Other Phases Of The Subject
WE must leave to the reader's imagination much that transpired1 at the Rosebrook Villa2 during the night above mentioned, and ask him to accompany us on the following morning, when curious placards may be seen posted here and there at corners of streets and other conspicuous3 places about the city. Mr. Pringle Blowers has lost a beautiful female slave, whose fair hair, beautiful complexion4, deep blue eyes, delicate features, and charming promise, is in large type and blackest printer's ink set forth5 most glowingly. Had Mr. Pringle Blowers been a poet instead of a chivalric6 rice-planter, he might have emblazoned his loss in sentimental7 rhyme. But Pringle Blowers says poets always make fools of themselves; and, although the south is a sweet and sunny land, he is happy indeed that it is troubled with none of the miscreants8. He owned niggers innumerable; but they were only common stock, all of whom he could have lost without feeling any more than ordinary disappointment at the loss of their worth in money. For this one, however, he had a kind of undefined love, which moved his heart most indescribably. Disappointed in the gratification of his desires, he is mortified9 and maddened to desperation. Why should a slave he had invested so much money in, and felt so like making a lady of, and never would have thought of setting at field labour, run away? He only wanted her for the most aristocratic purpose the south can provide for a beautiful slave. Hence Mr. Pringle Blowers, through the medium of his knowledge of letters, puts forward his placard-a copy of which he inserts in all the most respectable morning journals-in which the fair outlines of his lost woman are simply set forth. He will give three hundred dollars for her apprehension10, fifty dollars more for proof to convict any person of harbouring her, and an additional sum for lodging11 her in any gaol12 in the country. This large reward Mr. Pringle Blowers will pay in hard cash; and he has no doubt the offering will be quite enough to excite the hunting propensities13 of fashionable young gentlemen, as well as inveterate14 negro hunters. Beside this, negro hunting being rather a democratic sport than otherwise, Mr. Pringle Blowers reconciles his feelings with the fact of these sports being uncommonly15 successful.
The reader will naturally conclude that the offer of this large reward produced some sensation in and about the city. People stopped along the streets, read the curious hand-bill, smiled, and made various remarks. Ladies, always curious to know what is prominent among the current events of the day, sent servants to ascertain16 what so attractive the posters contained. It was, indeed, a regular bit of self-enjoyed fun for them; for the ladies had all heard of Pringle Blowers, and that a female slave for whose capture he would give three hundred dollars had run away from him they were heartily17 glad to learn.
The day-police were equally happy to hear of the loss, and anxious to make the capture. In this position it was doubly necessary to be cautious in proceeding18 to effect the escape of the fair girl. If discovered in the act the stranger might be subjected to a series of inprisonments that would sacrifice his life. Again, he might be assassinated19 by some disguised hand; or, if an infuriated mob were let loose upon him, no police interference could save his life. As suspicion is ever on the point of giving out its dangerous caprices where a community live fearing one another, so the stranger became sensible of the shafts20 of suspicion that might at any moment be darted21 at him. Despatching his schooner22 on her voyage, he continued for several days walking about the city, as if indifferent to what was passing. He read the curious poster in which was offered the goodly reward for the apprehension of a lost slave, affected23 great coolness, and even ignorance of the mode by which such articles were recovered.
Fortunate was it for the stranger that he despatched the schooner without the prize he intended to carry off, for no sooner had she got under way and begun to move down the harbour, than she was boarded by four men, who, producing their authority, searched her from stem to stern. Such were their suspicions, that they would not be satisfied until they had opened a few boxes and bales that were stowed away in the hold. This done, the schooner was permitted to continue her voyage, and the stranger, unmolested, continues his walks about the city. A few days pass and the excitement has calmed down. Pringle Blowers, although chagrined24 at the loss of his valuable piece of woman property, resolves to wait the issue with patience and forbearance. If she, fool like, has made away with herself, he cannot bring her to life; if she be carried off by villainous kidnappers25, they must eventually suffer the consequences. Her beauty will expose their plots. He will absorb his usual requirement of spirit, keep the nerve up, and never despond of regaining26 her while his reward of three hundred dollars stands before a money-loving public. He would rather have lost two dozen common niggers than this one he set so much by, intended to make so much of, and upon whom he had set his very heart, soul, and burning passions. But there is no profit in grief, no use in giving way to disappointment. Philosophers bear disappointments with fortitude28; he must be a philosopher, keep a sharp look out and not despair.
How different is the scene presented at Rosebrook's Villa! There, Annette is seen, prepared to take her departure. Dressed in male attire29, with frock coat and trousers setting so neatly30, dress boots, white vest, and brightly arranged shirt-bosom31, she is the type of perfection of a youthful southron. Franconia has expended32 her skill in completing the fair girl's toilet, when Mrs. Rosebrook places a pair of green spectacles over her eyes, bids her look in the glass, and tells her she will pass for a planter's son among a million.
