第1章
TheGreatWarbetweentheNorthernandSouthernStatesofAmericapossessesapeculiarinterestforus，notonlybecauseitwasastrugglebetweentwosectionsofapeopleakintousinraceandlanguage，butbecauseoftheheroiccouragewithwhichtheweakerparty，withill-fed，ill-clad，ill-equippedregiments，forfouryearssustainedthecontestwithanadversarynotonlypossessedofimmensenumericalsuperiority，buthavingthecommandofthesea，andbeingabletodrawitsarmsandmunitionsofwarfromallthemanufactoriesofEurope。Authoritiesstilldifferastotherightsofthecase。TheConfederatesfirmlybelievedthattheStateshavingvoluntarilyunited，retainedtherightofwithdrawingfromtheUnionwhentheyconsidereditfortheiradvantagetodoso。
TheNorthernerstooktheoppositepointofview，andanappealtoarmsbecameinevitable。Duringthefirsttwoyearsofthewarthestrugglewasconductedwithoutinflictingunnecessaryhardshipuponthegeneralpopulation。Butlateronthecharacterofthewarchanged，andtheFederalarmiescarriedwide-spreaddestructionwherevertheymarched。Upontheotherhand，themomentthestrugglewasovertheconductoftheconquerorswasmarkedbyaclemencyandgenerosityaltogetherunexampledinhistory，acompleteamnestybeinggranted，andnone，whethersoldiersorcivilians，beingmadetosufferfortheirshareintherebellion。
ThecreditofthismagnanimousconductwastoagreatextentduetoGeneralsGrantandSherman，theformerofwhomtookuponhimselftheresponsibilityofgrantingtermswhich，althoughtheywerefinallyratifiedbyhisgovernment，wereatthetimereceivedwithangerandindignationintheNorth。Itwasimpossible，inthecourseofasinglevolume，togiveevenasketchofthenumerousandcomplicatedoperationsofthewar，andIhavethereforeconfinedmyselftothecentralpointofthegreatstruggle——theattemptsoftheNorthernarmiestoforcetheirwaytoRichmond，thecapitalofVirginiaandtheheartoftheConfederacy。Eveninrecountingtheleadingeventsinthesecampaigns，Ihaveburdenedmystorywithasfewdetailsaspossible，itbeingmyobjectnow，asalways，toamuseaswellastogiveinstructioninthefactsofhistory。
"IWON"Thaveit，Pearson；soit"snouseyourtalking。IfIhadmywayyoushouldn"ttouchanyofthefieldhands。AndwhenIgetmyway-thatwon"tbesoverylong-Iwilltakegoodcareyousha"n"t。
Butyousha"n"thitDan。"
"Heisnotoneoftheregularhousehands，"wasthereply；"andI
shallappealtoMrs。WingfieldastowhetherIamtobeinterferedwithinthedischargeofmyduties。"
"Youmayappealtomymotherifyoulike，butIdon"tthinkthatyouwillgetmuchbyit。Itellyouyouareadealtoofondofthatwhip，Pearson。Itneverwasheardofontheestateduringmyfather"stime，anditsha"n"tbeagainwhenitcomestobemine，I
cantellyou。Comealong，Dan；Iwantyouatthestables。"
Sosaying，VincentWingfieldturnedonhisheel，andfollowedbyDan，anegroladofsomeeighteenyearsold，bewalkedofftowardthehouse，leavingJonasPearson，theoverseeroftheOrangeryestate，lookingafterhimwithanevilexpressionofface。
VincentWingfieldwasthesonofanEnglishofficer，who，makingatourintheStates，hadfalleninlovewithandwonthehandofWinifredCornish，arichVirginianheiress，andoneofthebellesofRichmond。AfterthemarriagehehadtakenherhometovisithisfamilyinEngland；butshehadnotbeentheremanyweeksbeforethenewsarrivedofthesuddendeathofherfather。AmonthlatersheandherhusbandreturnedtoVirginia，asherpresencewasrequiredthereinreferencetobusinessmattersconnectedwiththeestate，ofwhichshewasnowthemistress。
