but I can't help it. It must be right; but if it an't right, the good
Lord will forgive me, for I can't help doing it.

'Tom,' said Aunt Chloe, 'why don't you go too? There's time.'

Tom slowly raised his head and looked sorrowfully at her.

'No, no,' he said. 'Let Eliza go. It is right that she should try to
save her boy. Mas'r has always trusted me, and I can't leave him like
that. It is better for me to go alone than for the whole place to be
sold. Mas'r isn't to blame, Chloe. He will take care of you and the
poor--'

Tom could say no more. Big man though he was, he burst into tears, at
the thought of leaving his wife and dear little children, never to see
them any more.

'Aunt Chloe,' said Eliza, in a minute or two, 'I must go. I saw my
husband to-day. He told me he meant to run away soon, because his master
is so cruel to him. Try to send him a message from me. Tell him I have
run away to save our boy. Tell him to come after me if he can. Good-bye,
good-bye. God bless you!'

Then Eliza went out again into the dark night with her little boy in her
arms, and Aunt Chloe shut the door softly behind her.




CHAPTER III