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And Ill tell yer more n all, said Andy; I specs youd better be making tracks for dem hosses,mighty sudden, too,-for I hearn Missis quirin arter yer,so youve stood foolin long enough. Sam, upon this, began to bestir himself in real earnest, and after a while appeared, bearing down gloriously towards the house, with Bill and Jerry in a full canter, and adroitly throwing himself off before they had any idea of stopping, he brought them up alongside of the horse-post like a tornado. Haleys horse, which was a skittish young colt, winced, and bounced, and pulled hard at his halter. Ho, ho! said Sam, skeery, ar ye? and his black visage lighted up with a curious, mischievous gleam. Ill fix ye now! said he. There was a large beech-tree overshadowing the place, and the small, sharp, triangular beech-nuts lay scattered thickly on the ground. With one of these in his fingers, Sam approached the colt, stroked and patted, and seemed apparently busy in soothing his agitation. On pretence of adjusting the saddle, he adroitly slipped under it the sharp little nut, in such a manner that the least weight brought upon the saddle would annoy the nervous sensibilities of the animal, without leaving any perceptible graze or wound. Dar! he said, rolling his eyes with an approving grin; me fix em! At this moment Mrs. Shelby appeared on the balcony, beckoning to him. Sam approached with as good a determination to pay court as did ever suitor after a vacant place at St. James or Washington. Why have you been loitering so, Sam? I sent Andy to tell you to hurry. Lord bless you, Missis! said Sam, horses wont be cotched all in a mimit; theyd done clared out way down to the south pasture, and the Lord knows whar! Sam, how often must I tell you not to say Lord bless you, and the Lord knows, and such things? Its wicked. O, Lord bless my soul! I done forgot, Missis! I wont say nothing of de sort no more. Why, Sam, you just have said it again. Did I? O, Lord! I meanI didnt go fur to say it. You must be careful, Sam. Just let me get my breath, Missis, and Ill start fair. Ill be bery careful. Well, Sam, you are to go with Mr. Haley, to show him the road, and help him. Be careful of the horses, Sam; you know Jerry was a little lame last week; dont ride them too fast. Mrs. Shelby spoke the last words with a low voice, and strong emphasis. Let dis child alone for dat! said Sam, rolling up his eyes with a volume of meaning. Lord knows! High! Didnt say dat! said he, suddenly catching his breath, with a ludicrous flourish of apprehension, which made his mistress laugh, spite of herself. Yes, Missis, Ill look out for de hosses! Now, Andy, said Sam, returning to his stand under the beech-trees, you see I wouldnt be t all surprised if dat ar genlmans crittur should gib a fling, by and by, when he comes to be a gettin up. You know, Andy, critturs will do such things; and therewith Sam poked Andy in the side, in a highly suggestive manner. High! said Andy, with an air of instant appreciation. |
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