"Massa is a prisner in de Yankee army," she replied.

"And what made you leave New Orleans?" was the next question.

"My missis was turned away from de city, and I runaway from dem
Yankees and come here to look for her."

"Have you not been able to find your mistress?" asked Dr. Humphries.

"No, sir. Jest as I came here de city police took me up and put me in
jail."

"Excuse me," interrupted the auctioneer, "but I must sell this girl at
once. Time is precious, so you must excuse me;" then turning to the
crowd he continued: "Here is the slave, gentlemen. She is an
intelligent looking negro, says she understands all that appertains to
the duties of a house servant. What will you bid for her?"

"Seven hundred dollars," exclaimed a voice in the crowd.

"Thank you, sir; seven hundred dollars; going at seven hundred
dollars. Look at the girl, gentlemen, going at seven hundred dollars.
Can I get another bid?" exclaimed the auctioneer in the rapid voice
peculiar to his class.

"Seven hundred and twenty-five," was the next bid.

"Seven hundred and fifty," Dr. Humphries cried out, having made up his
mind to purchase her.