Page:The Under-Ground Railroad.djvu/83

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(£200). He asked the Planter if he had given in all the property he could spare; and he answered him in the affirmative. The Lawyer running his accustomed eyes down the list of property, consisting of land, horses, cows, hogs, wagons, ploughs, and human beings, in one common class, said, "I don't see your house-maid's name here." He touched a tender cord in the father's heart, which vibrated and shocked his very soul. He was not aware his Adviser knew anything of his relationship to her as a master; he said "She is my daughter." "True," replied the former, "but she is your Slave as well. She is worth 1,000 dollars of any man's money; if you are willing, I will give that for her, and then you will be entirely out of debt." He persistingly, and most decidedly refused. The Adviser, knowing the embarrassed circumstances of the Planter, continued to extort a consent to his proposition, and said, "we shall be under the disagreeable necessity of having her seized by the Sheriff, and sold on the auction block to the highest bidder; it is, therefore, much better, both for you and her, to make a private sale." His daughter was in the power of the law, and he in the power of his creditors; with the greatest reluctance, he submitted to the proposition, and sold his own dear child. Justice cries against this horrible deed. Outraged humanity lifts her powerless voice, and weeps aloud! Mercy pleads in vain