 Chapter 1 of Minnie's Sacrifice. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Minnie's Sacrifice by Francis E. W. Harper. Miriam sat in her lowly cabin, painfully rocking her body to and fro, for a great sorrow had fallen upon her life. She had been the mother of three children. Two had died in their infancy, and now her last, her loved and only child was gone. But not like the rest, who had passed away almost as soon as their little feet had touched the threshold of existence. She had been entangled in the mazes of sin and sorrow, and her son had gone down in darkness. It was the old story. Agnes, fair, young and beautiful, had been a slave with no power to protect herself from the highest insults that brutality could offer to innocence. Bound and foot back that system which has since gone down in wrath and blood and tears, she had fallen a victim to the wiles and power of her master, and the result was the introduction of a child of shame into a world of sin and suffering for herself, an early grave, and for her mother, a desolate and breaking heart. While Miriam was sitting down hopelessly beneath the shadow of her mighty grief, gazing ever and anon on the pale, dead face which seemed to bear in its sad but gentle expression an appeal from earth to heaven, some of the slaves would hurry in and looking upon the fair young face would drop a word of pity for the weeping mother and then hurry on to their appointed tasks. All day long, Miriam sat alone with her dead, except when these kindly interruptions broke upon the monotony of her sorrow. In the afternoon, Camilla, the only daughter of her master, entered her cabin and, throwing her arms around her neck, exclaimed, Oh, Mammy, I'm so sorry I didn't know Agnes was dead. I've been on a visit to Mr. Lagrange's plantation and I've just got back this afternoon, and as soon as I heard that Agnes was dead, I hurried to see you. I would not even wait for my dinner. Oh, how sweet she looks, said Camilla, bending over the courts just as natural as life. When did she die? This morning, my poor dear darling, and another burst of anguish relieved the overcharged heart. Oh, Mammy, don't cry. I'm so sorry. What is this, said she, as the little bundle of flannel began to stir? That is poor Agnes's baby. Agnes's baby? Why, I didn't know that Agnes had a baby. Do let me see it. Tenderly the grandmother unfolded the wrappings and presented the little stranger. He was a beautiful babe whose golden hair, bright blue eyes, and fair complexion, showed no trace of the outcast blood in his veins. Oh, how beautiful, said Camilla. Surely this can't be Agnes's baby. He is just as white as I am. And his eyes, what a beautiful blue. And his hair, what it is really lovely. He is very pretty, Miss, but after all, he is only a slave. A slave. She had heard that word before, but somehow, when applied to that fair child, it grated harshly on her ear. And she said, well, I think it is a shame for him to be a slave when he is just as white as anybody. Now, Mammy, said she, throwing off her hat and looking soberly into the fire. If I had my way, he should never be a slave. And why can't you have your way? I'm sure, Master, humors you in everything. I know that part does everything I wish him to do, but I don't know how I could manage about this. If his mother were living, I would beg Pa to set them both free and send them north, but his mother is gone. And Mammy, we couldn't spare you. And besides, it is so cold in the north, you would freeze to death. And yet I can't bear the thought of his being a slave. I wonder, said she, musing to herself, I wonder if I couldn't save him from being a slave. Now I have it, she said, rising hastily, her face aglow with pleasurable excitement. I was reading yesterday a beautiful story in the Bible about a wicked king who wanted to kill all the little boys of a people who were enslaved in his land and how his mother hid her child by the side of a river and that the king's daughter found him and saved his life. It was a fine story and I read it till I cried. Now I mean to do something like that, good princess. I am going to ask Pa to let me take him to the house and have a nurse for him and bring him up like a white child and never let him know that he is colored. Miriam shook her head doubtfully and Camilla, looking disappointed, said, don't you like my plan? Laws, honey, it would be frustrating, but your Pa wouldn't hear to it. Yes, he would, Mammy, because I'll tell him I've set my heart upon it and he won't be satisfied if he don't consent. I know if I set my heart upon it, he won't refuse me because he always said he hates to see me fret. Why, Mammy, he bought me $2,000 worth of jewelry when we were in New York just because I took her fancy to a diamond set which I saw at Tiffany's. Anyhow, I'm going to ask him. Eager and anxious to carry out her plan, Camilla left the cabin to find her father. He waited in his library, reading Homer. He looked up as her light step fell upon the threshold and said playfully, what is your wish, my princess? Tell me if it is the half of my kingdom. Encouraged by his manner, she drew near. Perched upon his knee and said, now you must keep your word, Pa. I have a request to make, but you must first promise me that you will grant it. But I don't know what it is. I'm ready to put my head in the fire. Oh, no, Pa, you know I don't. Well, you might wish me to run for Congress. Oh, no, Pa, I know that you hate politics. Well, darling, what is your request? No, tell me first that you will grant it. Now, don't tease me, Pa, say yes, and I will tell you. Well, yes, if it is anything in reason. Well, it is in reason. Let me tell you, Pa, today after I came home, I asked Annette where was Agnes, and she told me she was dead. Oh, I was so sorry, and so before I got my dinner, I hastened to Mammy's cabin and found poor Mammy almost heartbroken and Agnes lying dead but looking just as natural as light. She was dead, but had left one of the dearest little babies I ever saw. Why, Pa, he is just as white as we are. And I told Mammy so, but she said it didn't matter. He is a poor slave just like the rest of us. Now, Pa, I don't want Agnes' baby to be a slave. Can't you keep him from growing up a slave? How am I to do that, my little abolitionist? No, Pa, I'm not an abolitionist. I heard some of them talk when I was in New York, and I think they are horrid creatures. But Pa, this child is so white. Nobody would ever know that he had one drop of Negro blood in his veins. Couldn't we take him out of that cabin and make all the servants promise that they would never breathe a word about his being colored? And let me bring him up as a white child. Well, said Mr. Lacroix, bursting into a hearty laugh, that is a capital joke. My little dew-drop talk of bringing up a child while, darling, you retire of him in a week. Oh, no, Pa, I wouldn't. Just try me, if it is only for a week. Why, son Bean, it is impossible who ever heard of such a thing as a Negro being palmed upon society as a white person. Negro, Pa, he is just as white as you are, and his eyes are as blue as mine. Still, he belongs to the Negro race, and one drop of that blood in his veins curses all the rest. I would grant you anything and reason, but this is not to be thought of. Were I to do so, I would immediately lose caste among all the plantas in the neighborhood. I would be set down as an abolitionist and singled out for insult and injury. Ask me anything, Camilla, but that. Oh, Pa, what do you care about social position? You never hunt nor entertain company nor take any part in politics. You shut yourself up in your library year after year and pour over your musty books and hardly anyone knows whether you are dead or alive. And I am sure that we could hide the secret of his birth and pass him off as the orphan child of one of our friends, and that will be the truth, for Agnes was our friend. At least I know she was mine. Well, I'll see about it. Now get down and let me finish reading this chapter. The next day, Camilla went again to the cabin of Miriam, Camilla had set her to a task in the field and Agnes' baby was left to the care of an aged woman who was too old to work in the fields but not being entirely past service. She was appointed as one of the nurses for the babies and young children while their mothers were working in the fields. Camilla, feeling an unusual interest in the child, went to the overseer and demanded that Miriam should be released from her tasks and permitted to attend the child. She went over to the overseer, pled the pressure for hands and the busy season. Camilla said it did not matter. She wanted Miriam and she would have any feeling that it was to his interest to please the little lady had Miriam sent from the field to Camilla. Mammy, I want you to come to the house. I want you to come and be my mammy. Agnes is dead. Your husband is gone. And I want you to come and bring the baby to the house. And I'm going to get him some beautiful dresses and lovely coral I saw in the awnings and I'm going to dress him so handsomely that I believe Paul will feel just as I do and think it a shame that such a beautiful child should be a slave. Camilla went home and told her father what she had done and he willing to compromise with her readily consented and in a day or two the child and his grandmother were comfortably ensconced in their new quarters. The winter passed, the weeks ripened into months and to use and the child under the pleasant dispensations of love and kindness grew to be a fine, healthy and handsome boy. One day when Mr. Lacroix was in one of his most genial moods Camilla again introduced the subject which she had concealed but not abandoned. Now father I do think it is a shame for this child to be a slave when he is just as white as anybody I'm sure we could move away from here to France and you could adopt him as your son and no one would know anything of his birth and parentage. He is so beautiful I would like him for my brother and he looks like a cine-how. Lacroix flushed deep at these words and he looked keenly into his daughter's face but her gaze was so open her expression so frank and artless he could not think that her words had any covert meaning in reference to the paternity of the child but to save that child from being a slave and to hide his origin was with her a pet scheme and to use her own words she had set her heart upon it. End of Chapter 1 Chapter 2 of many's Sacrifice by Francis E. W. Harper this Libravox recording is in the public domain Chapter 2 Mr. Bernard Lacroix was the only son of a Spanish lady and a French gentleman who was married in Haiti a few months before the revolution which gave freedom to the island and made Haiti an independent nation his father for seeing the storm which was overshadowing the land contrived to escape bringing with him a large amount of personal property and preferring a climate similar to his own he bought a plantation on Red River and largely stocked it with slaves only one child blessed their union Bernard Lacroix who grew up sensitive, shy and retiring with a taste for solitude and literary pursuits during the troubles in Haiti his uncle and only daughter escaped from the island leaving everything behind except the clothing upon their persons and a few jewels they had hastily collected broken in spirits feeble in health Louis Lacroix reached Louisiana in his brother's arms and to leave his orphaned daughter to his care she was about 10 years old and Bernard was 12 and in their childhood was commenced a friendship which ripened into love and marriage Bernard's father and mother lived long enough to see their first and only grandchild and then died leaving their son a large, perennial estate 500 slaves and a vast amount of money passionately fond of literature he devoted himself to poetry and the ancient classics filled his home with the finest paintings and the most beautiful statuary and had his gardens laid out in the most exquisite manner and into that beautiful home he brought his young and lovely bride but in that fair house where Velvet Carpets hushed her tread and magnificence surrounded her path she'd root and faded day by day her she grew paler her footsteps slower until she passed away like a thing of love and light and left her heartbroken husband and a child of six summers to mourn her loss Bernard ever shy and sensitive grew more so after