered in
his ear, "our folks are not over fond of
your countrymen just now. and thew
won t make much work of taking out
their bowie knives. Let him have the
gal. Was there ever sucn noise about
q handsome slave?"
Augustus Horton walked up to the
place where Gilbert was standing, sur
rounded by these men.
i've beaten you before to-day, Mr..
Margrave," he said. with a sneer. "and
think I've had the pleasure of giving
you second licking this afternoon"
Again Gilbert would have sprung up
on him. but again he was restrained by
those about him.
We've another duel to fight vet. Mr..
Horton said the EngliShman, and
In that you may not come off SO easiy."
1--WE citizens of New Orleans don't
fight about colured gals" answered the
planter, turning upon his heel, con-
temptuously. and walking toward tho
spot where Cora stood, side by side
with Toby and the other slaves.
Gilbert Margrave released himself
from the arms Of those who held him.
Il must follow him." he said, Il must
speak to him. Ipledge you my honor
that | will attempt no violence. but |
tell YOU must speak to him. Life and
death hang on this matter. How can
l go back to Gerald Leslie, aud tell the
broken-hearted father that was pow
erleSS to save his only child?"
Gilbert found Augustus standing at
little distance from the group Of
slaves contemplating Cora with the in
Solently admiring glance with which
the master surveys his property.
She was no longer the woman who
had ScOrlled and deiied him. She was
his slave, his purchased slave, over
whom the law gave him full and indis-
putable authority.
MIR. Horton" said Gilbert, in 4 voice
rendered hoarse by emotion, let me
speak to you for few moments?"
The planter bowed supercliously.
"Well, sir?" he said, us they withdrew
to a solitary corner Of the auction
room.
You are aware that had my means
enabled me, l would have outbid you
just now in the purchase of Miss Les
lie."
Augustus Horton laughed aloud.
Miss LeSlie!" he repeated scornfully;
I'VE don't call the slaves Miss and Mr..
down south. | guessed you would like
to outbid me for this Octoroon girl,
Cora, but I'm happy to say you weren't
able to do it. Had you bid u hundred
thousand dollars I'd have outbid you,
and if you'd doubled that I'd have out
bid you still. No man comes cheaply
between Augustus Horton and his
will"
Tell me-" said Gilbert, tell me,
what you want with Mr.. Leslie's
daughter. Why do you want to be-
come her master?"
Again Augustus laughed, and the
hot blood mounted to Gilbert's cheek
as he heard the moching laughter.
"If it comes to that" said the planter,
"why do you want her?"
Because | love her"
"Then one answer will do for both Of
u.s." said Augustus. Il want her be-
cause | love her"
No." cried Gilbert, mo, Mr.. Horton.
DO not sully the pure and holy name OF
Love by so base Il blasphemy. Yours
"
seek to destroy that which he pretends
to love. Mine is the honorable Senti-
ment Of the man who seeks to beSLow
upon her he adores the sacred name OF
the Wife"
You BritisherS have another way OF
| thinking to what we have i'll Loul-
| siana," answered Augustus; I'VE don't
marry our slaves. However | have no
wish to quarrel with other folks opln-
ions; the girl 5 mine and l don't mean
| to part with her, 50 good day TO you,
Mr.. MargraVe."
Gilbert laid his hand upon the plan
| ter s shoulder.
"One moment" he said. "The sum
which | offered just now Tor Miss Les
| lie was the eXtent Of TIE ready money |
possess, but ii was not one lNGuLICth
| part oI what can command: commune
caUlOn with London, or even New
\ DIX. Will bring me the funds | re-
qulre. | ask yOu-iLS gentleman APP
| pealing to IL gentleman, upon subject
that is dcarer 20 him than lIle-I ask
| you to do a great and generous action.
| Accept my note of hand Tor hundred
| Thousand dolIarS;-double tine sam You
| have Just giVen-and let ne restore
| Cora Leslie 10 her father"
| Augustus Horton shrugged his
| shoulders.
| Il would be very glad to oblige you,
Mr.. MargraVe," he SAID; but us | don t
| happen to want money just now, aud
| as | We fancy tor keeping lae Octo-
room, l beg TO decline your liberal Of
J fer"
Gilbert MarGrave glanced at him
with Il scorninl smile.
| Il appealed to you rs a gentleman"
| he sad. Il was mistaken. You shall
hear from me tonight"