An instant's attention to the subject of discourse among
the more active of these individuals will aid us in pursuing our social
revelations.
The loudest voice among the speakers at this particular moment proceeded
from a tall, thin, sinister-looking man, who was haranguing a little
group of listeners with great vehemence and fluency.
'I tell you, Socius,' said he, turning suddenly upon one of his
companions, 'that, unless new slave-laws are made, my calling is at an
end. My patron's estate requires incessant supplies of these wretches.
I do my best to satisfy the demand, and the only result of my labour is,
that the miscreants either endanger my life, or fly with impunity to
join the gangs of robbers infesting our woods.'
'Truly I am sorry for you; but what alteration would you have made in
the slave-laws?'
'I would empower bailiffs to slay upon the spot all slaves whom they
thought disorderly, as an example to the rest!'
'What would such a permission avail you? These creatures are necessary,
and such a law would exterminate them in a few months.
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