the death of his wife he sought no society seemed to lose all interest in politics and secluded himself in his library till he had almost passed from that recollection of his nearest neighbors he superintended the education of his daughter because he could not bear the thought of being separated from her and she seemed very little of society and reading only from the best authors both ancient and modern was growing up with very little knowledge of the world except what she learned from books without any female relatives to guide her she had no other associates than the servants of her household and the family of Mr. LaGrange her mother's nurse and favorite servant had taken the charge of her after her death and Agnes had been her nurse and companion Camilla although adored and petted by everyone in knowing no law but her own will was still a very lovely child her father wrapped in his literary pursuits had left the entire control of his plantation to overseers in whom he trusted almost implicitly and many a tale of wrong and sorrow came to the ear of Camilla for these simple-minded people had learned to love her and to trust in her as an angel of mercy often would she interfere in their behalf and tell the story of their wrongs to her father and at her instance more than one over a seer had been turned away which coming to the ears of others made them cautious how they offended the little lady for young as she was they soon learned that she had great influence with her ease loving father to comply with almost any fancy or request rather than see her unhappy or fretting and Camilla knowing her power insisted that Agnes child should be raised as a white child and the secret of his birth if actually concealed at first Mr. Lacroix thought it was a passing whim that she would soon forget that the child would amuse and interest her for a while and then she would tell of him as she had of other things such as her birds her squirrel and even her shetland pony but when he found that instead of her intention being a passing whim it was a subtle purpose he made up his mind to exceed to her wishes his plan was to take the child north to have him educated and then adopt him as his son and in fact the plan rather suited him for then he could care for him as a son without acknowledging the relationship and being a member of two nations having a Latin basis he did not feel the same pride of race and contempt and repulsion for weaker races which characterizes the proud and imperious Anglo-Saxon. The next summer Mr. Lacroix took a journey to the north taking Louis and Camilla with him he found a very pleasant family school in New England and having made suitable arrangements he left Louis in the care of the matron whose kindness and attentions soon won the child's heart and before he left the north Louis seemed perfectly contented with his new home. Camilla was delighted with her tour the constant companion of her father she visited with him every place of amusement or interest they could find. She was much pleased with the factories and watched with curious eyes the intelligent faces of the operatives as they applied with ready fingers their daily tasks. Sometimes she would contrast the appearance with the laborers she had seen wending their way into their lowly huts and then her face would grow sober even to sadness a puzzled expression would flip over her countenance as if she were trying to solve a problem which was inexplicable to her. One day on the hunt for some new excitement her father passed down Cremont Street and saw advertised in large letters on the entrance to Cremont Temple anti-slavery meeting and never having been in such a place before he entered impelled by a natural curiosity to hear what could be said against a system in which he had been involved from his earliest recollections without taking the pains to examine it. The first speaker was a colored man this rather surprised him he had been accustomed to colored men all the days of his life and as such he had known some of them to be intelligent, shrewd and wide awake but this was a new experience. The man had been a slave and recounted in burning words the wrongs which had been heaped upon him he told that he had been a husband and a father that his wife had possessed for a slave the fatal gift of beauty that a traitor from whose presence her soul had recoiled with loathing had marked her as his prey. Then he told how he had knelt at his master's feet and implored him not to sell it but it was all in vain. The traitor was rich in sin, cursed gold and he was poor and weak. He next attempted to describe his feelings when he saw his wife and children standing on the auction block and heard the course jests of the spectators and the fierce competition of the bidders. The speaker made a deep impression upon the minds of the audience and even Lacroix who had been accustomed to slavery all his life felt a sense of guilt passing over him for his complicity in the system whilst Camilla grew red and pale by turns and clutching her little hands nervously together said father let us go home. Lacroix saw the deep emotion on his daughter's face and the nervous richings of her lips and regretted that he had introduced her to such an exciting scene when they were seated in their private parlor Lacroix said birdie I'm sorry that we attended that meeting this morning I didn't believe a word that Negro said and yet these people all drank it down as if every word were gospel truth they are a set of fanatics calculated to keep the nation in hot water I hope that you will never enter such a place again did you believe one word that Negro said well yes Pa I did because our Isaac used to tell me just such a story as that if I had shut my eyes I could have imagined that it was Isaac telling his story Isaac what business had Isaac telling you any such stories oh Pa don't get angry with Isaac it wasn't his fault it was mine you know when you brought him home to drive the carriage he used to look so sorrowful and I said to him one day Isaac what makes you so sad why don't you laugh and talk like Jerry and Sam and he said oh Mrs. I can I's got a mighty heap of trouble on my mind and he looks so downhearted when he said this I wanted to know what was the matter but he said it won't do for a little lady like you to know the troubles of we poor creatures for one day when Sam came home from New Orleans he brought him a letter from his wife and he really seemed to be overjoyed and he kissed the letter and put it in his bosom and I never saw him look half so happy before so the next day when I asked him to get the pony rather he asked me if I wouldn't read it for him he said he had been trying to make it out but somehow he could not get the hang of the words and so I sat down and read it to him then he told me about his wife how beautiful she was and how a traitor a real mean man wanted to buy her and that he had begged his master not to sell her but it was no use she had to go but he was glad of one thing the traitor was dead and his wife had got a place in the city with a very nice lady and he hoped to see her when he went to New Orleans Paul I wonder how slavery came to be I should hate to belong to anybody wouldn't you Paul why yes darling but then the niggas are contented and wouldn't take their freedom if you would give it to them I don't know about that Paul there was Mr. LaGrange as Peter Mr. LaGrange used to dress him so fine and treat him so well that he thought no one would ever tempt Peter to leave him and he came north with him every year for three or four summers and he always made out that he was afraid of the abolitionists the abolitionists he used to call them and Mr. LaGrange just believed that Peter was an earnest and somehow he got Mrs. LaGrange to bring his wife north to raid on her and when they both got here they both left and Mrs. LaGrange had to raid on herself until she got another servant she told me she had got enough of the north and never wanted to see it again so long as she lived that she wouldn't have taken three thousand dollars for them but darling they would have never left if these meddlesome abolitionists hadn't put it in their heads but darling don't bother your brain about such matters see what I bought you this morning said he handing her a necklace of the purest pearls here darling is that birthday present for you Camilla took the necklace and gazing absolutely upon it said I can't understand it is it my little philosopher that you can't understand Paul I can't understand slavery that man made me think it was something very bad do you think it can be right Lacroix's face blushed suddenly and he bit his lip but said nothing and commenced reading the paper why don't you answer me Paul Lacroix's brow grew darker but he tried to conceal his vexation and quietly said darling never mind don't puzzle your little head about matters you cannot understand and which our wisest statesman cannot solve Camilla said no more but that new train of thought had been awakened she had lived so much among the slaves and had heard so many tales of sorrow breathed confidentially into her ears that she had unconsciously imbibed their view of the matter and without comprehending the injustice of the system she had learned to view it from their standpoint of observation what she had seen of slavery in the south had awakened her sympathy and compassion what she had heard of it in the north had aroused her sense of justice and the whole system under her new life the good seed was planted which was yet to yield its harvest of blessed deeds End of Chapter 2 Chapter 3 of Minnie's Sacrifice by Francis E. W. Harper this Libravox recording is in the public domain Chapter 3 What is the matter? St. Pierre Lagrange as he entered suddenly the sitting room of his wife Georgie Etta Lagrange and saw her cutting off the curls from the head of little girl about five years old the child of a favorite slave Matter enough said the angry wife her cheeks red with excitement and her eyes half blinded with tears of vexation this child shan't stay here and if she does her mind who took her for yours what has happened that has brought about all this excitement just wait a minute said Georgie Etta trying to frame her excitement into words yesterday I invited the LeFevres and the LeCounts and a northern lady they had stopping with Mrs. LeFevre to dine with us today I told Ellen to have the servants all cleaned up and looking and so I distributed around more than a dozen turbans for I wanted Mrs. King to see how much better and happier our negroes looked here than they do when they are free in the north and what should Ellen do but dress up her little minx in her best clothes and curl her hair and let her run around in the front yard so she overdid the thing said Lagrange beginning to comprehend the trouble but she will never do it again exclaimed Mrs. Lagrange her dark eyes flashing defiantly Lagrange bit his lip but said nothing he saw the storm that was brewing and about to fall on the head of the hapless child and mother and thought that he would do nothing to increase it when Mrs. LeFevre continued Georgie Etta alighted from the carriage she noticed the child and calling the attention the whole party to her said oh how beautiful she is the very image of her father Mrs. Lagrange said she after passing the compliments of the day I congratulate you on having such a beautiful child she is the very image of her father and how large she is for her age just then Marie came to the door and said she's not my sister that is Ellen's child I saw the gentlemen in the strange glances and the young ladies screw up their mouths to hide their merriment while Mrs. LeFevre with all her obtuseness seemed to comprehend the blunder and she said child you must excuse me for my poor old eyes are getting so good for nothing I can hardly tell one person from the other I blundered some kind of answer I hardly know what I said I was almost ready to die with vexation but this shall never happen again what are you going to do you see what I have begun to do I'm going to have all this curling business broken up and I'm going to have her dressed in domestic like the other little niggers I'll let Ellen know that I am mistress here and as soon as a trader comes along I mean to sell her I want a new set of pearls anyhow Lagrange made no reply he was fond of the child but knowing what a term again