"Mr.Royal did introduce me to him at his store." The two gentlemen thus introduced bade Mr.Talbot good morning, and walked away together, when Mr.King said, "My father and Mr.Royal were as brothers, and that is the reason I feel interested to know what has become of his daughters." The Italian replied, "I will tell _you_, sir, because Mr.Royal told me you were an excellent man, and the son of his old friend." Rapid questions and answers soon brought out the principal features of the sisters' strange history.

When it came to the fact of their being claimed as slaves, Mr.King started.

"Is such a thing possible in this country ?" he exclaimed.

"Girls so elegant and accomplished as they were!" "Quite possible, sir," responded the Signor.

"I have known several similar instances in this city.