The very
gloom of the place might excite the timid; but the reflection of how
many tortures it has been the scene, and the mysterious stillness
pervading its singularly decorated walls, add still more to increase
apprehension. A plank, some two feet wide, and raised a few inches,
stretches across the floor, and is secured at each end with cleets.
About midway of this are ropes securing the victim's feet; and
through the dim light is disclosed the half nude body of our fair
girl, suspended by the wrists, which are clasped in bands of cord,
that, being further secured to a pulley block, is hauled taut by a
tackle. Suddenly the wretched woman gives vent to her feelings, and
in paroxysms of grief sways her poor body to and fro, imploring
mercy! "Nay, master! think that I am a woman-that I have a heart to
feel and bleed; that I am a mother and a wife, though a slave. Let
your deeds be done quickly, or end me and save me this shame!" she
supplicates, as the bitter, burning anguish of her goaded soul gives
out its flood of sorrow. Chivalry, forsooth, lies cold and
unmoved-Blowers has no relish for such inconsistency;--such whinings,
he says, will not serve southern principles. The mulatto attendant
has secured the fall, and stands a few feet behind Blowers and the
keeper, as that functionary says, laying his coarse hands on the
woman's loins, "How silky!" The mulatto man shakes his head,
revengefully, making a grimace, as Broadman, having selected the
smallest paddle (reminding us of the curious sympathy now budding
between the autocratic knout and democratic lash) again addresses
Blowers.
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