It was no less than a search for Frances, who had again been guilty
of some misdemeanor, and had hidden herself away to escape punishment.
On the second day of her absence, Mrs. Lee called Tidy,
and instructed her to search for the girl, with the assurance
that if she didn't find her, she herself should get the whipping.
It was no very pleasant prospect for Tidy, but she set to her
task earnestly. A half-day she spent going over the premises,--
the house, the out-buildings, the quarters, and the pine-woods opposite;
but the girl was not to be found.

Afraid to come and report her want of success, for a while she
was quite in despair; until again she bethought herself of prayer,
and out she ran to the gully. There she cried,--

"Lord, I's very anxious to find France. I'll thank you to show
me whar she is, and make missus merciful, so she sha'n't lash
neither one of us. Oh, if I could only find France. Blessed Lord,
you can help me find her" ----

She was pleading very earnestly when a voice suddenly interrupted her,
and there, at her side, stood the girl.

"Who's dat ar you's conbersin wid 'bout me, little goose?" asked Frances.

"Oh, France," cried Tidy in delight, "whar was you? Missus set
me lookin' for yer, and she said she'd whip all the skin off me,
if I didn't find yer. Whar's you been?"

"Laws, you nummy, ye don't specs now I's gwine to let all dis yer
plantation know dat secret. Ho, ho, ho! If I telled, I couldn't