You talk for me." The doctor came in and pushed the weeping Paul aside.

One half hour later Tom had quietly floated out to eternity.
No one knew his full name or where his people were, so next day they buried him, the entire crew attending the funeral, and fervent were the prayers poured out then and often afterwards by little Paul for the friend so much beloved and so deeply mourned.
The Captain secured passage for Paul on a Northern bound boat and bought him many little presents ere wishing him God speed.

Among them and prized most highly, were two red birds and a young alligator.

At five o'clock that evening came the order: "All aboard! Haul in your gang- planks!" Just then a weird musical chant was struck up by the slaves working on the levee, which was answered by the boat's crew, as she backed out into the river and headed away on her long northern trip.
Paul had snug quarters and spent much of his time feeding the red birds and playing with his alligator.

He saw great fun ahead in the tricks he hoped to spring on his sisters and friends with the cunning little reptile.