TheOrangery，socalledfromalargeconservatorybuiltbyMrs。
Wingfield"sgrandfather，wasthefamilyseat，andthebroadlandsarounditweretilledbyupwardoftwohundredslaves。TherewereinadditionthreeotherpropertieslyingindifferentpartsoftheState。HereVincent，withtwosisters，oneolderandoneyoungerthanhimself，hadbeenborn。WhenhewaseightyearsoldMajorandMrs。WingfieldhadgoneoverwiththeirchildrentoEngland，andhadleftVincentthereforfouryearsatschool，hisholidaysbeingspentatthehouseofhisfather"sbrother，acountrygentlemaninSussex。Thenhehadbeensentforunexpectedly；hisfathersayingthathishealthwasnotgood，andthatheshouldlikehissontobewithhim。Ayearlaterhisfatherdied。
Vincentwasnownearlysixteenyearsold，andwoulduponcomingofageassumethereinsofpowerattheOrangery，ofwhichhismother，however，wouldbetheactualmistressaslongasshelived。
ThefouryearsVincenthadpassedintheEnglishschoolhaddonemuchtorendertheinstitutionofslaveryrepugnanttohim，andhisfatherhadhadmanyserioustalkswithhimduringthelastyearofhislife，andhadshownhimthattherewasagooddealtobesaiduponbothsidesofthesubject。
"Therearegoodplantationsandbadplantations，Vincent；andtherearemanymoregoodonesthanbadones。Therearebrutestobefoundeverywhere。TherearebadmastersintheSouthernStatesjustastherearehadlandlordsineveryEuropeancountry。
"Butevenfromself-interestalone，aplanterhasgreaterreasonforcaringforthehealthandcomfortofhisslavesthananEnglishfarmerhasincaringforthecomfortofhislaborers。Slavesarevaluableproperty，andiftheyareoverworkedorbadlycaredfortheydecreaseinvalue。Whereasifthelaborerfallssickorisunabletodohisworkthefarmerhassimplytohireanotherhand。
Itisasmuchtheinterestofaplantertokeephisslavesingoodhealthandspiritsasitisforafarmertofeedandattendtohishorsesproperly。
"Ofthetwo，IconsiderthattheslavewithafairlykindmasteristothefullashappyastheordinaryEnglishlaborer。Hecertainlydoesnotworksohard，ifheisillheiscarefullyattendedto，heiswellfed，hehasnocaresoranxietieswhatever，andwhenoldandpastworkhehasnofearoftheworkhousestaringhimintheface。AtthesametimeIamquitereadytograntthattherearehorribleabusespossibleunderthelawsconnectedwithslavery。
"Thesellingofslaves，thatistosay，thebreakingupoffamiliesandsellingthemseparately，ishorribleandabominable。Ifanestateweresoldtogetherwithalltheslavesuponit，therewouldbenomorehardshipinthematterthanthereiswhenanestatechangeshandsinEngland，andthelaborersuponitworkforthenewmasterinsteadoftheold。WereItoliberatealltheslavesonthisestateto-morrowandtosendthemNorth，Idonotthinkthattheywouldbeinanywaybenefitedbythechange。Theywouldstillhavetoworkfortheirlivingastheydonow，andbeingnaturallyindolentandshiftlesswouldprobablyfaremuchworse。
ButagainstthesellingoffamiliesseparatelyandtheuseofthelashIsetmyfacestrongly。
"Atthesametime，myboy，whateveryoursentimentsmaybeonthissubject，youmustkeepyourmouthclosedastothem。OwingtotheattemptsofNorthernAbolitionists，whohavecomedownherestirringuptheslavestodiscontent，itisnotadvisable，indeeditisabsolutelydangerous，tospeakagainstslaveryintheSouthernStates。Theinstitutionishere，andwemustmakethebestwecanofit。PeoplehereareverysoreatthefoulslandersthathavebeenpublishedbyNorthernwriters。Therehavebeenmanyatrocitiesperpetratedundoubtedly，bybruteswhowouldhavebeenbruteswhenevertheybadbeenborn；buttocollectaseriesofsuchatrocities，tostringthemtogetherintoastory，andtoholdthemup，asMrs。BeecherStowehas，asapictureofslave-lifeintheSouthernStates，isasgrossalibelasifanyoneweretomakeacollectionofallthewife-beatingsandassaultsofdrunkenEnglishruffians，andtopublishthemasapictureoftheaveragelifeofEnglishpeople。