his wife was he thought his slight discretion was the better part of Valor and hastily beat a retreat from her presence take these curls and throw them away said Mrs. Lagrange to Sally her waiting made move quick and take this child into the kitchen and don't let me see her in the front yard again do you hear what I say said Georgie et in a sharp shrill tone don't you let me see that child in the front yard again here before you go dark in this room let me see if I can get any rest I'm so nervous I'm almost ready to fly Sally did as she was bitten and taking the child to the kitchen exclaimed to Millie the cook hi oh there's been high times upstairs today what's the matter said Millie wiping the dough from her hands and turning her face to Sally oh Mrs. Mad about Ellen's child she's mad as a March Hare see how she's cut all her hair off a devil said Millie what did she do that for she's all hers up to some devilment what did that poor innocent child do to her I wonder what she'll get at next I don't know but today when Mrs. Lafaire come here she kissed the child and said it was the very image of it's father and Mrs. just look mad enough to run her through Millie in spite of her indignation could not help me well that's a good joke I guess Mrs. High as 90 what did Massa say he never said a word he looked like he'd been stealing a sheep the Mrs she just cut up high and said she was going to keep her hair cut short and have her dressed in domestic and kept in the kitchen and when she got a good chance she meant to sell it for she wanted a new set of pearls anyhow Massa never said I just believe he's fear to her she's such a mighty piece I suspect some night the devil will come and fly away with her I hope so anyhow to which not very pious rich Millie replied I'm afraid there's no such good luck nothing don't surprise me that Miss George yet does cause she's a chip off the old block her mother's poor niggers used to be cut up dressed all the time for she was a horse at the mill the devil was in that woman big as a sheep there was Nancy my fellow servant somehow she got a spite again Nancy's husband said he shouldn't come there anymore poor Nancy her and Andy war living together in our nice little cabin and Nancy did keep everything shining like a new pin cause she would work so hard when she was done her task for missus but one day missus got the devil in her and say dandy shouldn't come there anymore and she just had all Nancy's things took out the cabin and shut it up and made her come and sleep into house poor Nancy she cried as if her heart would break right into and she says why does you take my husband from me and missus said I did it to please my own self and then Nancy kneeled at her feet and said missus I'll get up before day and set up till twelve or one o'clock at night and work for you but please don't take me from my husband and what do you think old missus did why she just up with her foot and kick Nancy in the mouth and knocked out two of her teeth I see to do it with my own blessed eyes and I said to myself the devil will never get his own till he gets you that poor creature almost to death she used to make her sleep in the room with her chilling and locked the door every night and Sunday she'd leave someone to watch her she was so afraid she'd get to see her husband and this miss Georgie is the very moral of her maw and she's just as big as a spitfire hush said millie here comes Jane don't say no more about missus cause she's real white people's nigger and tells all she knows and what she don't end of chapter three chapter four of many's sacrifice by Francis E.W. Harper this LibriVox recording is in the public domain chapter four I'm really sorry Ellen but I can't help it georgiette has taken a dislike of her child and there's no living in peace with her unless I sell the child or take it away oh Mr. St. Pierre you would not sell that child when it is your own flesh and blood the grange winced under these words no Ellen I'll never consent to sell the child but it won't do for her to stay here I've made it my mind to send her north and have her educated and I'll never see my darling anymore but Ellen that is better than having her here to be knocked around by georgiette and if I die to be sold to the slave it is the best thing I can do hang old Mrs. Le Fevre's tongue but I guess it would have come out sometime or the other I just tell you what I'll do Ellen I'll take the child down to New Orleans and make out to georgiette that I'm going to sell her but instead of that I'll get a friend of mine who is going to Pennsylvania to take her with him and have her boarded there and educated nobody need know anything about her being colored I'd send you both Ellen but to tell you the truth the plantation is running down and the crops are so short this year I can't afford it but when times get better I'll send you up there and tell you where you can find her well Mr. St. Pierre is having Mrs. knocking her around or selling her to one of those old mean-nigger traitors and never having a chance to see my darling no more but Mr. St. Pierre before you take her away won't you please give me her likeness maybe I won't know her when I see her again the Grange consented and when he went to the city again he told his wife he was going to sell the child I'm glad of it said georgiette with her needle and does all the cutting out on that place the Grange's plan the whole fact is this Joe I am in an awkward fix I have got myself into a scrape and I want you to help me out of it you were good at such things when we were at college and I want you to try your hand again well what's the difficulty now well it is rather a serious one I've got a child on my hands and I don't know what to do with it the difficulty lies it is the child of one of my girls but it looks so much like me that my wife don't want it on the place I'm too hard up just now to take the child and her mother north and take care of them there and to tell you the truth I'm too humane to have the child sold here as a slave now in a word do you think that among your abolitionist friends in the north you could find anyone who would raise the child and bring it up like a white child I don't know about St. Pierre there are a number of our people in the north who do two things they hate slavery and hate negroes they feel like the woman who in writing to her husband said they say or don't say that absence conquers love for the longer you stay away the better I love you but then I know some who I believe are really sincere and who would do anything to help the colored people I think I know two or three families who would be willing to take the child and do a good part by her if you say so I will write to a friend whom I have now in mind and if they will consent I will take the child with me when I go north provided I can do it without having it discovered that she is colored for it would put me in an awkward fix to have it known that I took a colored child away with me oh never fear said St. Pierre slapping his friend on the shoulder the child is and you are and you know you can pass for white true to his promise Josiah Collins wrote to a Quaker friend whom he knew in Pennsylvania and told him the particulars of the child's history and the wishes of her father and the compensation he would give in a few days he received a favorable response in which the friend told him he was glad to have the privilege of rescuing one of that fated race from a doom more cruel than the grave that the compensation was no object that they had lost their only child and hoped that she would in a measure fill the void in their hearts highly gratified with the kind letter of the friend the Grange gave the child into the charge of Josiah Collins and putting a check for five hundred dollars in his hand parted with them at the station he went back into the country and told his wife that he had found a traitor who thought the child beautiful and that he had bought her to raise as a fancy girl and had given him five hundred dollars for her and here said he handing her a set of beautiful pearls is my peace offering Georgie at size glistened as she intertwined the pearls amid the wealth of her raven hair and clasp them upon her beautifully rounded arms what mattered it to her if every jewel cost a heartthrob and if the whole set were bought at the price of blood they suited her style of beauty and she cared not what they cost proud imperious and selfish she knew no law but her own will no gratification but the enjoyment of her own desires passing from the boudoir of his wife he sought the room where Ellen sat busily cutting and arranging the clothing for the field hands and gazing furtively around he said here is many's likeness I've all right thank heaven said the sad hearted mother as she paused to dry her tears and then resumed her needle anything is better than slavery end of chapter four chapter five of many's sacrifice by Francis E. W. Harper this LibriVox recording is in the public domain chapter five before I proceed any further with my story let me tell the reader something of the Lagrange's whom I have so unceremoniously introduced Lagrange like Lacroix was a French and Spanish descent and his father had also been a Haitian refugee but there the similitude ends unlike Lacroix he had grown up a gay and reckless young man of sports and living an aimless life his father had on his plantation a beautiful quadruped girl named Ellen whom he had bought in Richmond because she begged him to buy her when he had bought her mother who had been recommended to him as a first rate cook they had been servants in what was called one of the first families of Virginia and had been treated by their mistress with more timeness and consideration then generally fell to the lot of persons in their condition as long as she lived they had been well fed and well clothed and accept the deprivation of their freedom had known but few of the hardships so incident to slave life but a reverse had fallen upon them their mistress had intended to set them free but dying suddenly she had failed to carry out her intention her property fell into the hands of distadairs who sold it all and divided it among themselves Ellen and her mother were put up at auction when a kindly looking old Frenchman bought the mother Ellen stood trembling by but when she saw her mother's new master she started forth and kneeling at his feet she begged him to buy her the mother joined in and said do you want to buy her the mother Ellen Massa and I'll serve you faithfully day and night there's a heap of work in these old bones yet Mr. Lagrange told her to be quiet and he would buy her and true to his word although the bidding ran high and the competition was fierce he bought her and the next day he started with them for his plantation on Red River his son Louis had just graduated and was offered that Satan find some mischief for idle hands to do Millie who knew the wiles of the world better than Ellen tried to keep her as much as possible out of his way but her caution was all in vain she saw her child involved as thousands of her race had been Mrs. Lagrange when she became a prize to the condition of things grew very angry but instead of getting the nation upon the head of her offending son she poured out the viles of her wrath upon the defenseless girl she made up her mind to sell her off the place and pick the opportunity while her son was absent to send her to a trader's pen in the city when Louis came home he found Millie looking very sullen and distressed and her eyes red with weeping what is the matter said Louis matter Ellen why how did that happen why she found out all about her and said she should not stay on the place another day and so she sent her down to Orleans to the nigger traders and my hearts most broke and Millie sat down wiping her tears with her apron never mind Millie said Louis I'll go down to New Orleans and bring her back mother shan't do as she pleases with me as if I were a boy I must always be tied to her apron string I've got 20 of my own and I mean to find Ellen if I have to look all over the country he entered the dining room and saw his mother seated at the tea table looking as bland and pleasant as a spring morning and asked where's Ellen the smile died from her lips and she answered curtly she is out of your reach I've sold her but where have you sold her out of your reach