180 DICK SANDS, THE BOY CAPTAIN.
farm, the hacienda of San Felice, about 20O miles from here, and I have occasion now and then to pay him business visits."
After a moment's hesitation, as if be were weighing a sudden thought, he continued, —
"I am on my way there now, and if you will accompany me I can promise you a hearty welcome, and my brother will be most happy to do his best to provide you with means of conveyance to San Francisco."
Mrs. Weldon had hardly begun to express her thanks for the proposal when he said abruptly, —
"Are these negroes your slaves?"
"Slaves! sir," replied Mrs. Weldon, drawing herself up proudly; "we have no slaves in the United States. The south has now long followed the example of the north. Slavery is abolished."
"I beg your pardon, madam. I had forgotten that the war of 1862 had solved that question. But seeing these fellows with you, I thought perhaps they might be in your service," he added, with a slight tone of irony.
"We are very proud to be of any service to Mrs. Weldon," Tom interposed with dignity, "but we are no man's property. It is true I was sold for a slave when I was six years old ; but I have long since had my freedom; and so has my son. Bat here, and all his friends, were born of free parents."
"Ah I well then, I have to congratulate you," replied Harris, in a manner that jarred very sensibly upon Mrs. Weldon's feelings; but she said nothing.
Harris added, —
"I can assure you that you are as safe here in Bolivia as you would be in New England."
He had not finished speaking, when Jack, followed by Nan, came out of the grotto. The child was rubbing his eyes, having only just awakened from his night's sleep. Catching sight of his mother, he darted towards her.
"What a charming little boy!" exclaimed Harris.
"He is my little son," said Mrs, Weldon, kissing the child by way of morning greeting.
