human
I must owe my safety to you again, Toussaint, said Papalier.
gpt
I understand General Hermona is here at present.
human
He is.
gpt
You have influence with him, and you must use it for me.
human
I am sorry you need it. I hoped you would have taken advantage of the reception he gave you to learn the best time and manner of going to Europe. I hoped you had been at Paris long ago.
gpt
I ought to have been there. If I had properly valued my life, I should have been there. But it seemed so inconceivable that things should have reached a worse pass than when I crossed the frontier! It seemed so incredible that I should not be able to preserve any wreck of my property for my children, that I have lingered on, staying month after month, till now I cannot get away. I have had a dreadful life of it. I had better have been anywhere else. Why, even Therese, he continued, pointing over his shoulder towards the couch,
human
Therese, who would not be left behind at Fort Egalite, the night we came from Breda--even Therese has not been using me as she should do. I believe she hates me.
gpt
You are in trouble, and therefore I will not speak with you to-night about Therese, said Toussaint.
human
You are in danger, from the determination of the Spaniards to deliver up the enemies of the late king to--
gpt
Rather say to deliver up the masters to their revolted slaves. They make politics the pretence; but they would not be sorry to see us all cut to pieces, like poor Odeluc and Clement, and fifty more.
human
However that may be, your immediate danger is from the Spaniards--is it?
gpt
Yes, I discovered that I was to be sent over the line to-morrow; so I was obliged to get here to-day in any way I could; and there was no other way than--pah! it was horrid!
human
No other way than by looking like a negro, said Toussaint, calmly.
gpt
Well, now you are here, what do you mean to do next?
human
I mean, by your influence with General Hermona, to obtain protection to a port, that I may proceed to Europe. I do not care whether I go from Saint Domingo, or by Saint Iago, so as to sail from Port Plate. I could find a vessel from either port. You would have no difficulty in persuading General Hermona to this?
gpt
I hope not, as he voluntarily gave you permission to enter his territory. I will ask for his safe-conduct in the morning. To-night you are safe, if you remain here. I request that you will take possession of the inner apartment, and rely upon my protection.
human
Thankyou. I knew my best way was to come here, said Papalier, rising.
gpt
Therese will bring me some refreshment; and then I shall be glad of rest, for we travelled half last night.
human
For how many shall the safe-conduct be? asked Toussaint, who had also risen.
gpt
For yourself alone, or more?
human
No one knows better than you, said Papalier, hastily,
gpt
pointing again to the couch.
human
And, lowering his voice, so that Therese could not hear,
gpt
Then, raising his voice again, he pursued:
human
My daughters at Paris will be glad to see Therese, I know; and she will like Paris, as everybody does. All my other people are irrecoverable, I fear; but Therese goes with me.
gpt
No, said Therese, from the conch,
human
I will go nowhere with you.
gpt
Hey-day! what is that? said Papalier, turning in the direction of the voice.
human
Yes, you will go, my dear. You are tired to-night, as you well may be. You feel as I do--as if you could not go anywhere, to-morrow or the next day. But we shall be rested and ready enough, when the time comes.
gpt
I am ready at this moment to go anywhere else--anywhere away from you,
human
What do you mean, Therese?
gpt
I mean what you said just now--that I hate you.
human
Oh! silence! exclaimed Toussaint. He then added in a mild tone to Therese,
gpt
This is my house, in which God is worshipped and Christ adored, and where therefore no words of hatred may be spoken. He then addressed himself to Papalier, saying,
human
You have then fully resolved that it is less dangerous to commit yourself to the Spaniards than to attempt to reach Cap?
gpt
To reach Cap! What! after the decree? Upon my soul, Toussaint, I never doubted you yet; but if--
human
I betray no one, said Toussaint.
gpt
What decree do you speak of?
human
That of the Convention of the 4th of February last.
gpt
I have not heard of it.
human
Then it is as I hoped--that decree is not considered here as of any importance. I trusted it would be so. It is merely a decree of the Convention, confirming and proclaiming the liberty of the negroes, and declaring the colony henceforth an integrant part of France. It is a piece of folly and nonsense, as you will see at once; for it can never be enforced. No one of any sense will regard it; but just at present it has the effect, you see, of making it out of the question for me to cross the frontier.
gpt
True,