Indeed, there was nothing to excite their suspicions, for the good
dame sat nursing the "twa twins," nor left aught to discover the
discrepancy between their ages, if we except a pair of little red
feet that dangled out from beneath the fringe of a plaid shawl. And
the young sailor, who it is hardly necessary to inform the reader is
Annette, was busy with his cooking. And now the little craft, free
upon the wave, increased her speed as her topsails spread out, and
glided swiftly seaward, heaven tempering the winds to her well-worn
sails. God speed the Maggy Bell as she vaults over the sea; and may
she never want water under keel, slaves to carry into freedom, or a
good Dame Hardweather to make cheerful the little cabin! say we.
And now, reader, join us in taking a fond farewell of the
Rosebrooks, who have so nobly played their part, to the shame of
those who stubbornly refuse to profit by their example. They played
no inactive part in the final escape; but discretion forbids our
disclosing its minuti‘. They sought to give unto others that liquid
of life to which they owed their own prosperity and happiness; nor
did selfish motive incite them to action. No; they sought peace and
prosperity for the state; they would bind in lasting fellowship that
union so mighty of states, which the world with mingled admiration
and distrust watches; which in kindred compact must be mightier,
which divided must fall! And while taking leave of them, hoping
their future may be brightened with joys-and, too, though it may not
comport with the interests of our southern friends, that their
inventive genius may never want objects upon which to illustrate
itself so happily-let us not forget to shake old Jack Hardweather
warmly by the hand, invoking for him many fair winds and profitable
voyages.
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