"SuchlibelsasthesehavedonemoretoembitterthetwosectionsofAmericaagainsteachotherthananythingelse。Therefore，Vincent，myadvicetoyouis，bealwayskindtoyourslaves-notover-indulgent，becausetheyareverylikechildrenandindulgencespoilsthem-butbeatthesametimefirmandkindtothem，andwithotherpeopleavoidenteringintoanydiscussionsorexpressinganyopinionwithregardtoslavery。Youcandonogoodandyoucandomuchharm。Takethingsasyoufindthemandmakethebestofthem。Itrustthatthetimemaycomewhenslaverywillbeabolished；butIhope，forthesakeoftheslavesthemselves，thatwhenthisisdoneitwillbedonegraduallyandthoughtfully，forotherwiseitwouldinflictterriblehardshipandsufferinguponthemaswellasupontheirmasters。"
Thereweremanysuchconversationsbetweenfatherandson，forfeelingonthesubjectranveryhighintheSouthernStates，andtheformerfeltthatitwasoftheutmostimportancetohissonthatheshouldavoidtakinganystronglineinthematter。AmongtheoldfamiliesofVirginiatherewasindeedfarlessfeelingonthissubjectthaninsomeoftheotherStates。Knowingthegoodfeelingthatalmostuniversallyexistedbetweenthemselvesaidtheirslaves，thegentryofVirginiaregardedwithcontemptthecalumniesofwhichtheywerethesubject。Secureintheaffectionoftheirslaves，anaffectionwhichwasafter-wardabundantlyprovedduringthecourseofthewar，theyscarcelysawtheuglysideofthequestion。Theworstmasterswerethesmallestones；
themanwhoownedsixslaveswasfarmoreapttoextorttheutmostpossibleworkfromthemthantheplanterwhoownedthreeorfourhundred。Andtheworstmastersofallwerethosewho，havingmadealittlemoneyintradeorspeculationinthetowns，purchasedadozenslaves，asmallpieceofland，andtriedtosetupasgentry。
InVirginiathelifeofthelargeplanterswasalmostapatriarchalone；theindoorslavesweretreatedwithextremeindulgence，andwerepermittedafarhigherdegreeoffreedomofremarkandfamiliaritythanisthecasewithservantsinanEnglishhousehold。
Theyhadbeenthenursesorcompanionsoftheownerswhenchildren，hadgrownupwiththem，andregardedthemselves，andwereregardedbythem，asalmostpartofthefamily。Therewas，ofcourse，lessconnectionbetweentheplantersandtheirfieldhands；
butthesealsohadforthemostpartbeenbornontheestate，hadaschildrenbeentaughttolookuptotheirwhitemastersandmistresses，andtoreceivemanylittlekindnessesattheirhands。
Theyhadbeencaredforinsickness，andknewthattheywouldbeprovidedforinoldage。Eachhadhislittleallotment，andcouldraisefruit，vegetables，andfowlsforhisownuseorforsaleinhisleisuretime。Thefearoflossofemploymentorthepressureofwant，everpresenttoEnglishlaborers，hadneverfallenuponthem。
Theclimatewasalovelyone，andtheirworkfarlessseverethanthatofmenforcedtotoilincoldandwet，winterandsummer。
Theinstitutionofslaveryassuredlywascapableofterribleabuses，andwasmarkedinmanyinstancesbyabominablecrueltyandoppression；buttakenallinall，thenegroesonawell-orderedestate，underkindmasters，wereprobablyahappierclassofpeoplethanthelaborersuponanyestateinEurope。
