_Glen._ It is so dark, I’m afraid I’ve missed the road. Still, this must be the right way to the poplar farm. And if Bob told me the truth, when he said that Melinda was at the poplar farm, I will soon be with her; and if I once get her in my arms, it will be a strong man that shall take her from me. Aye, a dozen strong men shall not be able to wrest her from my arms.
_Melinda._ Oh, Glen! It is my husband,—it is!
_Glen._ Melinda! Melinda! it is, it is. Oh God! I thank Thee for this manifestation of Thy kindness. Come, come, Melinda, we must go at once to Canada. I escaped from the overseer, whom Dr. Gaines sent to flog me. Yes, I struck him over the head with his own club, and I made the wine flow freely; yes, I pounded his old skillet well for him, and then jumped out of the window. It was a leap for freedom. Yes, Melinda, it was a leap for freedom. I’ve said “master” for the last time. I am free; I’m bound for Canada. Come, let’s be off, at once, for the negro dogs will be put upon our track. Let us once get beyond the Ohio river, and all will be right.
_Scene 1._—BAR-ROOM IN THE AMERICAN HOTEL—TRAVELLERS LOUNGING IN CHAIRS, AND AT THE BAR.
_Barkeeper._ Why, Jennings, how do you do?
_Jennings._ Say Mr. Jennings, if you please.
_Barkeeper._ Well, Mr. Jennings, if that suits you better. How are times? We’ve been expecting you, for some days.
_Jennings._ Well, before I talk about the times, I want my horses put up, and want you to tell me where my niggers are to stay to-night. Sheds, stables, barns, and every thing else here, seems pretty full, if I am a judge.
_Barkeeper._ Oh! I’ll see to your plunder.
_1st Lounger._ I say, Barkeeper, make me a brandy cocktail, strong. Why, how do you do, Mr. Jennings?
_Jennings._ Pretty well, Mr. Peters. Cold evening, this.
_1st Loun._ Yes, this is cold. I heard you speak of your niggers. Have you got a pretty large gang?
_Jennings._ No, only thirty-three. But they are the best that the country can afford. I shall clear a few dimes, this trip. I hear that the price is up.
_White._ Can I be accommodated here to-night, landlord?
_Barkeeper._ Yes, sir; we’ve bed for man and beast. Go, Dick, and take the gentleman’s coat and hat. [_To the waiter._] You’re a stranger in these parts, I rec’on.