human
And your family, said he:
gpt
I shall not ask them. I have a refuge in view for my family.
human
When will you go?
gpt
When you leave me. You will find the estate deserted this night, as you wish. The few negroes who are here will doubtless go with me; and we shall have crossed the river before morning.
human
You would not object, said Jean,
gpt
Some too good for your present command? said Toussaint, smiling.
human
I will command them on one other condition--that they will treat well any white who may happen to be with me.
gpt
I said nothing about your commanding them, said Jean.
human
If I send men I shall send officers. But whites! what whites? Did you not say Bayou was on the sea?
gpt
I did; but there may be other whites whom I choose to protect, as you say you are doing. If, instead of hiding whites in the woods, I carry them across the frontier, what treatment may I expect for my party on the road?
human
I will go with you myself, and that is promising everything, said Jean, making a virtue of what was before a strong inclination.
gpt
Set out in two hours from this time. I will put the command of the plain into Biasson's hands, and make a camp near the Spanish lines. The posts in that direction are weak, and the whites panic-struck, if indeed they have not all fled to the fort. Well, well, he continued,
human
If not, we have some strong arms among us, replied Toussaint.
gpt
I believe my girls (or one of them at least) would bear arms where my honour is at stake. So our king is a prisoner! and we are free! Such are the changes which Heaven sends!
human
Ay, how do you feel, now you are free? said Jean.
gpt
Did you not put your horse to a gallop when you turned your back on your old master?
human
Not a word of that, Jean. Let us not think of ourselves. There is work to do for our king. He is our task-master now.
gpt
You are in a hurry for another master, said Jean.
human
I am not tired of being my own master yet.
gpt
I wish you would make your people masters of themselves, Jean. They are not fit for power. Heaven take it from us, by putting all power into the hand of the king!
human
We meet by starlight, said Jean.
gpt
I have the business of five thousand men to arrange first; so, more of the king another time.