He clutched his hands together, as if he were struggling with an invisible foe, and for a moment he remained silent.

Then suddenly raising his head, he exclaimed, "Boys, there's not one of you loves freedom more than I do, but--" "But what ?" said Tom.

"Do you think white folks is your bes' friends ?" "I'll think so when I lose my senses." "Well, now, I don't belieb you're 'fraid, not de way I yeard you talkin' to de oberseer wen he war threatnin' to hit your mudder.

He saw you meant business, an' he let her alone.

But, what's to hinder you from gwine wid us ?" "My mother," he replied, in a low, firm voice.