human
Mr. Thornton, I presume?
gpt
The same, sir, replied Mr. Thornton, bowing.
human
In what way can I serve you?
gpt
Why, I have a little business to speak upon with you, Mr. Thornton, replied Mr. Lewis, with a side glance at me, whose full face he could not discern, as I sat with my back partly towards the door by which he had entered.
human
But perhaps we had better be private.
gpt
As far as I am concerned, answered Mr. Thornton,
human
I do not know that there is anything I should not desire to be said in the presence of this gentleman; and if the business refers to anybody else, I always prefer that the communication should be made in writing, that I may think over my reply. Pray be seated,
gpt
Oh, if you, Mr. Thornton, don't mind, I don't, replied the other.
human
The matter is a very simple one--a mere matter of business. In short, I heard a few days ago that you had a lot of niggers for sale--some fifty or sixty; and though the lot is but a small one, I thought I would just step in and ask, as I was going up the country. No man can afford to give a better price than I can. I am known to treat well all I buy; and I just judged you might think it better to sell them to me, than to bring them to the hammer.