CHAPTER XXIX.
Clouds and Sunshine.
The important Monday at length arrived, and Charlie hastened to the office of Mr.Blatchford, which he reached before the hour for commencing labour.
He found some dozen or more journeymen assembled in the work-room; and noticed that upon his entrance there was an interchange of significant glances, and once or twice he overheard the whisper of "nigger." Mr.Blatchford was engaged in discussing some business matter with a gentleman, and did not observe the agitation that Charlie's entrance had occasioned.

The conversation having terminated, the gentleman took up the morning paper, and Mr.Blatchford, noticing Charlie, said, "Ah! you have come, and in good time, too.

Wheeler," he continued, turning to one of the workmen, "I want you to take this boy under your especial charge: give him a seat at your window, and overlook his work." At this there was a general uprising of the workmen, who commenced throwing off their caps and aprons.

"What is all this for ?" asked Mr.Blatchford in astonishment--"why this commotion ?" "We won't work with niggers!" cried one; "No nigger apprentices!" cried another; and "No niggers--no niggers!" was echoed from all parts of the room.
"Silence!" cried Mr.Blatchford, stamping violently--"silence, every one of you!" As soon as partial order was restored, he turned to Wheeler, and demanded, "What is the occasion of all this tumult--what does it mean ?" "Why, sir, it means just this: the men and boys discovered that you intended to take a nigger apprentice, and have made up their minds if you do they will quit in a body." "It cannot be possible," exclaimed the employer, "that any man or boy in my establishment has room in his heart for such narrow contemptible prejudices.

Can it be that you have entered into a conspiracy to deprive an inoffensive child of an opportunity of earning his bread in a respectable manner?
Come, let me persuade you--the boy is well-behaved and educated!" "Damn his behaviour and education!" responded a burly fellow; "let him be a barber or shoe-black--that is all niggers are good for.