He had always resided on this plantation, and had always been a faithful laborer.

He was now the constable, or driver, as the office was called in slavery times, of the second gang.

The overseer testified to his honesty and industry, and said he regretted much to have him leave.

He was, as appeared by the plantation books, fifty-four years old, but was evidently above sixty.

After examining several witnesses as to the old man's ability and general health, and making calculations by the rule of three, with the cold accuracy of a yankee horse-bargain, it was decided that his services were worth to the plantation forty-eight dollars a years, and for the remaining time of the apprenticeship, consequently, at that rate, one hundred and fifty-six dollars.