"Nobody will know me, now," she answers, viewing herself in the mirror. Her neat setting suit, Panama hat, and green spectacles, give a peculiar33 air to her lithe34 figure. And though her emotions are well nigh ready to give forth tears, she cannot suppress a smile at the singular transformation35 of her person.
"It'll take sharper eyes than policemen's to discover the disguise," says Rosebrook, who, having ordered a carriage to the door, enters the room and takes her kindly36 by the hand. "Keep up a good heart; don't despond, my child, and the chances are that you'll be safe-you'll be in Wilmington to-morrow morning" he continues: then, turning to Franconia, who will accompany her to that place, he awaits her pleasure. "I am ready!" returns that generous woman, as, arrayed in her travelling dress, she takes Annette by the hand, and is about to proceed to the gate where the carriage waits. Mrs. Rosebrook must take one more fond parting. Laying her right arm over her shoulder, and pressing her to her bosom, she kisses and kisses her fair cheek, bids her remember that God alone is her protector, her guide to a happy future. In freedom may she live to freedom's God; in slavery, hope ever, and trust in his mercy! With this admonition, the excited girl, trembling, leaves the Villa, leaning on Franconia's arm. Bradshaw has the carriage at the door, piled with sundry37 boxes and portmanteaus, giving it the appearance of a gentleman's travelling equipage. He has orders to drive to the steam-boat landing, where the young invalid38 planter will embark39 for New York via Wilmington and the land route. Soon they have taken their seats, and with Rosebrook's good-natured face shining beside Bradshaw, on the front seat, they say their happy adieu! and bound over the road for the steamer.
It is now within fifteen minutes of the starting time. The wharf40 presents a bustling41 scene: carriages and coaches are arriving with eager-looking passengers, who, fearing they are a little behind time, stare about as if bewildered, scold heedless drivers, point out heir baggage to awkward porters who run to and fro with trunks and boxes on their heads, and then nervously42 seek the ticket-office, where they procure43 the piece of paper that insures them through to New York. Albeit44, finding they have quite time enough on their hands, they escort their female voyagers on board, and loiter about in the way of every one else, enjoying that excitement in others which they have fortunately passed through. Here and there about the wharf, leaning their head carelessly over black piles, are sly-looking policemen, who scan every voyager with a searching eye. They are incog., but the initiated45 recognise them at a glance. The restless leer of that lynx eye discovers their object; anything, from a runaway46 nigger to a houseless debtor47, is to them acceptable prey48. Atween decks of the steamer, secured at the end of the wharf, another scene of bustle49 and confusion presents itself. A passenger is not quite sure his baggage is all on board, and must needs waste his breath in oaths at the dumb porter, who works at his utmost strength, under the direction of Mr. Mate, whose important figure is poised50 on the wharf. Another wants to "lay over" at Richmond, and is using most abusive language to a mulatto waiter, who has put his trunk on one side of the boat and carpet bag on the other. A third, a fussy51 old lady with two rosy-faced daughters she is, against her southern principles, taking to the north to be educated, is making a piteous lamentation52 over the remains53 of two bonnets-just from the hands of the milliner-hopelessly smashed in her bandbox. The careless porter set it on a pile of baggage, from where it tottled over under the feet of an astonished gentleman, who endeavours to soothe54 the good lady's feelings with courteous55 apologies. On the upper deck, heeding56 no one, but now and then affecting to read a newspaper, as passengers pace to and fro, is the stranger, seated on one of the side seats. The engineer moves his valve now and then, the cross-head ascends57, the steam hisses58 below, the condenser59 rumbles60, the steam from the funnel61 roars furiously forth, spreading its scalding vapour through the air. Again, the man, almost imperceptibly touches the iron rod with his finger, the magic monster again moves its piston62 downward, the wheels make a turn, the massive vessel63 surges upon her lines, as if eager to press forward on her course. Another gentle touch, and, obeying the summons, the motive64 power is still; the man subjects the monster with his little finger. He has stopped her near the centre, where, with