He is, however, tractable, and
early evinced an aptitude for mechanical pursuits that would have
done credit to maturer years. Both have been at service, and during
the period have created no small degree of admiration-Annette for
her promising personal appearance, Nicholas for his precocious
display of talent. Both have earned their living; and now Nicholas
is arrived at an age when his genius attracts purchasers.
Conspicuous among those who have been keeping an eye on the little
fellow, is Mr. Jonathan Grabguy, a master-builder, largely engaged
in rearing dwellings. His father was a builder, and his mother used
to help the workmen to make Venetian blinds. Fortune showered her
smiles upon their energies, and brought them negro property in great
abundance. Of this property they made much; the father of the
present Mr. Grabguy (who became a distinguished mayor of the city)
viewing it peculiarly profitable to use up his niggers in five
years. To this end he forced them to incessant toil, belabouring
them with a weapon of raw hide, to which he gave the singular
cognomen of "hell-fire." When extra punishment was-according to his
policy-necessary to bring out the "digs," he would lock them up in
his cage (a sort of grated sentry-box, large enough to retain the
body in an upright position), and when the duration of this
punishment was satisfactory to his feelings, he would administer a
counter quantity of stings with his "hell-fire" wattle. Indeed, the
elder Mr.
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