JonasPearsonhadbeenoverseerinthetimeofMajorWingfield，buthisauthorityhadatthattimebeencomparativelysmall，forthemajorhimselfpersonallysupervisedthewholeworkingoftheestate，andwasgreatlylikedbytheslaves，whosechiefaffectionswere，however，naturallybestowedupontheirmistress，whohadfromchildhoodbeenbroughtupintheirmidst。MajorWingfieldhadnotlikedhisoverseer，buthehadneverhadanygroundtojustifyhimmakingachange。Jonas，whowasaNorthernman，wasalwaysactiveandenergetic；allMajorWingfield"sorderswerestrictlyandpunctuallycarriedout，andalthoughhedislikedtheman，hisemployeracknowledgedhimtobeanexcellentservant。
Afterthemajor"sdeath，JonasPearsonhadnaturallyobtainedgreatlyincreasedpowerandauthority。Mrs。Wingfieldhadgreatconfidenceinhim，hisaccountswerealwaysclearandprecise，andalthoughtheprofitsoftheestatewerenotquitesolargeastheyhadbeeninherhusband"slifetime，thiswasalwayssatisfactorilyexplainedbyafallinprices，orbyapartofthecropsbeingaffectedbytheweather。Sheflatteredherselfthatsheherselfman。
agedtheestate，andattimesrodeoverit，madesuggestions，andissuedorders，butthiswasonlyinfitsandstarts；andalthoughJonascameuptwoorthreetimesaweektothehousenominallytoreceiveherorders，hemanagedhersoadroitlythatwhileshebelievedthateverythingwasdonebyherdirections，sheinrealityonlyfollowedoutthesuggestionswhich，inthefirstplace，camefromhim。
Shewasaware，however，thattherewaslesscontentandhappinessontheestatethantherehadbeenintheoldtimes。Complaintshadreachedherfromtimetotimeofoverworkandharshtreatment。
Butuponinquiringintothesematters，Jonashadalwayssuchplausiblereasonstogivethatshewasconvincedhewasintheright，andthatthefaultwasamongtheslavesthemselves，whotriedtotakeadvantageofthefactthattheyhadnolongeramaster"seyeuponthem，andaccordinglytriedtoshirkwork，andtothrowdiscredituponthemanwholookedaftertheinterestsoftheirmistress；andsograduallyMrs。WingfieldleftthemanagementofaffairsmoreandmoreinthehandsofJonas，andreliedmoreimplicitlyuponhim。
Theoverseersparednopainstogainthegood-willofVincent。
Whenthelatterdeclaredthatthehorseherodehadnotsufficientlifeandspiritforhim，Jonashadsetinquiriesonfoot，andhadselectedforhimahorsewhich，forspeedandbottom，hadnosuperiorintheState。OneofMrs。Wingfleld"sacquaintances，however，uponhearingthatshehadpurchasedtheanimal，toldherthatitwasnotoriousforitsvicioustemper，andshespokeangrilytoJonasonthesubjectinthepresenceofVincent。Theoverseerexcusedhimselfbysayingthathehadcertainlyheardthatthehorsewashighspiritedandneededagoodrider，andthatheshouldnothavethoughtofselectingithadhenotknownthatMr。Vincentwasafirst-classrider，andwouldnotcaretohaveahorsethatanychildcouldmanage。
Thepraisewasnotundeserved。ThegentlemenofVirginiawerecelebratedasgoodriders；andMajorWingfield，himselfacavalryman，hadbeenanxiousthatVincentshouldmaintainthecreditofhisEnglishblood，andhadplacedhimonaponyassoonashewasabletositonone。Aponyhadbeenkeptforhisuseduringhisholidaysathisuncle"sinEngland，anduponhisreturnVincenthad，exceptduringthehourshespentwithhisfather，almostlivedonhorseback，eitherridingabouttheestate，orpayingvisitstothehousesofotherplanters。
