He had repeatedly told it so, pointing for proof to that
literal observance of the rule by which man is made mere
merchandise. Society had continued in its pedantic folly,
disregarding legal rights, imposing no restraints on the holder of
human property, violating its spirit and pride by neglecting to
enforce the great principles of justice whereby we are bound to
protect the lives of those unjustly considered inferior beings. Thus
ends a sketch of what Romescos gave of his own career.
We now find him associated with the desperadoes of slave-dealing, in
the scene we have presented. After Romescos had related what he
called the romance of his life,--intended, no doubt, to impress the
party with his power and intrepidity, and enable him to set a higher
value upon his services,--he lighted a pipe, threw his hat upon the
floor, commenced pacing up and down the room, as if labouring under
deep excitement. And while each one seemed watching him intently, a
loud knocking was heard at the door,--then the baying of
blood-hounds, the yelps of curs, mingling with the murmurs of those
poor wretches confined in the cells beneath. Then followed the
clanking of chains, cries, and wailings, startling and fearful.
Dan Bengal sprang to the door, as if conscious of its import. A
voice demanded admittance; and as the door opened Bengal exclaimed,
"Halloo!-here's Nath Nimrod: what's the tune of the adventure?"
A short, stout man entered, dressed in a coarse homespun hunting
dress, a profuse black beard and moustache nearly covering his face.
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