I could see that he really thirsted to get hold of me.

But I was there only for a few days.
I had not received any orders, and had violated none, and there was, therefore, no excuse for flogging me.
At last, the anxiety and suspense were ended; and they ended, thanks to a kind Providence, in accordance with my wishes.

I fell to the portion of Mrs.Lucretia--the dear lady who bound up my head, when the savage Aunt Katy was adding to my sufferings her bitterest maledictions.
Capt.

Thomas Auld and Mrs.Lucretia at once decided on my return to Baltimore.

They knew how sincerely and warmly Mrs.Hugh Auld was attached to me, and how delighted Mr.Hugh's son would be to have me back; and, withal, having no immediate use for one so young, they willingly let me off to Baltimore.
I need not stop here to narrate my joy on returning to Baltimore, nor that of little Tommy; nor the tearful joy of his mother;{140} nor the evident saticfaction( sic) of Master Hugh.