a slight touch, he can turn back or forward. Again, he lifts a small key, and the steam, with a deafening65 roar, issues from the escape: he is venting66 his chest. Simultaneously67 the second bell sounds forth its clanking medley68: two minutes more, and the snake-like craft will be buffeting69 the waves, on her daily errand. As passengers begin to muster70 on board, their friends clustering round the capsill of the wharf, obstructing71 the way, the sturdy figure of Mr. Pringle Blowers may be seen behind a spile near the capsill, his sharp, peering eyes scanning the ship from fore27 to aft. He is not sure she will get off by this route; common sense tells him that, but there exists a prompting something underneath72 common sense telling him it's money saved to keep a sharp look-out. And this he does merely to gratify that inert73 something, knowing at the same time that, having no money, no person will supply her, and she must be concealed74 in the swamps, where only "niggers" will relieve her necessities. At this moment Rosebrook's carriage may be seen driving to the ticket office at the head of the wharf, where Rosebrook, with great coolness, gets out, steps within the railing, and procures75 the tickets in his own name. Again taking his seat, the mate, who stands on the capsill of the wharf, now and then casting a glance up, cries out, "Another carriage coming!" Bradshaw cracks his whip, and the horses dash down the wharf, scatter76 the people who have gathered to see the boat off, as a dozen black porters, at the mate's command, rush round the carriage, seize the baggage, and hurry it on board. Rosebrook, fearing his friends will lose their passage, begs people to clear the gangway, and almost runs on board, his fugitive77 charge clinging to his arms. The captain stands at the gangway, and recognising the late comer, makes one of his blandest78 bows: he will send a steward79 to show them a good state-room. "Keep close till the boat leaves, and remember there is a world before you," Rosebrook says, shaking Annette by the hand, as she returns, "God bless good master!" They are safe in the state-room: he kisses Franconia's cheek, shuts the door, and, hurrying back, regains80 the wharf just as the last bell strikes, and the gangway is being carried on board.
"Not going along with us, eh?" ejaculates the captain, as, from the capsill, Rosebrook looks round to bid him good-by.
"Not to-day" (he returns, laconically). "Take good care of my friends; the young invalid from Lousiana in particular." Just then he catches the stranger's eye, and, with a significant motion of his fingers, says, "All safe!" With a nod of recognition the stranger makes his adieu; the fastenings are cast away, the faint tinkle81 of a bell is heard amid the roar of steam; the man at the valves touches the throttle82 bar; up mounts the piston rod-down it surges again; the revolving83 wheels rustle84 the water; the huge craft moves backward easy, and then ahead; a clanking noise denotes the connections are "hooked on," and onward85 she bounds over the sea. How leaps with joy that heart yearning86 for freedom, as the words "She's away!" gladden Annette's very soul! Her enraptured87 feelings gush88 forth in prayer to her deliverers; it is as a new spring of life, infusing its refreshing89 waters into desert sands. She seems a new being, with hope, joy, and happiness brightening the future for her. But, alas90! how vain are hopes,--how uncertain the future!
Rosebrook watched the steaming craft as she crosses the bar, and dwindles91 out of sight. "Thou art safe, poor slave," he says to himself, as she passes from view behind the distant peak.
Something touches him on the shoulder as he returns to his carriage. "Ah! this you, Pringle Blowers?" he exclaims, turning round suddenly, as the full face of that important personage presented itself. "Been seeing some friends off to--?"
"No," replies Blowers, with seeming indifference92. He is just shying round,--keeping an eye out for a smart kind of "a gal," lost last week.
"Quite a misfortune, that, Blowers! God bless me, I'm sorry," returns Rosebrook, dryly. Rosebrook invites him to get in and ride a short distance. Blowers has not the slightest objection; seats his square frame on the left side of the carriage. "Those were clever posters you put out for the apprehension of that girl, Blowers!"
"Took some genius, I reckon," interrupts Blowers, with broad laugh.
"They say she was very handsome, and, if it be true, I hope you may get her, Blowers," continues Rosebrook, naively93.
The disappointed man shakes his head, touches the other on the arm, and says, "Nothing is more sure!"
