He laughs exultingly, orders
the people to stow themselves in their clothes again, and relights
his cigar. "If it 'ant a tall lot!" he whispers to Graspum, and
gives him a significant touch with his elbow. "Bright-smooth as a
leather ninepence; han't had a lash-Marston was a fool, or his
niggers are angels, rather black, though-couldn't start up a scar on
their flesh. A little trimmin' down-it wants it, you see!-to make it
show off; must have it-eh! Graspum, old feller? It only wants a
little, though, and them dandy niggers, and that slap-up preacher,
will bring a smart price fixed up. Great institution! The preacher's
got knowin'; can discourse like a college-made deacon, and can
convert a whole plantation with his nigger eloquence. A nigger
preacher with Bible knowin, when it's smart, is right valuable when
ye want to keep the pious of a plantation straight. And then! when
the preacher 'ant got a notion a' runnin away in him." Romescos
crooks his finger upon Graspum's arm, whispers cautiously in his
ear.
"There 'll be a sharp bidding for some of it; they 'll run up some
on the preacher. He 'll be a capital investment,--pay more than
thirty per cent. insinuates another gentleman-a small inquisitive
looking dealer in articles of the nigger line. When a planter's got
a big gang a' niggers, and is just fool enough to keep such a thing
for the special purpose of making pious valuable in 'um," Mr.
Romescos rejoins, shrugging his shoulders, rubbing his little hawk's
eyes, and looking seriously indifferent.
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