" 'Have you ever read Shakespeare?'
" 'In part, sir; but I never could get hold of "Hamlet." I have
always wanted to read that play.'
"I drew him out, and was astonished at the extent of his
information, and the intelligent judgment which he expressed.
" 'I wonder that, with your acquirements, you should have been
content to remain in a state of slavery.'
" 'Content!' he repeated bitterly. 'Do you think I have been
content? No, sir. Twice I attempted to escape. Each time I was
caught, dragged back, and cruelly whipped. Then I was sold to the
father of these little ones. He treated me so well, and I was
getting so old, that I gave up the idea of running away.'
" 'And where is he now?'
" 'He became a colonel in the Confederate service, and was killed
at Antietam. Yesterday my mistress died, as I have told you.'
" 'And are you left in sole charge of these little children?'
" 'Yes, sir.'
" 'Have they no relatives living?'
" 'Their uncle lives in Kentucky. I shall try to carry them
there.
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