In pursuit of this object, pious as Mr.Covey was, he proved himself to be as unscrupulous and base as the worst of his neighbors.

In the beginning, he was only able--as he said--"to buy one slave;" and, scandalous and shocking as is the fact, he boasted that he bought her simply "_as a breeder_." But the worst is not told in this naked statement.

This young woman (Caroline was her name) was virtually compelled by Mr.Covey to abandon herself to the object for which he had purchased her; and the result was, the birth of twins at the end of the year.

At this addition to his human stock, both Edward Covey and his wife, Susan, were ecstatic with joy.

No one dreamed of reproaching the woman, or of finding fault with the hired man--Bill Smith--the father of the children, for Mr.Covey himself had locked the two up together every night, thus inviting the result.
But I will pursue this revolting subject no further.