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Wal, but, Masr, Tom and Misse Cassy, and dey among em, filled Lucys basket. I ruther guess der weight s in it, Masr! I do the weighing! said Legree, emphatically. Both the drivers again laughed their diabolical laugh. So! he added, Misse Cassy did her days work. She picks like de debil and all his angels! Shes got em all in her, I believe! said Legree; and, growling a brutal oath, he proceeded to the weighing- room. Slowly the weary, dispirited creatures, wound their way into the room, and, with crouching reluctance, presented their baskets to be weighed. Legree noted on a slate, on the side of which was pasted a list of names, the amount. Toms basket was weighed and approved; and he looked, with an anxious glance, for the success of the woman he had befriended. Tottering with weakness, she came forward, and delivered her basket. It was of full weight, as Legree well perceived; but, affecting anger, he said, What, you lazy beast! short again! stand aside, youll catch it, pretty soon! The woman gave a groan of utter despair, and sat down on a board. The person who had been called Misse Cassy now came forward, and, with a haughty, negligent air, delivered her basket. As she delivered it, Legree looked in her eyes with a sneering yet inquiring glance. She fixed her black eyes steadily on him, her lips moved slightly, and she said something in French. What it was, no one knew; but Legrees face became perfectly demoniacal in its expression, as she spoke; he half raised his hand, as if to strike,a gesture which she regarded with fierce disdain, as she turned and walked away. And now, said Legree, come here, you Tom. You see, I telled ye I didnt buy ye jest for the common work; I mean to promote ye, and make a driver of ye; and tonight ye may jest as well begin to get yer hand in. Now, ye jest take this yer gal and flog her; yeve seen enough ont to know how. I beg Masrs pardon, said Tom; hopes Masr wont set me at that. Its what I ant used to,never did,and cant do, no way possible. Yell larn a pretty smart chance of things ye never did know, before Ive done with ye! said Legree, taking up a cowhide, and striking Tom a heavy blow cross the cheek, and following up the infliction by a shower of blows. There! he said, as he stopped to rest; now, will ye tell me ye cant do it? Yes, Masr, said Tom, putting up his hand, to wipe the blood, that trickled down his face. Im willin to work, night and day, and work while theres life and breath in me; but this yer thing I cant feel it right to do;and, Masr, I never shall do it,never! Tom had a remarkably smooth, soft voice, and a habitually respectful manner, that had given Legree an idea that he would be cowardly, and easily subdued. When he spoke these last words, a thrill of |
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