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140 UNCLE TOM'S CABIN; OR
ing your lawful master, George, — (I don't wonder at it),
— at the same time, I 'm sorry, George, — yes, decidedly,
— I think I must say that, George, — it's my duty to tell you so."
" Why are you sorry, sir ? " said George, calmly.
" Why, to see you, as it were, setting yourself in opposition to the laws of your country."
" My country! " said George, with a strong and bitter emphasis ; " what country have I, but the grave, — and I wish to God that I was laid there ! "
"Why, George, no,—no, — it won't do; this way of talking is wicked, — unscriptural. George, you 've got a hard master, — in fact, he is — well, he conducts himself reprehensibly, — I can't pretend to defend him. But you know how the angel commanded Hagar to return to her mistress, and submit herself under her hand ; and the apostle sent back Onesimus to his master."
" Don't quote Bible at me that way, Mr. Wilson," said George, with a flashing eye, " don't! for my wife is a Christian, and I mean to be, if ever I get to where I can ; but to quote Bible to a fellow in my circumstances is enough to make him give it up altogether. I appeal to God Almighty, —-1 'm willing to go with the case to Him, and ask Him if I do wrong to seek my freedom."
" These feelings are quite natural, George," said the good-natured man, blowing his nose. " Yes, they 're natural, but it is my duty not to encourage 'em in you. Yes, my boy, I 'm sorry for you, now ; it's a bad case, — very bad ; but the apostle says, ' Let every one abide in the condition in which he is called.' We must all submit to the indications of Providence, George,— don't you see ? *''
George stood with his head drawn back, his arms folded tightly over his broad breast, and a bitter smile curling his lips.
" I wonder, Mr. Wilson, if the Indians should come and take you a prisoner away from your wife and children, and want to keep you all your life hoeing corn for them, |
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