Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1913-12-20


give you. but wouldn't forgive no
uddcr marStcr in de worl'."
Adclia St Clair learned the secret
that her husband could not force him.
self 10 tell her from the boys mother.
who. frantic with grief. went TO her to
cntrcat her to do something TO save her
from being separated from her boy.
The blow was almost rs severe upon
the mistress MS upon the slave. But
she kept her head and sent Susan away
assuring her that II there was anything
she could do TO prevent the calamity
she would do II. but. knowing her hus-
bands financial straits. she could give
no hope.
As soon as Sue had departed Mrs. st.
| Clair sent for her husband. The Gus
tom of gambling was so prevalent
among the planters OF that day that
she did not reproach him. She could
not but recognize that lie had been
weak to risk the happiness OF fam
lily whom both he and she considered
committed 10 their charge by Provi
dence. but she knew nothing was to be
gained by holding up to him his sin
and she knew he suffered keenly for
what he had done. she began ut once
20 confer with him upon some plan by
which a sum might be raised to buy
back the boy. In vain they went over
everything they possessed that could
possibly he mortgaged. All such prop
crty had been mortgaged already. BE.
sides. there was no time to negotiate
New Orleans was the nearest place
where such Il matter could be attended
10. and To- 20 there. make loan and
return would require several days.
Sam came in just as they had agreed
that nothing could be done TO save
his boy 10 him. lie looked anxiously
from one TO the other TO see II there
was any hope. St Clair nodded TO his
wife TO speak for both.
There Is no time In which to pre-.
vent the separation" she said. Your
master has received message that
Billy will be called for tomorrow. We
can only promise that II we can keep
n knowledge of Billys future where.
abouts we will buy him back II ii
should be possible"
There was no comfort In this for
sam He knew his masters proncness
to drift financially and believed that
he would get deeper and deeper In
debt With n moan he turned away to
impart the sad tidngs to his wife.
The news that little Billy had been
sold and was TO be taken away on
Christmas morning cast gloom over
all. white and black. on the plantation.
IBIS won't be no Christmas nj all.
said one.
"wha mars 90 sell Billy TO- TO go
way on Christmas; lie ought 10 had
mo sense than dat" said another.
"Yo shot up. nigga" said third.
MARS wouldn't "A done dat il he hadn't
had 10 done it,
These criticisms. though plentiful
among the negroes were not mingled
with much blame. They all knew
their master and had perfect conf
dence In his intentions.
As soon as ST. Clair had finished his
plantation IN order TO avoid being pres
cnt at Billy's departure. About 10
o'clock house servant announced 20
Mrs. 81. Clair that man had come
for Billy Mrs. ST. Clair went 10
Jewel box. where she found the re-
mains Of her jewels that had not been
pledged. Taking mental inventory
OF them, she could not possibly make
out their total worth at over $500.
She sighed nj not being able 10 find
anything more.
Taking the remnant OF a property
that had been in her family for many
generations, she went downstairs. She
was surprised to find well dressed
man. not NJ all like one who might
have been sent for negro boy. He
rose dcferentially as she entered.
II am surprised" she said. 'at see
Ing gentleman. Are you the owner
OF the boy YOU have come forg'
Yes. madam"
"May | ask who you areT' she added
curiously.
"a gambler. madam"
"a gamblcr?
"Yes. madam. am the gentleman
who won the boy from your husband"
This looked hopeful. Mrs. st. Clair
produced her jewels and was begin
ming speech ms TO their value when
the man interrupted her.
as your husband M home madam
mo. expect he went away to get
rid Of seeing this poor family lose
their treasure"
II did not notice. madam. when !
took bin Of sale from your husband
that the property was TO be delivered
on Christmas day. | have come my
self 20 see Mr. 81. Clair 10 impress
upon him the folly Of playing cards
for money with professional gambler.
I found him an easy prey" Taking
ont wallet. he handed the lady roll
OF bills md paper. then added.
"rhcre is the amount. madam. won
from your husband. and there Is the
bill of sale for the boy" The latter he