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Sambo and Quimbo, both, though hating each other, were joined in one mind by a no less cordial hatred of Tom. Legree had told them, at first, that he had bought him for a general overseer, in his absence; and this had begun an ill will, on their part, which had increased, in their debased and servile natures, as they saw him becoming obnoxious to their masters displeasure. Quimbo, therefore, departed, with a will, to execute his orders. Tom heard the message with a forewarning heart; for he knew all the plan of the fugitives escape, and the place of their present concealment;he knew the deadly character of the man he had to deal with, and his despotic power. But he felt strong in God to meet death, rather than betray the helpless. He sat his basket down by the row, and, looking up, said, Into thy hands I commend my spirit! Thou hast redeemed me, oh Lord God of truth! and then quietly yielded himself to the rough, brutal grasp with which Quimbo seized him. Ay, ay! said the giant, as he dragged him along; yell cotch it, now! Ill boun Masrs back s up high! No sneaking out, now! Tell ye, yell get it, and no mistake! See how yell look, now, helpin Masrs niggers to run away! See what yell get! The savage words none of them reached that ear!a higher voice there was saying, Fear not them that kill the body, and, after that, have no more that they can do. Nerve and bone of that poor mans body vibrated to those words, as if touched by the finger of God; and he felt the strength of a thousand souls in one. As he passed along, the trees. and bushes, the huts of his servitude, the whole scene of his degradation, seemed to whirl by him as the landscape by the rushing ear. His soul throbbed,his home was in sight,and the hour of release seemed at hand. Well, Tom! said Legree, walking up, and seizing him grimly by the collar of his coat, and speaking through his teeth, in a paroxysm of determined rage, do you know Ive made up my mind to KILL you? Its very likely, Masr, said Tom, calmly. I have, said Legree, with a grim, terrible calmness, donejustthatthing, Tom, unless youll tell me what you know about these yer gals! Tom stood silent. Dye hear? said Legree, stamping, with a roar like that of an incensed lion. Speak! I hant got nothing to tell, Masr, said Tom, with a slow, firm, deliberate utterance. Do you dare to tell me, ye old black Christian, ye dont know? said Legree. Tom was silent. Speak! thundered Legree, striking him furiously. Do you know anything? I know, Masr; but I cant tell anything. I can die! Legree drew in a long breath; and, suppressing his rage, took Tom by the arm, and, approaching his face almost to his, said, in a terrible voice, Hark e, Tom!ye think, cause Ive let you off before, I dont mean what I say; but, this time, Ive made up my mind, and counted the cost. Youve always stood it out again me: now, Ill conquer ye, or kill ye!one or t other. Ill count every drop of blood there is in you, and take em, one by one, till ye give up! Tom looked up to his master, and answered, Masr, if you was sick, or in trouble, or dying, and I could save ye, Id give ye my hearts blood; and, if taking every drop of blood in this poor old body would save your precious soul, Id give em freely, as the Lord gave his for me. O, Masr! dont bring this great sin |
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