" Again he bustled about, worked his fingers with a
mechanical air, frisked them through his hair, with which he covered
the bald surface of his head, kept his little keen eyes leering
apprehensively on what he deemed a ripe customer, whom he bid keep
his seat. To an invitation to lay off his cloak the stranger replied
that it was of no consequence. "A planter just locating, if I may be
permitted to suggest?" enquired Graspum, taking his seat on the
opposite side of the table. "No!" returned the other, emphatically;
"but I have some special business in your line." The man of
business, his face reddening of anxiety, rose quickly from his seat,
advanced to what seemed a rosewood cabinet elaborately carved, but
which was in reality an iron safe encased with ornamental wood, and
from it drew forth a tin case, saying, as he returned and set it
upon the table, "Lots from one to five were sold yesterday at almost
fabulous prices-never was the demand for prime people better; but we
have Lots (here he began to disgorge invoices) six, seven, eight,
and nine left; all containing the primest of people! Yes, sir, let
me assure you, the very choicest of the market." He would have the
customer examine the invoices himself, and in the morning the live
stock may be seen at his yard. "You cherish no evil in your breast,
in opposition to the command of Him who reproved the wrong of
malice; but you still cling to the sale of men, which you conceive
no harm, eh, Graspum?" returned the stranger, knitting his brows, as
a curl of fierce hatred set upon his lip.
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