human
Quick, to Riverlawn! he shouted, as he leaped again into the saddle.
gpt
We have not a moment to lose! The note was a decoy, to get Levi and the others to leave our house. Pray Heaven we may reach there before mother and the others are subjected to insult, or before any damage is done!
human
A decoy! gasped Levi Bedford. He could scarcely believe his ears.
gpt
Then that negro was not dumb, I'll wager! Boys, he turned to the slaves,
human
So did I, sah,
gpt
Did either of you hear him speak?
human
I dun racken I did, Mars'r Bedford, when he crossed de creek bridge. But I dunno wot he said, fo' I was a right smart step off.
gpt
It doesn't matter what he said, replied Levi. He turned to Deck.
human
You are right. I have been badly fooled, and don't deserve to hold the position with which your father entrusted me--that of taking care of his family and his property.
gpt
Don't blame yourself, Levi, Deck hastened to say, seeing how bad the overseer felt.
human
You did what you thought was right, and what I should have done under the circumstances. The best we can do is to get over the ground just as lively as we can, and if you know of any short cuts to take, so much the better.
gpt
I was thinking, we might take the trail through Charwell meadow--the ground is stiff enough to hold horseflesh, observed the manager of Riverlawn.
human
But that may make us miss the four or five fellows who were to follow us, and if anything is wrong at Riverlawn, we may want all the help we can gather.
gpt
How much will the Charwell trail shorten the ride?
human
A good mile and three-quarters, possibly two miles, if the ground at the lower end is hard.
gpt
Then let us take that short cut, all but Clinker, who can take the regular road and turn back the second detachment as soon as it comes up,
human
Good! You've got a long head--just as you always had!