Wa'n't nobody cud git it away frum him.

Wal', Joe he didn't want fer ter make no fuss, ner scare the gurl none, so he went down ter' Saint Louee an' made proof o' ownership afore a jedge he know'd.

Then, with the papers all straight, he, an' the sheriff, with Tim yere, the deputy, run up the river at night ter serve 'em quietly on the daughter--the white one, Eloise.

Kirby he didn't aim ter be seen at all, but just went 'long so thar wudn't be no mistake.

Yer see, them papers hed ter be served afore they cud take away the niggers.