Walk. Well, doctor, I'll go out and take a look at 'em, for I never buys slaves without examining them well, because they are sometimes injured by over-work or under-*feedin'. I don't say that is the case with yours, for I don't believe it is; but as I sell on honor, I must buy on honor.
Dr. G. Walk out, sir, and you can examine them to your heart's content. Walk right out, sir.
Scene 2.—View in front of the Great House.
Examination of Sam and Big Sally.—Dr. Gaines, Wildmarsh,
Mr. Pinchen and Walker present.
Walk. Well, my boy, what's your name?
Sam. Sam, sir, is my name.
Walk. How old are you, Sam?
Sam. Ef I live to see next corn plantin' time, I'll be 27, or 30, or 35, or 40—I don't know which, sir.
Walk. Ha, ha, ha. Well, doctor, this is rather a green boy. Well, mer feller, are you sound?
Sam. Yes, sir, I spec I is.
Walk. Open your mouth and let me see your teeth. I allers judge a nigger's age by his teeth, same as I dose a hoss. Ah! pretty good set of grinders. Have you got a good appetite?
Sam. Yes, sir.
Walk. Can you eat your allowance?
Sam. Yes, sir, when I can get it.
Walk. Get out on the floor and dance; I want to see if you are supple.
Sam. I don't like to dance; I is got religion.
Walk. Oh, ho! you've got religion, have you? That's so much the better. I likes to deal in the gospel. I think he'll suit me. Now, mer gal, what's your name?
Sally. I is Big Sally, sir.
Walk. How old are you, Sally?
Sally. I don't know, sir; but I heard once dat I was born at sweet pertater diggin' time.
Walk. Ha, ha, ha. Don't know how old you are! Do you know who made you?
Sally. I hev heard who it was in de Bible dat made me, but I dun forget de gentman's name.