收听单词发音 |
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transpired
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| （事实，秘密等）被人知道( transpire的过去式和过去分词 )； 泄露； 显露； 发生 | |
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villa
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| n.别墅，城郊小屋 | |
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conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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complexion
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| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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chivalric
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| 有武士气概的，有武士风范的 | |
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sentimental
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| adj.多愁善感的，感伤的 | |
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miscreants
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| n.恶棍，歹徒( miscreant的名词复数 ) | |
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mortified
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| v.使受辱( mortify的过去式和过去分词 )；伤害（人的感情）；克制；抑制（肉体、情感等） | |
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apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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lodging
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| n.寄宿，住所；(大学生的)校外宿舍 | |
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gaol
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| n.(jail)监狱；(不加冠词)监禁；vt.使…坐牢 | |
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propensities
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| n.倾向，习性( propensity的名词复数 ) | |
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inveterate
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| adj.积习已深的，根深蒂固的 | |
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uncommonly
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| adv. 稀罕(极，非常) | |
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ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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assassinated
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| v.暗杀( assassinate的过去式和过去分词 )；中伤；诋毁；破坏 | |
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shafts
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| n.轴( shaft的名词复数 )；（箭、高尔夫球棒等的）杆；通风井；一阵（疼痛、害怕等） | |
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darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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schooner
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| n.纵帆船 | |
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affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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chagrined
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| adj.懊恼的，苦恼的v.使懊恼，使懊丧，使悔恨( chagrin的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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kidnappers
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| n.拐子，绑匪( kidnapper的名词复数 ) | |
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regaining
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| 复得( regain的现在分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
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fore
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| adv.在前面；adj.先前的；在前部的；n.前部 | |
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fortitude
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| n.坚忍不拔；刚毅 | |
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attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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neatly
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| adv.整洁地，干净地，灵巧地，熟练地 | |
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bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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expended
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| v.花费( expend的过去式和过去分词 )；使用（钱等）做某事；用光；耗尽 | |
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peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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lithe
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| adj.(指人、身体)柔软的，易弯的 | |
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transformation
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| n.变化；改造；转变 | |
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kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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sundry
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| adj.各式各样的，种种的 | |
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invalid
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| n.病人，伤残人；adj.有病的，伤残的；无效的 | |
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embark
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| vi.乘船，着手，从事，上飞机 | |
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wharf
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| n.码头，停泊处 | |
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bustling
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| adj.喧闹的 | |
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nervously
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| adv.神情激动地，不安地 | |
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procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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albeit
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| conj.即使；纵使；虽然 | |
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initiated
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| n. 创始人 adj. 新加入的 vt. 开始，创始，启蒙，介绍加入 | |
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runaway
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| n.逃走的人，逃亡，亡命者；adj.逃亡的，逃走的 | |
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debtor
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| n.借方，债务人 | |
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prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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bustle
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| v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹 | |
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poised
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| a.摆好姿势不动的 | |
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fussy
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| adj.为琐事担忧的，过分装饰的，爱挑剔的 | |
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lamentation
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| n.悲叹，哀悼 | |
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remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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soothe
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| v.安慰；使平静；使减轻；缓和；奉承 | |
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courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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56
heeding
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| v.听某人的劝告，听从( heed的现在分词 ) | |
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ascends
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的第三人称单数 ) | |
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hisses
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| 嘶嘶声( hiss的名词复数 ) | |
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condenser
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| n.冷凝器；电容器 | |
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rumbles
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| 隆隆声，辘辘声( rumble的名词复数 ) | |
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funnel
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| n.漏斗；烟囱；v.汇集 | |
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piston
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| n.活塞 | |
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vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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deafening
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| adj. 振耳欲聋的, 极喧闹的 动词deafen的现在分词形式 | |
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venting
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| 消除； 泄去； 排去； 通风 | |
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simultaneously
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| adv.同时发生地，同时进行地 | |
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medley
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| n.混合 | |
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buffeting
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| 振动 | |
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muster
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| v.集合，收集，鼓起，激起；n.集合，检阅，集合人员，点名册 | |
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obstructing
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| 阻塞( obstruct的现在分词 )； 堵塞； 阻碍； 阻止 | |
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underneath
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| adj.在...下面，在...底下；adv.在下面 | |
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inert
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| adj.无活动能力的，惰性的；迟钝的 | |
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74
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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75
procures
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的第三人称单数 )；拉皮条 | |
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76
scatter
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| vt.撒，驱散，散开；散布/播；vi.分散，消散 | |
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77
fugitive
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| adj.逃亡的，易逝的；n.逃犯，逃亡者 | |
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78
blandest
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| adj.（食物）淡而无味的( bland的最高级 )；平和的；温和的；无动于衷的 | |
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79
steward
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| n.乘务员，服务员；看管人；膳食管理员 | |
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80
regains
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| 复得( regain的第三人称单数 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
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81
tinkle
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| vi.叮当作响；n.叮当声 | |
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82
throttle
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| n.节流阀，节气阀，喉咙；v.扼喉咙，使窒息，压 | |
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83
revolving
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| adj.旋转的，轮转式的；循环的v.（使）旋转( revolve的现在分词 )；细想 | |
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84
rustle
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| v.沙沙作响；偷盗(牛、马等)；n.沙沙声声 | |
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85
onward
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| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
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86
yearning
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| a.渴望的；向往的；怀念的 | |
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87
enraptured
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| v.使狂喜( enrapture的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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88
gush
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| v.喷，涌；滔滔不绝(说话)；n.喷，涌流；迸发 | |
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89
refreshing
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| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
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90
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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91
dwindles
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| v.逐渐变少或变小( dwindle的第三人称单数 ) | |
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92
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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naively
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| adv. 天真地 | |
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