Tom was standing just under her, on the lower deck, as she fell. In one
moment he sprang after her. The next he had caught her his arms, and was
swimming with her to the boat-side, where eager hands were held out to
take her.

The whole boat was in confusion. Every one ran to help Eva, while the
poor slave went back to his place, unnoticed and uncared for.

But Mr. St. Clare did not forget.

The next day Tom sat on the lower deck, with folded arms, anxiously
watching him as he talked to Haley.

Eva's father was a very handsome man. He was like Eva, with the same
beautiful blue eyes and golden-brown hair. He was very fond of fun and
laughter, and though he had quite made up his mind to buy Tom, he was
now teasing Haley, and pretending to think that he was asking too much
money for him.

[Illustration]

'Papa do buy him, it's no matter what you pay', whispered Eva softly,
putting her arms around her father's neck. 'You have money enough, I
know. I want him.'

'What for, pussy? Are you going to use him for a rattle-box, or a
rocking-horse, or what?'

'I want to make him happy.'