and that is all I'm going to tell you Louis without saying another word went out to the coachman and asked the coachman to take me to the station ten minutes to nine can you take me there in time to reach the train I want to go to the city tonight to know Massa my best horse is lame and what never mind your excuse here said he throwing him a dollar hitch up as quick as possible and take me there without any butts or ifs all right Massa said Sam grinning with delight I'll have you over there in short order the carriage harnessed Samuel found no difficulty with his horses and Louis arrived in the city after midnight and the next day he devoted to hunting for Ellen he searched through different slave pens inquired of all the traders until it last ready to abandon his search and hopelessness he heard of a private jail in the suburbs of the city nothing daunted by his failure he found the place and Ellen also the trader I'd him keenly and saw from his manner that he was in earnest about having the girl she is not for sale in this city whoever buys her must give me much to take her out of this city that was the bargain I made with her mistress she made me promise her that I would sell her to no one in the vicinity of the city in fact she wanted me to sell her out of the way of her son his mother said she had dedicated him to the Blessed Virgin and I reckon she wanted to keep him out of the way of temptation now what will you give me for her will you take a thousand for her now you ain't saying nothing said the trader shutting one eye and spitting on the floor how will 1200 do he won't do it all not for such a fancy article as that I'd rather keep her for myself than sell her at such a low figure why just look at her why she's pretty as a picture look at that neck and her shoulders see how she carries her head and look at that splendid head of hair why some of our maybabs would give three thousand dollars but I'll tell you what I'll do I'll let you have her for two thousand dollars fancy article is cheap at that Louie demerde but the trader was inexorable and rather than let the opportunity to rescue Ellen from him escape he paid the exorbitant price and had her brought to his hotel his next work was to get a house for Ellen and have her taken there installed as his mistress he then went back to the plantation as if nothing had happened and his mother soon thought he was reconciled about the loss of Ellen only Millie knew his secret and she kept it as a secret thing I've got some pleasant news for you Louie said Mrs. LaGrange one day to her son your uncle and cousin are coming down from Virginia and I want you to be all attention to your cousin for she is very rich she has a fortune in her right which was left her by her grandmother and besides she will have another one at her father's death added to which they say she is a very beautiful girl great preparations were made for the expected guests Georgiette was Mrs. LaGrange's brother's child and having been separated from him for more than 15 years she was full of joyful anticipations when he apprised her after his intention of visiting her in company with his daughter at length the welcome day arrived and Mrs. LaGrange stood arranging her jewels and ribbons to receive the guests you are welcome to Louie's Vienna said she removing Georgiette's straw and tenderly kissing her and you too brother she said as Mr. Monte followed his daughter how beautiful Georgiette has grown since I saw her why darling you look charming I'm afraid I shan't be able to keep too long for some of the boat will surely run away with you my son said Mrs. LaGrange introducing Louie who just then entered the door Louie bowed very low and expressed his pleasure in seeing them and hoped they would have a happy time and that nothing should be wanting on his part to make it so very pleasantly passed the time away Georgiette was in high and charming spirits and many a pleasant ride and delightful saunter she took with her cousin through the woods to plantations she was very popular among the planters sons admired by the young men but feared and indeed by the girls and thus the hours passed in a world of pleasurable excitement until Louie actually imagined himself in love with her and found himself one pleasant afternoon offering her his hand in heart she blushed inside and referred him to her papa and in a few weeks they were engaged at length the time of their departure came and Louie after accompanying New Orleans returned to make ready for the wedding his father made him a president of a large plantation which he stocked from his own purse with 300 slaves and installed Ellen there as housekeeper till the arrival of the new mistress End of chapter 5 Chapter 6 of many's Sacrifice by Francis E.W. Harper this liberal his recording is in the public domain Chapter 6 Thee is welcome to Es said the cheerful voice of Thomas Carpenter as Josiah Collins alighted bringing with him his charge and is this the little child Thee wrote me about I'm heartily glad Thee has rescued her from that dreadful system Anna said he turning to his wife who had just entered the room here is our friend Josiah Collins and the little girl I told Thee about I'm glad Thee has come said Anna, sit down and make thyself at home and this is the little girl Thee wrote Thomas about she is a beautiful child continued Anna gazing admiringly at the child I hope she will be contented does she fret about her mother much she would sometimes ask where is mama but the ladies in the cars were very kind to her and she was quite at home with them I told them I was taking her north that I thought the north would better agree with her and that it was not convenient for her mother to come on just now I was really amused with the attention she received from the southern ladies knowing how they would have shrunk such offices if they had known that one drop of the outcast blood ran in her veins why Josiah, said Anna I've always heard that there was more prejudice against the colored people in the north than in the south there is a difference in the manifestations of this feeling but I do not think there is as much prejudice here as there here we have a prejudice which is formed from traditional ideas we see in many parts of the north a very few of the colored people and our impressions of them have received their coloring more or less from what the slave holders have said of them we have been taught that they are idle, improvident and unfitted for freedom and incapable of progression and when we see them in the cities we see them overshadowed by well enterprise and activity so that our unfavorable impressions are too often confirmed still if one of that class rises above this low mental condition we know that there are many who are willing to give such a one a healthy recognition I know that there are those that have great obstacles to overcome but I think while southerners may have more personal likings for certain favorite servants they have stronger prejudices than even we have or if they have no more than we have they have more self-restraint and show it more virulently but I think they do not seem to have any horror of personal contact of course not constant familiarity with the race has worn away all sense of physical repulsion but there is a prejudice which ought to be an American feeling it is a prejudice against their rising in the scale of humanity a prejudice which virtually says you are down and I mean to keep you down as a servant I tolerate you you are useful as you are valuable but rise one step in the scale of being and I am ready to put you down I see this in the treatment that the free colored people receive in parts of the south they seem to me to be the outcasts of an outcast race they are denied the right to walk in certain public places accessible to every class unless they go as nurses and are forbidden to assemble in evening meetings and forced to be in the house they have passes by an early hour in the night and in fact they are hampered or hemmed in on every side subject to insults from any rude course or brutal white and in case of outrageous denied their testimony prejudice as we are in Pennsylvania we do not go that far but Josiah we have much to blush for in Pennsylvania colored women are denied the privilege of riding in our street cars only last week when I was in Philadelphia I saw a very decent looking colored woman with a child who looked too feeble to walk and the child too heavy for her to carry she beckoned to a conductor but he swept by and took no more heat of her than if she had been a dog there was a young lady sitting very filthy looking white man entered see they will let that filthy creature ride and prohibit a decent respectable colored person the mother quietly assented from her dress I took her to be a quakerist for she had a lovely dress of colored silk the young lady has scarcely uttered the words when a young man who sat next the mother deliberately and back into the man with the city clothes to take his seat but fortunately for the quakerist a lady who was sitting next to her daughter arose just at that moment and left the seat and the old man without noticing the maneuver passed over to the other side and thus avoided the contact I was amused however about one thing for the young man who gave up his seat was right about a mile standing served him right so Thomas Carpenter it was a very contemptible action to attempt to punish the hearty hood of the young lady by attempting to soil her mother's dress and yet little souls who feel a morbid satisfaction and trampling on the weak always sink themselves in the scale of manhood while this conversation was going on the tea bell rang and Josiah and his little charge sat down to a well supplied table for the friends though plain and economical are no enemies to good living Anna had brought the high chair in which their own darling had sat a few months before when she had made gladness and sunshine around her parents path there was a tender light in the eye of the quakerist as she dusted the chair and sat many at the table do you think said Thomas addressing Josiah that we will ever outgrow this wicked miserable prejudice oh yes but it must be the work of time both races have their work to do the colored man must outgrow his old condition of things and thus create around him a new class of associations this generation has known him as a being landless poor and ignorant one of the most important things for him to do is to acquire land he will never gain his full measure of strength until like Anteus he touches the earth and I think here is the great fault or misfortune of the race they seem to me to readily accept their situation and not to let their industrial aspirations rise high enough I wish they had more of the earth hunger that characterizes the German or the concentration of purpose which we see in the Jews I think said Thomas that the Jews and Negroes have one thing in common and that is their power of endurance they like the Negro have lived upon an idea and that is the hope of a deliverer yet to come but I think this characteristic more strongly developed in the Jews than in the Negroes doubtless it is but their origin and history have been different the Jews have a common ancestry and grand traditions that have left alive their pride of race we have Abraham to our father they said when their necks were bowed beneath the Roman yoke but I do not think the Negro can trace with certainty his origin back to any of the older civilizations and here for more than 200 years his history has been a record of blood and tears of ignorance, degradation and slavery and when nominally free prejudice has assigned him the lowest positions and the humblest situations I have not much hope of their progress while they are enslaved in the south so sa I have faith enough in the ultimate triumph of our principles to believe that slavery will bite the dust before long I don't know friend carpenter for the system is very strongly rooted and grounded in the institutions of the land and has entrenched itself in the strong holds of church and state fashion custom and social life and yet when I was in the south every hand a growing differentiation towards the government do you know Josiah that I have more hope from the madness and folly of the south than I have from the wisdom and virtue of the north I have read to whom the gods would destroy