"And so they may, for sounds have been heard coming from the dark
hole--ay, and I have heard them myself--deep moans and weeping. I would
like to know if there's a secret."
"Hush, hush, Aminadab. There is a secret, and you're the only man I
would speak of it to."
And Mrs. McPherson rose solemnly and locked the door upon herself and
her henchman.
"You know, Aminadab, that my master came from Bombay some years ago, and
brought home with him a black wife. Dear, good soul--so kind, so timid,
so cheerful too; but, Heaven help me, what could I do?--for you know Mr.
Fletcher is a terrible man. He does not fear the face of clay; and the
scowl upon his face when he is in his moods is terrible. I am bound to
obey."
"But what of her?" said Aminadab. "It's no surely she who is in the
horrid hole?"
"Never you mind that, but eat your bacon, you fool for stopping me. When
I'm stopped, I seldom begin again for a day and night at least."
"Something like your master, Janet."
"No, Aminadab; I have _a heart_, lad."
"That I know, Janet," said Aminadab, with a lump of pork in his mouth;
"and--and--it--is--fat--lass.
Pages:
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169