"But Ah don't know who she wus, sah, nor whar she ever cum frum." "Then she is not there with you ?" "No, sah; Ah's yere all 'lone.

Ah reckon, tho', she sure mus' be on board sumwhar.

All what Ah does know is, dat de gal called Rene Beaucaire sure ain't on board; fer she, an' her mah, am at Beardstown long fore dis, an' a headin' right smart for Canady; while Ah's headin' fer down soufe.

Ah's a free nigger, an' dey's kidnapped me.

Ah's just told yer all dis, Mister White Man, 'cause you's a frien' ob de Beaucaires--yer wus, wusn't yer ?" "Yes," I said soberly, "I am; and, if I can find any chance to help you, I am going to do it, Elsie.