Blumenthal sank into his chair again, and every vestige of color left his usually blooming countenance; but though Fitzgerald was on tenter-hooks to know whether the escape was discovered, he betrayed no sign of interest.

Mr. Bruteman went on to say, “We appraised them at six thousand dollars.”

“Much less than they would bring at auction,” observed Mr. Chandler,” as you would all agree, gentlemen, if you had seen them; for they are fancy articles, A No. 1.”

“Is it certain the young ladies are slaves?” inquired Blumenthal, with a degree of agitation that attracted attention toward him.

“It is certain,” replied Mr. Bruteman.  “Their mother was a slave, and was never manumitted.”

“Couldn’t a subscription be raised, or an appeal be made to some court in their behalf?” asked the young man, with constrained calmness in his tones, while the expression of his face betrayed his inward suffering.  “They are elegant, accomplished young ladies, and their good father brought them up with the greatest indulgence.”

“Perhaps you are in love with one or both of them,” rejoined Mr. Bruteman.  “If so, you must buy them at auction, if you can.  The law is inexorable.  It requires that all the property of an insolvent debtor should be disposed of at public sale.”

“I am very slightly acquainted with the young ladies,” said the agitated youth; “but their father was my benefactor when I was a poor destitute orphan, and I would sacrifice my life to save his orphans from such a dreadful calamity.  I know little about the requirements of the law, gentlemen, but I implore you to tell me if there isn’t some way to prevent this.  If it can be done by money, I will serve any gentleman gratuitously any number of years he requires, if he will advance the necessary sum.”

“We are not here to talk sentiment, my lad,” rejoined Mr. Bruteman.  “We are here to transact business.”

“I respect this youth for the feeling he has manifested toward his benefactor’s children,” said a gentleman named Ammidon.  “If we could enter into some mutual agreement to relinquish this portion of the property, I for one should be extremely glad.  I should be willing to lose much more than my share, for the sake of bringing about such an arrangement.  And, really, the sale of such girls as these are said to be is not very creditable to the country.  If any foreign travellers happen to be looking on, they will make great capital out of such a story.  At all events, the Abolitionists will be sure to get it into their papers, and all Europe will be ringing changes upon it.”

“Let ’em ring!” fiercely exclaimed Mr. Chandler.  “I don’t care a damn about the Abolitionists, nor Europe neither.  I reckon we can manage our own affairs in this free country.”

“I should judge by your remarks that you were an Abolitionist yourself, Mr. Ammidon,” said Mr. Bruteman.  “I am surprised to hear a Southerner speak as if the opinions of rascally abolition-amalgamationists were of the slightest consequence.  I consider such sentiments unworthy any Southern gentleman, sir.”