The jolting over hillocks, and the occasional grunts of the mule, made it an amusing ride; but it was a fruitless one.

The plantation negroes were sowing cotton, but all Mr.Fitzgerald's household servants were leased out in Savannah during his absence in Europe.

The white villa at Magnolia Lawn peeped out from its green surroundings; but the jalousies were closed, and the tracks on the carriage-road were obliterated by rains.
Hiring a negro to go with them to take back the cart, they made the best of their way to the boat, which was waiting for them.

Fatigued and disconsolate with their fruitless search, they felt little inclined to talk as they glided over the bright waters.

The negro boatmen frequently broke in upon the silence with some simple, wild melody, which they sang in perfect unison, dipping their oars in rhythm.