"Go on, and be cool," said the Colonel. "What did he say of your
mother?"
"He said, sir, that she was never married to my father. I know I was
wrong, sir; but if it was the king on his throne that said it of my
mother, I'd call him a liar. I called him a liar, and a coward, and a
villain: ay, sir, and if I had been able, I would have tramped him under
my feet."
The Colonel looked steadily at him, but the open clear eye which the boy
turned upon him was full of truth and independence. "And you will find,"
said the soldier, "that this spirited defence of your mother will be the
most fortunate action of your life. Well; he struck you then, did he?"
"He knocked me down, sir, with his fist--then kicked me in the back and
sides. I think some of my ribs are broke."
"Ay!--no doubt, no doubt," said the Colonel. "And you were only after
recovering from this fever which is so prevalent?"
"I wasn't a week out of it, sir."
"Well, my boy, we shall punish him for you."
"Sir, would you hear me for a word or two, if it would be pleasing to
you?"
"Speak on," said the Colonel.
"I would rather change his punishment to--I would--that is--if it would
be agreeable to you--It's this, sir--I wouldn't throuble you now against
the master, if you'd be pleased to rightify my father, and punish Yallow
Sam. Oh, sir, for God's sake, put my heart-broken father into his farm
again! If you would, sir, I could shed my blood, or lay down my life
for you, or for any belonging to you.
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