drive 'im away."

Chris belonged to Dumps, and Mammy had taught the children never to
give orders to each other's maids, unless with full permission of the
owner.

"I ain't gwine hab nuf'n ter do wid 'im," said Chris.

"Yes you are, Chris," replied Dumps, who had eagerly caught at
Diddie's suggestion of having him driven away. "Get down this minute,
an' drive 'im off; ef yer don't, I'll tell Mammy you wouldn't min'
me."

"Mammy 'll hatter whup me, den," said Chris (for Mammy always punished
the little negroes for disobedience to their mistresses); "she'll
hatter whup me, caze I ain't gwine ter hab nuf'n tall ter do wid dat
sheep; I ain't gwine ter meddle long 'im, hab 'im buttin' me in de
ditch."

"Riar, you go," said Diddie; "he ain't butted you yet."

"He ain't gwine ter, nuther," said Riar, "caze I gwine ter stay up
hyear long o' Miss Tot, like Mammy tell me. I 'longs to her, an' I
gwine stay wid 'er myse'f, an' nuss 'er jes like Mammy say."

It was now almost dark, and Old Billy showed no signs of weariness;
his vigilance was unabated, and the children were very miserable, when
they heard the welcome sound of Mammy's voice calling "Chil'en!
O-o-o-o, chil'en!"