Foranhourormoreeverydayheexercisedhisfather"shorsesinapaddocknearthehouse，themajorbeingwheeleddowninaneasy-chairandsuperintendinghisriding。Asthesehorseshadlittletodoandwerefullofspirit，Vincent"spowerswereoftentaxedtotheutmost，andhehadmanyfalls；butthesoilwaslight，andhehadlearnedtheknackoffallingeasily，andfromconstantpracticewasableattheageoffourteentostickonfirmlyevenwithoutasaddle，andwasabsolutelyfearlessastoanyanimalhemounted。
Inthetwoyearswhichhadfollowedhehadkeptuphisriding。
EverymorningafterbreakfastherodetoRichmond，sixmilesdistant，putuphishorseatsomestablethere，andspentthreehoursatschool；therestofthedaywashisown，andhewouldoftenrideoffwithsomeofhisschoolfellowswhohadalsocomeinfromadistance，andnotreturnhometilllateintheevening。VincenttookafterhisEnglishfatherratherthanhisVirginianmotherbothinappearanceandcharacter，andwaslikelytobecomeastallandbrawnyamanastheformerhadbeenwhenhefirstwontheloveoftherichVirginianheiress。
Hewasfulloflifeandenergy，andinthisrespectofferedastrongcontrasttomostofhisschoolfellowsofthesameage。Foralthoughsplendidridersandkeensportsmen，theplantersofVirginiawereinotherrespectsinclinedtoindolence；theresultpartlyoftheclimate，partlyoftheirbeingwaiteduponfromchildhoodbyattendantsreadytocarryouteverywish。Hehadhisfather"scheerfuldispositionandgoodtemper，togetherwiththedecisivemannersofrequentlyacquiredbyaserviceinthearmy，andatthesametimebehadsomethingofthewarmthandenthusiasmoftheVirginiancharacter。
Goodriderashewashewassomewhatsurprisedatthehorsetheoverseerhadselectedforhim。Itwascertainlyasplendidanimal，withgreatboneandpower；buttherewasnomistakingtheexpressionofitsturned-backeye，andtheearsthatlayalmostflatontheheadwhenanyoneapproachedhim。
"Itisasplendidanimal，nodoubt，Jonas，"hesaidthefirsttimelieinspectedit；"buthecertainlylooksasifliehadabeastofatemper。Ifearwhatwastoldmymotherabouthimisnoexaggeration；forMr。Markhamtoldmeto-day，whenIrodedowntherewithhisson，andsaidthatwehadboughtWildfire，thatafriendofhishadhadhimonce，andonlykepthimforaweek，forhewasthemostviciousbruteheeversaw。"
"IamsorryIhaveboughthimnow，sir，"Jonassaid。"OfcourseI
shouldnothavedonesoifIhadheardthesethingsbefore；butI
wastoldhewasoneofthefinesthorsesinthecountry，onlyalittletricky，andashispricewassoreasonableIthoughtitagreatbargain。ButIseenowIwaswrong，andthatitwouldn"tberightforyoutomounthim；soIthinkwehadbestsendhiminonSaturdaytothemarketandletitgoforwhatitwillfetch。Yousee，sir，ifyouhadbeenthreeorfouryearsolderitwouldhavebeendifferent；butnaturallyatyourageyoudon"tliketoridesuchahorseasthat。"
"Isha"n"tgiveitupwithoutatrial，"Vincentsaidshortly。"ItisaboutthefinesthorseIeversaw；andifithadn"tbeenforitstemper，itwouldbecheapatfivetimesthesumyougaveforit。I
haveriddenagoodmanybad-temperedhorsesformyfriendsduringthelastyear，andtheworstofthemcouldn"tgetmeoff。"
"Well，sir，ofcourseyouwilldoasyouplease，"Jonassaid；"butpleasetorememberifanyharmcomesofitthatIstronglyadvisedyounottohaveanythingtodowithit，andIdidmybesttodissuadeyoufromtrying。"
Vincentnoddedcarelessly，andthenturnedtotheblackgroom。
"Jake，getoutthatcavalrysaddleofmyfather"s，withthehighcantleandpommel，andtherollsfortheknees。It"slikeanarmchair，andifonecan"tstickononthat，onedeservestobethrown。"
Whilethegroomwasputtingonthesaddle，Vincentstoodpattingthehorse"sheadandtalkingtoit，andthentakingitsreinleditdownintotheinclosure。
