"I've bin thinkin' 'bout tryin' an experiment with nigger prentices;
and, if it goes, we can dispense with white mechanics entirely. My
word for it, they're only a great nuisance at best. When you put 'um
to work with niggers they don't feel right, and they have notions
that our society don't respect 'um because they must mix with the
black rascals in following their trades; and this works its way into
their feelings so, that the best on 'um from the north soon give
themselves up to the worst dissipation. Ah! our white mechanics are
poor wretches; there isn't twenty in the city you can depend on to
keep sober two days."
"Well, sir," interrupts Graspum, with an air of great importance,
as, with serious countenance, he stands watching every change in Mr.
Grabguy's face, at intervals taking a cursory survey of his
merchandise, "can suit you to most anything in the line. You
understand my mode of trade, perfectly?" He touches Mr. Grabguy on
the arm, significantly, and waits the reply, which that gentleman
makes with a bow. "Well, if you do," he continues, "you know the
means and markets I have at my command. Can sell you young uns of
any age, prime uns of various qualities-from field hands down to
watch-makers, clergymen!" He always keeps a good supply on hand, and
has the very best means of supply. So Mr. Grabguy makes a purchase
of three prime men, whom he intends to transform into first-rate
mechanics. He declares he will not be troubled hereafter with those
very miserable white workmen he is constrained to import from the
north.
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