'Then, can I get a little butter-milk?' I asked. As soon as
this was translated to him, he flew into a violent rage, and commenced
gesticulating passionately. 'You better run, sir,' said the negro, 'he
call de dogs for bite you.' I heard the yelp in the back yard, and
started for the gate with a will: it was time, for in a moment there
were a dozen lean and vicious curs at my heels, squalling and snapping
with angry determination. I fortunately reached the gate in time to
close it behind me and shut off my pursuers, amid the laughter and
gibes of those in the gallery. I took my boat, and a few miles above
found a more hospitable man, who gave me my dinner, plenty of milk,
and a most excellent glass of brandy. I inquired the name of the
brute, and recorded it in my memory for future use. Ten years after
that, he came into my office, and told me he wished to have my
services as a lawyer. He had quarrelled with his wife, and they had
separated. She was suing him for a separation, and property, dotal and
paraphernal. If she recovered, and there were strong reasons for
supposing she would, he was ruined.
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