"No，Idon"twantthewhip，"hesaid，asJakeofferedhimone。"I
havegotthespurs，andlikelyenoughthehorse"stempermayhavebeenspoiledbyknockingitaboutwithawhip；butwewilltrywhatkindnesswilldowithitfirst。"
"Menolikehislook，MassaVincent；hedebbieobahossdat。"
"Idon"tthinkhehasanicetemper，Jake；butpeoplelearntocontroltheirtemper，andIdon"tseewhyhorseshouldn"t。Atanyratewewillhaveatryatit。Helooksasifheappreciatesbeingpattedandspokentoalready。Ofcourseifyoutreatahorselikeasavagehewillbecomesavage。Now，standoutoftheway。"
Gatheringthereinstogether，andplacingonehanduponthepommel，Vincentsprangintothesaddlewithouttouchingthestirrups；thenhesatforaminuteortwopattingthehorse"sneck。
Wildfire，apparentlydisgustedathavingallowedhimselftobemountedsosuddenly，lashedoutviciouslytwoorthreetimes，andthenrefusedtomove。ForhalfanhourVincenttriedtheeffectofpatientcoax-jug，butinvain。
"Well，ifyouwon"tdoitbyfairmeansyoumustbyfoul，"Vincentsaidatlast，andsharplyprickedhimwithhisspurs。
Wildfiresprangintotheair，andthenbeganadesperateseriesofeffortstoridhimselfofhisrider，rearingandkickinginsuchquicksuccessionthatheseemedhalfthetimeintheair。Findingafterawhilethathiseffortswereunavailing，hesubsidedatlastintosulkyimmovability。AgainVincenttriedcoaxingandpatting，butasnosuccessattendedtheseefforts，heagainappliedthespursharply。Thistimethehorserespondedbyspringingforwardlikeanarrowfromabow，dashedatthetopofhisspeedacrosstheinclosure，clearedthehighfencewithoutaneffort，andthensetoffacrossthecountry。
Hehadattemptedtotakethebitinhisteeth，butwithasharpjerkashedrovethespursin，Vincenthaddefeatedhisintention。Henowdidnotattempttocheckorguidehim，butkeepingalighthandonthereinslethimgohisowncourse。Vincentknewthatsolongasthehorsewasgoingfullspeeditcouldattemptnotricktounseathim，andhethereforesateasilyinhissaddle。
ForsixmilesWildfirecontinuedhiscourse，clearingeveryobstaclewithoutabatementtohisspeed，anddelightinghisriderwithhispowerandjumpingqualities。Occasionally，onlywhenthecoursehewastakingwouldhaveledhimtoobstaclesimpossibleforthebestjumpertosurmount，Vincentattemptedtoputtheslightestpressureupononereinortheother，soastodirectittoaneasierpoint。
Attheendofsixmilesthehorse"sspeedbeganslightlytoabate，andVincent，abstainingfromtheuseofhisspurs，presseditwithhiskneesandspoketoitcheerfullyurgingitforward。Henowfromtimetotimebentforwardandpattedit，andforanothersixmileskeptitgoingataspeedalmostasgreatasthatatwhichithadstartedThenhealloweditgraduallytoslackenitspace，untilatlastfirstthegallopandthenthetrotceased，anditbrokeintoawalk。
"Youhavehadafinegallop，oldfellow，"Vincentsaid，pattingit；
"andsohaveI。There"sbeennothingforyoutoloseyourtemperabout，andthenextroadwecomeuponwewillturnourfacehomeward。Halfadozenlessonslikethis，andthennodoubtweshallbegoodfriends。"
Thejourneyhomewasperformedatawalk，Vincenttalkingthegreaterpartofthetimetothehorse。IttookagooddealmorethansixlessonsbeforeWildfirewouldstartwithoutapreliminarystrugglewithhismaster，butintheendkindnessandpatienceconquered。Vincentoftenvisitedthehorseinthestables，and，takingwithhimanappleorsomepiecesofsugar，spentsometimetheretalk。mgtoandpettingit。Henevercarriedawhip，andneverusedthespursexceptinforcingittomakeitsfirststart。