they first make mad in the chapter 6 chapter 7 of many sacrifice in the public domain chapter 7 10 years have elapsed since many came to brighten the home of Thomas carpenter and although within the heart of Anna there is a spot for every green and sacred to the memory of our only child yet many holds an undivided place in their affections there is only one subject which is to them a source of concern it is the connection of many in the world not that they love her less on account of the blood that is in her veins but they dread the effect its discovery would have upon the pleasant social circle with which she is surrounded and also the fear that the revelation would be painful to her they know that she is anti-slavery in her principles they have been careful to instill into her young mind a reverence for humanity and to recognize her the human soul all ridden over with the hand marks of divinity and the common claims of humanity she is known for years that their home has been one of the stations of the underground railroad and the anti-slavery lecture where the whiter colored has always been among the welcomed guests of her home still they shrink from the effect the knowledge would have on her mind they know she is willing to work for the colored race it seems to me Anna that we ought to reveal to many the fact of her connection with the colored race I'm afraid that she will learn in some way that will rudely shock her whereas we might break it to her in the tenderness manner every time a fugitive comes I dread that our darling will be recognized nay Thomas thy fears have made thee over sensitive who would imagine he saw in this bright and radiant girl of fifteen the little five year old child to our hearts and home I never feel any difference between her and the whitest child in the village as far as prejudice is concerned and if everybody in the village knew her origin I would love her just as much as I ever did for she is a dear good child well dear if you think it is best to keep it a secret I will not interfere but we must not forget that many will soon be a young lady that she is very beautiful and even now she begins to attract admiration I don't think it would be right for us to let her marry a white man without letting her know the prejudices of society and giving her a chance to explain to him the conditions of things yes Sedena that is true I've heard that traces of that blood will sometimes reappear even in grandchildren when it has not been detected in the first and regard against difficulty which might arise from such a course I think it is better to appraise her it is time enough for that I want her to finish her education before she thinks of marrying and I'm getting her ready to go to Philadelphia where she will find an excellent school as I have heard it very highly spoken of she is young and happy trouble will come time enough let me not hasten its advent but if time has only screwed the path of many with flowers and ripened the promised beauty of her childhood that is born Laquois family Laquois is dead but before his death he took the precaution to have Lewis emancipated and then made him a joint heir with his daughter the will he entrusted to the care of Camilla but the deed of emancipation he placed in the hands of Miriam saying here are your free papers and here are Lewis's there is nothing in this world sure but death and it is well to be on the safe side someone might be curious enough to search out his history and if there should be no legal claim to his freedom he might be robbed of both his liberty and his inheritance so keep these papers and if ever the hour comes when you or he should need them you must show me Miriam did as she was bitten but her heart was lighter when she knew that freedom had come so near her and Lewis Laquois before his death had sold the greater part of his slaves and invested the money in northern securities Camilla had married a gentleman from the north and is living very happily upon the old plantation she does not keep an over seer and tries to do all in her power to ameliorate the condition of her slaves still she is not satisfied with the system and is trying to prepare her slaves for freedom by inducing them to form as much as possible habits of self reliance and self restraint which they would need for freedom which she has determined they shall enjoy as soon as she can arrange her affairs to that effect but she also has to proceed with a great deal of caution the south is in a state of agitation and foment the air is laden with rumours of a rising conflict between the north and the south and any want of allegiance to southern opinions is punished either as a crime if the offender is a man or with social auspicesm and insult if a woman upon a days of her pride and power would never tolerate any heresy to her greed whose formula of statement might have been written we believe in the divine right of the master to take advantage of the weakness, ignorance and poverty of the slave that might makes right and that success belongs to the strongest arm some of her former friends were beginning to eye her with coldness and suspicion because she would not join in their fanatical hatred of the north and because she would profess her devotion to the old flag while they were ready to spit upon and trample it underfoot her adopted brother was still in the north and strange to say he did not share her feelings his sympathies were with the south and although he was too young to take any leading part in the events there about to transpire yet year after year when he spent his vacations at home he attended the hustings and political meetings and there he learned to consider the sentiment my country right or wrong as a proper maxim for political action this difference in their sentiments did not produce the least distrangement between them only Camilla regretted to see Lewis ready to race his hand against the freedom of his mother's race although he was perfectly unconscious of his connection with it for the conflict which was then brewing between the north and the south between freedom and idea between freedom on one side and slavery on the other end of chapter 7 chapter 8 of many's sacrifice by Francis E. W. Harper this LibriVox recording is in the public domain chapter 8 commencement over what are you going to do with yourself I don't know loaf around I suppose you go to Newport don't want to got tired of it last year Saratoga a perfect boar Niagara been there twice a pedestrian tour to the white mountains haven't got energy enough what will you do stay at home and fight mosquitoes very pleasant employment I don't envy you but I can tell you something better than that what is it said his companion yawning come go home with you where is that and what is the attraction well let me see it is situated in one of the most beautiful valleys of western Pennsylvania our village is environed by the most lovely hills and nestling among the trees with its simple churches and unpretending homes of quiet beauty and good taste it is one of the most pleasant and picturesque places I ever saw and besides as you love to hunt and fish we have one of the finest streams of trout and some of the most excellent game in the woods is that all why isn't that enough you must be rather hard to please this morning think so yes but I've not told you the crowning attraction what is it oh one of the most beautiful girls I ever saw we call her the lily of the valley describer I can't it would be like attempting to paint a sunbeam or doing what no painter has ever done to get a rainbow you're very poetic all this morning but I want you to do as our president sometimes tells us proceed from the abstract to the concrete well let me begin she has the most beautiful little feet I never see her stepping along without thinking of Cinderella and the glass slipper as to eyes they are either dark brown or black I don't know which but I do know they are beautiful and her hair well she generally wears that plain in deference wishes of her quaker friends but sometimes in the most beautiful ripples of golden brown I ever saw that will do now tell me who she is you spoke of her quaker friends is she not their daughter no there seems to be some mystery about her history about ten years ago my father brought her to Josiah Carpenter's but he's always been reticent about her in fact I never took the pains to inquire she's a great favorite in the village and everybody says she is as beautiful as good and vice versa well I'd like to see this paragon of yours I believe I'll go well let us get ready when do you start tomorrow all right I'll be on hand and with these words the two friends parted to meet again the next day at the railroad station the first of the speakers is the son of Josiah Collins and his friend is Louis Lacroix Camilla's adopted brother he is somewhat changed within the last ten years time has touched the golden wealth of his girls with a beautiful deep Auburn and the rich full tones of his voice tell that departed is written upon his childhood he is strongly southern in his feelings but having been educated in the north whilst he is an enthusiast in defense of his section as he calls the south he is neither coarse and brutal in actions nor fanatical in his devotion to slavery he thinks the niggers are doing well enough in slavery if the abolitionists would only let matters rest and the sense of honor in defending the south she is his mother he says and that man is an ingrate who will not stand by his mother and defend her when she is in peril Ian Charles Collins are fast friends but on the subject of slavery they are entirely opposed and so on that point they have agreed to disagree they often have animated and exciting discussions but they pass and Josiah and Louis are just as friendly as they were before there were two arrivals the next evening in the quiet village of as one was Charles Collins the other his southern friend who was received with the warmest welcome and soon found himself at home in the pleasant society of his friends family the evening was enliven with social chatter music until 10 o'clock when Josiah gathered his children and having read the Bible in a deeply impressive manner breathed one of the most simple and fervent prayers he had ever heard while they were bending at prayer in this pleasant home shabby looking man came walking slowly and weirdly into the village he gazed cautiously around and looked anxiously in the street as though he were looking for someone but did not like to trust his business to everyone at lengthy saw an elderly man dressed in plain clothes and a broad brim hat and drawing near he spoke to him in a low and hesitating voice and asked if he knew I'm Mr. Thomas Carpenter my name is Carpenter said the friend come with me there was something in the voice and manner the friend that assured the stranger his whole manner changed a peaceful expression stole over his dark sad face and the drooping limbs seemed to be aroused by a new infusion of energy come in said Thomas as he reached his door come in these welcome to stop and rest with us Anna said Thomas his face beaming with kindness I brought the guest here is another passenger by the underground railroad I'm sure these welcome said Anna handing him a chair sit down he looks very tired where did he come from Moses that was the fugitive's name hesitated a moment I'll never fear these among friends they need not be afraid to tell all about myself Moses then told them that he come from Kentucky and how did the escape he said I walked from Lexington to Covington where that was almost 100 miles and did they walk all that way yes sir said he I hid by day and walked by night did no one interrupt yes one man said to me where's your pass I suppose I must have grown desperate for I raised my fist and said Dems my passes and he let me alone I don't know whether he was friendly or scared but he let me alone and I then when I come to Covington I found that I could not come across the river without a pass but I watched my chance and hid myself on a boat and I got across I heard a view down home how did you oh we's got some few friends there all his promise not to tell and then Thomas smiled at his reticence which had grown into a habit where you badly treated not so bad as some but I always wanted my freedom I did where we will not talk about the anymore if he walked all that distance