At that time I was twelve years old, and an only child.
My mother had died some years before, so that I was left quite
alone in the world. I was sent for a time to Virginia, to my
mother's brother, who possessed a large plantation and numerous
slaves. Here I remained for six months. You will remember that
Aunt Chloe recognized me at first sight. You will not be
surprised at this when I tell you that she was my uncle's slave,
and that as a boy I was indebted to her for many a little favor
which she, being employed in the kitchen, was able to render me.
As I told you at the time, my real name is not Morton. It will
not be long before you understand the reason of my concealment.
"My father had a legal adviser, in whom he reposed a large
measure of confidence, though events showed him to be quite
unworthy of it. On leaving Boston he divided his property, which
had been converted into money, into two equal portions. One part
he took with him. The other he committed to the lawyer's charge.
So much confidence had he in this man's honor, that he did not
even require a receipt.
Pages:
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300