With them is a colored man named Quorum, who crossed the
Everglades with them, and who now accompanies them, in a skiff that
they purchased in Memphis, as cook and general adviser. I have heard
from them several times by letter, and so know of their progress. It
has been so good that unless I make haste they will reach Moss Bank
before me. That is the name of our new home," he added, by way of
explanation.
"Wha' dat yo' say, sah?" exclaimed Solon, who had been an interested
listener. "Yo' callin' dat ar plantashun Moss Back?"
[Illustration: "'Yo' callin' dat ar plantashun Moss Back?' exclaimed
Solon" (missing from book)]
"Yes, 'Moss Bank' is the name it has always borne, I believe," replied
Mr. Manton. "But why do you ask? Do you know the place?"
"Does I know um! Does I know de place I war borned an' brung up in?
Why, sah, dat ar' my onlies home befo' de wah. Ole Marse Rankim own
um, an' me an' he boy, de young marse, hab de same mammy. So him my
froster-brudder. He gwine away fer a sailor ossifer, an' den de wah
comin' on, an' ebberyt'ing gwine ter smash. He name 'Summer.' Yo'
know dat young gen'l'man?"
"Yes," replied Mr. Manton, "I knew him intimately. He has been dead
for several years; but I am well acquainted with his family, and it is
his son who is now travelling down the river in company with my boy.
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