they must be very tired and we'll let the rest there's a bed I hope he'll have a good night's rest and feel better in the morning thinking more said Moses used mighty good oh no but I always like to do my duty by my fellow men I be quiet a good night's sleep the looks excited the mustn't be uneasy these among friends a flood of emotions crept over the bosom of Moses when his kind friends left the room was this freedom and was this the long wished war north and were these the abolition of whom he had heard so much in the south they who would allure the colored people from their homes in the south and then leave them to freeze and starve in the north he had heard all his life that the stakeholders were the friends of the south and the language of his soul had been if these are my friends save me from my foes he lived all his life among the white people of the south and had been owned by several masters but he did not know that there was so much kindness among the white race till he had rested in a northern home and among northern people he who kindness encouraged his path and in that peaceful home every voice that fell upon his ear was full of tenderness and sympathy true there were rough course brutal men even in that village who for a few dollars or to prove their devotion to the south would have readily remanded him to his master but he was not aware of that and so when he sank to his rest the sense of peace and safety stole over him and his sleep was as calm and peaceful as the slumber of a child the next morning he looked refreshed but still his strength was wasted by his great physical exertion and mental excitement and Thomas thought he had better rest a few days till he grew stronger and better prepared to travel for Thomas noticed that he was nervous of every noise and often turning his head to the door with an anxious frightened look Thomas would have gladly given him shelter and work and given him just wages but he dared not do so he was an American citizen he was true but at that time slavery reigned over the north and ruled over the south and he had not power under the law of the land to give Doma south and break his blood to that poor hunted and flying man for even then they were hunting in the south and sending out their human blood hounds to search for him in the north throughout the length and breadth of the land from the summit of the rainbow crowned Niagara to the swollen waters of the Mexican Gulf from the golden gates of sunrise to the gorgeous portals of departing day there was not a hill so high a forest so secluded glenn so sequestered no mountains so steep that he knew he could not be tracked and hailed in the name of the general government what's the news friend carpenter any new arrival said Josiah Collins in a low voice to Thomas yes a very interesting case can't you come over yes after breakfast by the way you must be a little more cautious than usual Charlie came home last night and brought a young friend with him from college I think from his conversation that he's either a southerner himself or in deep sympathy with the south both men spoke in low tones for although they were northerners they were talking about a subject on which they were compelled to speak with bated breaths after breakfast Josiah came over but Moses seemed so heavy and over but worried that they did not care the disturb him there was a look of dejection and intense sadness on the thin worn face and a hungry look in the mournful eyes as if his soul had been starving for kindness and sympathy sometimes he would forget his situation and speak hopefully of the future but still there was a weirdness that he could not shake off a langer that seemed to pervade every nerve and muscle Thomas thought it was the natural reaction of the deep excitement through which he had just passed the tension of his nerves had been too great but that a few days rest and quiet would restore him to his normal condition but that hope soon died away the tension excitement and consequent exhaustion had been too much reason tottered on its throne and he became a raving maniac in his moments of delirium he would imagine that he was escaping from slavery that the pursuers were upon his back that they had caught him and were rebinding him about to take him back to slavery and then it was heart-rending to hear him beg and plead to Thomas Carpenters he would reach out his emaciated hands and say curate me to Mr. Carpenters that good man's house for that name which had become more precious to him than a household to his soul still lingered and amid shattered cells for the delirium spent its force and through the tempest of his bosom the light of reason came back one night he slept more soundly than usual and on the next morning his faithful friends saw from the expression of his countenance and that light in his eyes that his reason had returned they sent for their family physician a man in whose honor they could confide all that careful nursing a medical skill could do was done but it was in vain his strength was wasted the silver cord was loose and the golden bowl was broken his life was fast ebbing away like a tempest toss mariner dying inside of land so he passing away from earth found the pressures long for and dearly bought prize was just before but his hand was to feeble to grasp his arms to powerless to hold it his friends saw from the expression of his face that he had something to say and they bent down to catch the last words of the departing spirit I'm dying he said but I'm thankful that I have come this near to freedom he attempted to say no more the death rattles sounded in his throat the shadows that never deceived let it over his face and he was dead his spirit gone back to God another witness against the giant crime of the land just I came again to see him and entered the room just as the released spirit winged his flight silently he uncovered him as if paying that reverence to the broken casket which death exacts for his meanest subjects with tenderness and respect they prepared the body for the grave followed him to the silent tomb and left him to his dreamless sea end of chapter eight chapter nine of many's sacrifice by Francis E. W. Harper this the Brevox recording is in the public domain chapter nine friend carpenter I brought a friend to see you he is a real hot-headed subvenor and I've been trying to convert him but I've been almost ready to give it up as a hopeless task I thought as you are so much better posted than I am on the subject you might be able to convert him from the error of his ways he is a first-rate fellow my college jump he has only one fault he will defend slavery cure him of that and I think he will be as near perfect as young men generally are friend carpenter smiled at this good natured rally and said it takes time for all things perhaps your friend is not so incorrigible as you think he is I don't know said Charlie but here he is he can speak for himself oh this system is well enough of itself but like other things it is liable to abuse I think my young friend said Thomas the has never examined the system by the rule of impartial justice which tells us to do to all men as we would have them do to us if he had the would not talk of the abuses of slavery when the system is an abuse itself I'm afraid the has never gauged the depth of its wickedness thy face looks too honest and frank to defend this system from the conviction has the ever examined it why no I have always been used to it Lewis who like the honest bluntness of the Quaker would have willingly prolonged the conversation simply for the sake of the argument but just then many entered holding in her hand a bunch of flowers and started to show them to her father before she perceived that any company was in the room oh father said she see what I have brought you when her eye fell upon the visitors and a bright flush over spread her cheek landing it additional beauty Charles immediately arose and giving her his hand introduced her to his friend I'm glad to see you many you're looking so well this summer said Charles gazing on her with unfaigned admiration I'm glad you think so said she with charming frankness some business having called friend carpenter from the room the young people had a pleasant time to themselves talking of books poetry and the current literature of the day although being students their acquaintance with these things was somewhat limited by the time they were ready to go Thomas had re-entered the room and bidding them goodbye cordially invited them to return again what do you think of her said Charles to his friend beautiful as a dream her path had not been told her acquaintance pays me for my trip yes I would like to become better acquainted with her there was such a charming simplicity about her and such unaffected grace that I'm really delighted with her how is it that you have never fallen in love with her oh I have left that for you but in fact we have almost grown together played with each other when we were children until she appears like one and to marry her would be like marrying my own sister how does the like Charles friend said many to her adopted father Thomas spoke slowly and deliberately and said he impresses me rather favorably I think there's the making of a man in him but I hear that he is pro-slavery yes he is but I think that is simply the result of former associations and surroundings I do not believe that he has looked deeper than the surface of slavery he is quite young yet his reflective faculties are hardly fully awakened I believe the time will come when he will see it in its true light and if he joins our ranks he will be an important accession to our cause I have great hopes of him he seems to be generous kind hearted and full of good impulses I do not believe there are grand possibilities in his nature how do you like him I was much pleased with him we had a very pleasant time together in a few days Charles and Lewis called again many was crocheting and her adopted mother was occupied with sewing while Thomas engaged them in conversation the subject being the impending conflict Lewis taking a decided stand in the south and Thomas being equally strong in his defense of the north the conversation was very animated but temperate and when they parted each felt confident of the rightfulness of his position come again said Thomas as they were leaving we can't see eye to eye but I like to have thee come Lewis was very much pleased with the invitation sometimes she would smile or say a word or two when the discussion was beginning to verge on the borders of excitement the time to return to college was drawing near and Lewis long to tell her how dear she was to him but he never met her alone she was so young he did not like to ask the privilege of writing to her and yet he felt when he left the village that it would afford him great satisfaction to hear from her to friend Carpenter that he would like to hear from his family and that if he was too busy perhaps Miss Minnie might find time to drop a line but Thomas did not take the hint so the matter ended he hoping in the meantime to meet her again and renew their very pleasant acquaintance End of Chapter 9 Chapter 11 of Minnie's Sacrifice by Francis E. W. Harper this LibriVox recording is in the public domain Chapter 11 is Minnie not well said Thomas Carpenter entering one morning the pleasant room where Anna was labeling some preserves she seems to be so drooping and scarcely eats anything I don't know I have not heard her complain perhaps she is a little tired from her journey and that I think she studies too much she spends most of her time in her room and since I think of it she does appear more quiet than usual but I have been so busy about my preserves that I have not noticed her particularly Anna said Thomas suddenly after a moment's pause does he think that there is any attachment between Lewis and Minnie he was very attentive to her when we were in Boston why Thomas had never thought anything about it he always seemed so much like a child that I never get her associated in my mind with courtship and marriage I suppose I ought to though said Anna with the faintest sigh Anna I think that something is preying on that child's mind and mother Lee knows that you women understand how to manage these things better than we men do and I wish they would find out what is the matter with the child try to find out if there