One day Captain Helm came out where the slaves were at work, and finding Aaron was not there, he fell into a great rage and swore terribly.

He finally started off to a beach tree, from which he cut a stout limb, and trimmed it so as to leave a knot on the but end of the stick, or bludgeon rather, which was about two and a half feet in length.

With this formidable weapon he started for Aaron's lonely cabin.

When the solitary husband saw him coming he suspected that he was angry, and went forth to meet him in the street.

They had no sooner met than my master seized Aaron by the collar, and taking the limb he had prepared by the smaller end, commenced beating him with it, over the head and face, and struck him some thirty or more terrible blows in quick succession; after which Aaron begged to know for what he was so unmercifully flogged.
"Because you deserve it," was the angry reply.