is anything between her and Lewis by all means we must let her know about herself it is a duty we owe her and him well Thomas if we must we must but I shrink from it here she comes now I'll leave in a few minutes and then Lee can tell her perhaps Lee can do it better than I can what makes Lee look so serious said Thomas as many entered the room do I father yes Lee looks sober as a judge what has happened to disturb Lee nothing in particular I want to Mr. Hickman's this morning and they have a colored woman stopping with them she is a very interesting and intelligent woman and she was telling us part of her history and it was very interesting but mother I do think it is a dreadful thing to be a colored person in this country how I should suffer if I knew that I was hated and despised for what I couldn't help though it must be dreadful to be colored oh don't talk so many God never makes any mistakes mother the mother it must be hard to be forced to ride in smoking cars to be insulted in the different thoroughfares of travel to be denied access to public resorts in some places such as lectures theaters concerts and even have a particular seat assigned in the churches and sometimes feel you were an object of pity even to your best friends I know that Mrs. Heston felt so when she was telling her story for when Mrs. Hickman said Sarah I really pity you I saw her dark eyes flash and she has really beautiful eyes and as she said it is not pity we want it is justice in the first place mother she is a widow with five children she had six one died in the army and she had some business in Washington connected with him she says she was born in Virginia and had one little girl there but as she could not bear the idea of her child growing up in ignorance her husband went to Albany her husband was a barber and was doing a good business there she was living in a very good neighborhood and sent her child to the nearest district school after her little girl had been there a while her teacher told her she must go home and not come there anymore and sent her mother a note the child did not know what she had done she had been attentive to her lessons and had not behaved amiss and she was puzzled to know why she was turned out of school she said the teacher but the child insisted and I knew that it must come sooner or later and so said she I told her it was because she was colored is that all poor child she didn't know that in that fact lay whole volumes of insult outrage and violence I made it my mind she continued that I would leave the place and when my husband came home I said Heston let us leave this place let us go farther west to the other child at first my husband demurred for we were doing a good business but I said let us go if we have to live on potatoes and salt true it was some cuneary loss but I never regretted it although I have been pretty near the potatoes and salt my husband died but I kept my children together and stood over the wash tub day after day to keep them at school my oldest daughter graduated at the high school and was quite a favorite with the teachers and the public and see in her room caused by the resignation of one of the assistant teachers and the first teacher had the privilege of selecting her assistants from the graduates of the high school their appointment of course being subject to the decision of the commissioner of public schools her teacher having heard that she was connected by blood with one of the first families of Virginia told the commissioner that she had chosen an assistant as a descendant of Patrick Henry indeed said the commissioner I didn't know that we had one of that family among us by all means employ her but as she was about to leave she said I forgot to tell you one thing she is colored a sudden change came over him and he said do you think I would have you walk down the street with a colored woman of course not I'll never give my consent to that and there the matter ended and then she made us feel so indignant when she told us that on her way to Washington to get her son's pension she stopped in Philadelphia and the conductor tried to make her leave the car and because she would not he ran the car off the track oh father said she turning to Thomas how we could accrue this prejudice oh how I should hate to be colored Anna and Thomas exchanged mournful glances their hearts were two full and as many left the room Thomas said not now Anna not just yet and so many was permitted to return again to school with the secret untold many darling what are you doing moping as usual over your books come it is Saturday morning and you have worked hard enough for one week got all good marks so now just put up that Virgil and come go out with me where do you wish to go said many to her lighthearted friend Carrie Wise I want to go out shopping Pa has just sent me $20 and you know a girl and her money are soon party what do you wish to give well I want a pair of gloves to match this fringe and a lot of things come won't you go oh I don't know I didn't intend going out this morning well never mind if you didn't just say you will go where's your hat and mantle said Carrie going to her wardrobe well just wait till I fix my hair it won't take long oh many you let me fix it for you if ever I have to work for my living I shall be a hairdresser I believe it is the only thing that I have any talent for what an idea but do many won't you let me arrange your hair you always wear it so plain and I do believe it would curl beautifully may I many why yes so Carrie sat down and in a short time she had beautifully arranged many's hair with a profusion of curls you know what I was thinking said Carrie gazing admiringly upon her friend he looked so much like a picture I've seen of yours in your father's album he was showing me a number of pictures which represent you at different ages and the one I refer to he said was our mini when she was five years old now let me put on your hat and let me kiss you for you look so pretty oh Carrie what an idea you're so full of nonsense which way will we go first first down to her others I saw a beautiful color there I like so much and then let us go down to Mrs. Bargways I want to show you a love of a bonnet one of the sweetest little things in ribbon lace and flowers I ever saw equipped for the journey the two friends sauntered down the street as they were coming out of the store Carrie stopped for a moment to speak to her very dear friend of her mother's and many passed on as she went slowly on loitering for her friend she saw a woman approaching her from the opposite side of the street there was something in her look and manner which arrested the attention of many she was a tall slender woman about 35 years old without pale care worn face a face which told that saw had pressed her more than years a few threads of silver mingled with the wealth of her raven hair and her face though wearing a sad and weary expression still showed traces of great beauty as soon as her eyes fell on many she raised her hands in sudden wonder and clasping her in her arms exclaimed heaven is merciful I have found you at last my dear darling long lost child many is this you and have I found you at last many trembling from head to foot a deadly pallor over spread her cheek and she stood still as if rooted to the ground in silent amazement while the woman stood anxiously watching her as if her future were hanging on the decision of her lips who are you and where did you come from said many as soon as she gained her breath I came from Louisiana oh I can't be mistaken I've longed for you and prayed for you and now I've found you just then Carrie would finish speaking with her friend seeing many and the strange woman talking together exclaimed what is the matter noticing the agitation of her friend who is this woman and what has she said to you she says that she is my mother my long lost mother by many what nonsense she can't be your mother why don't you see she is colored where do you live said many without appearing to notice the words of Carrie I don't live anywhere I just came here yesterday with some of the Union soldiers come with me then and I will show you a place to stop why many you're not going to walk down the street with that Nick colored woman if you are please excuse me my business calls me another way and without any more ceremony Carrie and many parted silently she walked by the side of the stranger a thousand thoughts revolving in her mind was this the solution of the mystery which enshrouded her young life did she indeed belong to that doomed and hated race and must she share the cruel treatment which bitter relentless prejudice had assigned them Thomas Carpenter and Anna were stopping in P at the house of relatives who knew many's history but who had never made any difference in their treatment of her on that account his father mother at home said many to the servant who opened the door she answered in the affirmative tell them to come into the parlor they are wanted immediately sit down said many to the stranger handing her a chair and wait till father comes Anna and Thomas soon to the room and many approaching them said father this woman met me on the street today and says she is my mother you know all about my history tell me if there's any truth in this story I don't know many I never saw my mother the question of father and see if there's any truth in what she says but tell me first father am I white or colored many I believe there is a small portion of colored blood in my veins it is enough so many drawing closer to the strange woman what makes you think that I am your child by this said she taking a miniature from a bosom by this which I carried next to my heart for more than 12 years and never have been without it a single day or night Thomas looked upon the miniature it was an exact likeness of many when she first came to them and although she had grown and changed since the likeness was taken there was too close a resemblance between it and one which had been taken soon after she came for him to doubt that many was the original of that likeness Thomas questioned the woman very closely but her history and narrative corresponded so well with what he had heard of many's mother that he could not for a moment doubt that this was she and as such he was willing to give her the shelter of his home till he could make other arrangements but why Sedana somewhat grieved at the shock that many had received the startled her by so suddenly claiming her in the street would it not have been better for thee to have she lived and then discover thyself to her I suspect it would man said Ellen very meekly and sorrowfully but when I saw and heard the young lady say many wait a minute I forgot everything but that this was my long lost child I'm sorry if I did any harm but I was so glad I could not help it my heart was so hungry for my child yes yes said Anna sadly I understand the it was the voice of nature many was too nervous and excited to return to her school that day the next morning she had a very high fever and Thomas concluded it would be better to take her home and have her mother accompany her and so on Monday morning Anna and Thomas left P taking many and her mother along once again in her pleasant home surrounded by the tendress care for her mother watched over her with the utmost solicitude the violence of her fever abated but it was succeeded by a low nervous affliction which while it produced no pain yet it slowly unstrung her vitality Ellen hovered around her pillow as if she begrudged every moment that called her from a daughter's side and never seemed so well contented as when she was performing for her some office of love and tenderness a skillful nurse she knew how to prepare the most delicate vines to tempt the failing appetite and she had the exquisite pleasure of seeing her care and attention were awarded by the returning health and strength of her child one morning as she grew stronger and was able to take care she turned her eyes tenderly towards Ellen and said mother come and sit near me and let me hold your hand mother oh how welcome was that word Ellen's eyes filled with sudden tears mother she said it comes back to me like a dream I have a faint recollection of having seen you before but it is so long I can scarcely remember it tell me all about myself and how I came to leave you I always thought that there was some mystery about me but I never knew what it was before I understand it darling said the mother you had better wait till you get a little stronger and then I will tell you all very well said many you have been so good to me and I'm beginning to love you so much it was touching to see the ripening love between those two long suffering ones Ellen we combed many's hair and do for her every office in her power still many continued feeble the suffering occasioned by her refusal of Lewis the hard study and deeper excitement through which her past told sadly upon her constitution but she was young and having a large share of her cumulative power she slowly came back to health and strength and when the spring opened Thomas decided that she should return again to her school in P. End of Chapter 11 Chapter 12 of many's sacrifice by Francis E. W. Harper this Libra Box recording is in the public domain Chapter 12 let us now return to Carrie Wise whom we left parting with many where is many said to her first schoolmates who observed that Carrie had come home alone oh said she one of the strangest things I ever heard of happened well what was it said the girls and by this time they had joined another group of girls why this morning many and I walked out shopping and just I came out of Carothers I met an old friend of mothers and stopped to speak with her and I said many just wait a minute she passed on and left me talking with Mrs. Jackson when I joined her I found a colored woman talking to her and she was trembling from head to foot and just as pale as a ghost and I said why many what is the matter she gasped for breath and I thought she was going to faint and I got real scared and what do you think many said why she said Carrie this woman says she's my mother her mother quite a half dozen voices why you said she was colored well so she was she was quite light but I knew she was colored how did you know maybe she was only a very dark complexion white woman oh no she wasn't I know white people from colored I've seen enough of them a colored woman well that is very strange but do tell us what many said she asked her where she came from and where she lived she said she came in yesterday with the Union soldiers and that she had come from Louisiana and then many told her to come with her and she would find a place for her to stop and did she leave you in the street to walk with a nigger said of course rough looking girl yes and so I left her I wasn't going to walk down the street with them well did I ever set a pale and interesting looking girl that is just as strange as a romance I have been reading well they say truth is strange of them fiction a deceitful thing to try to pass for white when she is colored if she comes back to this school I shan't stay said the course rough girl twirling her gold pencil going to sit alongside of niggers how you talk I don't see that if the woman is many's mother and is colored it makes any difference in her I'm sure it does not to me said one of many's friends well it does to me said another you may put yourself on an equality with niggers but I won't and I neither chimed in another voice there are plenty of colored schools let her go to them oh girls I think it real cruel the way you talk how would you like anyone to treat you so can't help it I ain't coming to school with a nigger she is just as good as you are Mary Patuck and a great deal smarter I don't care she's a nigger and that's enough for me and so the sentiment of the school was divided some were in favor of treating her just as well as usual and others felt like complaining to their parents that a nigger was in school at last the news reached the teacher and he poor weak and vacillating man had not manhood enough to defend her but acted according to the prejudices of society and wrote Thomas a note telling him that circumstances made it desirable that she should not again come to school in the meantime the news had reached their quiet little village and of course it offered food for gossip it was discussed over tea tables and in the sewing circle some concluded that Thomas should have brought her up among the colored people and others that he did perfectly right still there was a change in many social relations some were just as kind as ever others grew distant and some avoided having anything to say to her and stopped visiting the house Anna and Thomas although superior people were human and could not help feeling the difference but some business of importance connected with the death of a relative called Thomas abroad and he made up his mind that he would take Anna and many with him hoping that the voyage and change of scene would be beneficial to his little girl as he still called many and so on a bright and beautiful morning in the spring of 62 he left the country for a journey to England and the continent and returned to Louis Lacroix whom we left disappointed and wounded by many's refusal after he left her he entered his room and sat for a long time in silent thought at last he rose and walked to the window and stood with his hands clenched and his finally chisel lips firmly set as if he had bound his whole soul to some great resolve a resolve which he would accomplish let it cost what it might so he had for he had made up his mind within the last two hours that he would join the confederacy that live or die, sink or swim, survive or perish he would unite his fortunes to her destiny his next step then was to plan how he could reach Louisiana he felt confident that if he could get as far as Louisville he could manage to get into Tennessee and from thence to Louisiana and so nothing daunted by difficulties and dangers he set out on his journey and being aided by rebels on his way in a few weeks he reached the old plantation on Red River he found his sister and Miriam there both glad to see him Camilla's husband was in Charleston some of the slaves had deserted to the Union ranks but the greater portion she still retained with her Miriam was delighted to see Louis and seemed never weary of admiring his handsome face and manly form and Louis who had never known any other mother seemed really gratified by her little kindnesses and attention but of course the pleasant and quiet monotony of home did not suit the restless and disquieted spirit of Louis all the young men around here were in the army or deeply interested in its success there was a call for more volunteers and a new company was to be raised in that locality Louis immediately joined and turned his trained intellect to the study of military tactics day and night he was absorbed in this occupation and soon although many was not forgotten the enthusiasm of his young life gathered around the confederate cause he did not give himself much time to reflect thought was painful to him and he continued to live in a world of excitement news of battle tidings of victory the situation of the armies and the hopes and fears that clustered around those fearful days of struggle made the staple of conversation Louis rapidly rose in favor with the young volunteers and was chosen captain of a company who were permitted to drill and stay from the front as a reserve corps ready to be summoned at any moment End of Chapter 12 Chapter 13 of many's sacrifice by Francis E. W. Harper this LibriVox recording is in the public domain Chapter 13 Miriam and Camilla watched with anguish Louis's devotion to the confederation and many sorrowful conversations they had about it at last one day Miriam said Miss Camilla I can stand it no longer that boy is going to lift his hand again his own people and I can't stand it no longer I've got to tell him all about it I just think I'd bust into if I didn't tell him well Mammy said Camilla I'd rather he should know it than that he should go against his country and raise his hand against the dear old flag it's not the flag nor the country I care for said Miriam but it is that one of my own flesh and blood giant with these seshes again his own people well Miriam if you get a chance you can tell him get a chance Miss Camilla I was bound to get that Louis was somewhat reticent about his plans for he knew that Camilla was a strong union woman that she not only loved the flag but she had taught her two boys to do the same but he understood from headquarters that his company was to march in a week subject there was no common sympathy between them yet he felt that he must acquaint her with his plans and bid her a Miriam goodbye so one morning he came in looking somewhat flushed and excited and said sister we've got our marching orders we leave on Thursday and I've only three days to be with you I'm sorry that I've seen so little of you but my country calls me and when she is in danger it is no time for me to seek for either ease or pleasure your country Louis said Miriam her face paling and flushing by turns where is your country here said he somewhat angrily in Louisiana my country say Camilla is the whole union yes Louis said she your country is in danger but not from the abolitionists in the north but from the rebels and traitors in the south rebels and traitors said Louis in a tone like one who felt the harsh grading of the words whom do you mean I mean said she the ambitious reckless men who have brought about this state of things the men who are stabbing their country in their madness and folly who are grabbing our graves and darkening our homes who are dragging our young men men like you who should be the pride and hope of our country into the jaws of ruin and death Louis looks surprised and angry you'd never seen Camilla under such deep excitement her words attached his pride and roused his anger but suppressing his feelings Camilla I'm old enough to do my own thinking we better drop this subject it is not pleasant to either of us Louis said she her whole manner changing from deep excitement to profound grief oh Louis it will never do for you to go oh no you must not and why not because and she hesitated just then Miriam took up the unfinished sentence because to join the sassage is to raise your hands again your own race my own race and Louis scornfully I think you are talking more wildly than Camilla what do you mean Miriam I mean said she's done by his scorn for words I mean that you Louis Lacroix white as you look are colored and that you are my own daughter's child and if it had not been for Miss Camilla who's been such an angel to you that you would have been a slave today and then you wouldn't have been a confederate at these words a look of horror and anguish passed over the face of Lacroix and he turned to Camilla but she was deadly pale and trembling like an aspen leaf but her eyes were dry and tearless Camilla said he turning fiercely to his adopted sister tell me is there any truth in these words you are as pale as death and trembling like a leaf tell me if there's any truth in these words turning and fixing his eyes on Miriam who stood like some ancient prophetess her lips renouncing some fearful doom while she watched in breath and anguished the effect upon the fated victim yes Louis say Camilla in her voice almost choked by emotion yes Louis it is all true but how is this that I never heard it before before I believe this tale I must have some proof clear as daylight bring me proofs here they are some Miriam drawing from her pocket the free papers she had been carrying about her person for several days Louis grasped them nervously hastily read them and then more slowly like one who might read a sentence of death to see if there was one word or a sentence on which she might hang a hope of reprieve Camilla watched him anxiously but silently and when he had finished he covered his bowed face with his hands as he said with a deep groan it is true, too true I see it all I can never raise my hand against my mother's race he arose like one in a dream walked slowly to the door and left the room it was a painful task said Camilla with a sigh of relief as if a burden had fallen from her soul he had said Miriam but not so bad as to see him fighting again his own color I'd rather follow him to his grave than see him join that miserable secess crew he had said Camilla it was better than letting him go when Louis left the room a thousand conflicting thoughts passed through his mind he felt as a mariner at midnight on a moonless sea who suddenly when the storm is brewing finds that he has lost his compass and his chart End of chapter 13