Hadthehorsebeennaturallyill-temperedVincentwouldprobablyhavefailed，but，ashehappenedafterwardtolearn，itsfirstownerhadbeenahot-temperedandpassionateyoungplanter，who，insteadofbeingpatientwithit，hadbeatitaboutthehead，andsorendereditrestiveandbad-tempered。HadVincentnotlaidasidehiswhipbeforemountingitforthefirsttime，heprobablywouldneverhaveeffectedacure。Itwasthefactthattheanimalhadnolongerafearofhisoldenemythewhipasmuchasthegeneralcourseofkindnessandgoodtreatmentthathadeffectedthechangeinhisbehavior。
ItwasjustwhenVincenthadestablishedagoodunderstandingbetweenhimselfandWildfirethathehadthealtercationwiththeoverseer，whomhefoundabouttoflogtheyoungnegroDan。
Pearsonhadsenttheladhalfanhourbeforeonamessagetosomeslavesatworkattheotherendoftheestate，andhadfoundhimsittingonthegroundwatchingatreeinwhichhehaddiscoveredapossum。ThatDandeservedpunishmentwasundoubted。HehadatpresentnoregularemploymentupontheestateJake，hisfather，washeadofthestables，andDanhadmadehimselfusefulinoddjobsaboutthehorses，andexpectedtobecomeoneoftheregularstablehands。Theoverseerwasofopinionthattherewerealreadymorenegroesinthestablethancouldfindemployment，andhadurgeduponMrs。WingfieldthatoneofthehandsthereandtheboyDanshouldbesentouttothefields。She，however，refused。
"Iknowyouarequiteright，Jonas，inwhatyousay。Buttherewerealwaysfourhandsinthestableinmyfather"stime，andtherealwayshavebeenuptonow；andthoughIknowtheyhaveaneasytimeofit，Icertainlyshouldnotliketosendanyofthemouttothefields。AstoDan，wewillthinkaboutit。WhenhisfatherwasabouthisageheusedtoleadmyponywhenIfirsttooktoriding，andwhenthereisavacancyDanmustcomeintothestable。I
couldnotthinkofsendinghimoutasafieldhand，inthefirstplaceforhisfather"ssake，butstillmoreforthatofVincent。Danusedtobetoldofftoseethathedidnotgetintomischiefwhenhewasalittleboy，andhehasrunmessagesandbeenhisspecialboysincehecameback。Vincentwantedtohavehimashisregularhouseservant；butitwouldhavebrokenoldSam"sheartif，afterbeingmyfather"sboyandmyhusband"s，anotherhadtakenhisplaceasVincent"s。"
AndsoDanhadremainedinthestable，butregardingVincentashisspecialmaster，carryingnotesforhimtohisfriends，ordoinganyoddjobshemightrequire，andspendingnosmallportionofhistimeinsleep。Thushewasanobjectofspecialdisliketotheoverseer；inthefirstplacebecausehehadnotsucceededinhavinghiswaywithregardtohim，andinthesecondbecausehewasauselesshand，andtheoverseerlovedtogetasmuchworkaspossibleoutofeveryoneontheestate。Themessagehadbeenasomewhatimportantone，ashewantedtheslavesforsomeworkthatwasurgentlyrequired；andhelosthistemper，orhewouldnothavedoneanactwhichwouldcertainlybringhimintocollisionwithVincent。
Hewaswellawarethattheladdidnotreallylikehim，andthathiseffortstogainhisgood-willhadfailed，andhehadforeseenthatsoonerorlatertherewouldbeastruggleforpowerbetweenthem。
However，herelieduponhisinfluencewithMrs。Wingfield，anduponthefactthatshewasthelife-owneroftheOrangery，andbelievedthathewouldbeabletomaintainhispositionevenwhenVincentcameofage。Vincentonhissideobjectedaltogethertotheoverseer"streatmentofthehands，ofwhichheheardagooddealfromDan，andbadalreadyremonstratedwithhismotheronthesubject。He，however，gainednothingbythis。Mrs。Wingfieldhadrepliedthathewastooyoungtointerfereinsuchmatters，thathisEnglishideaswouldnotdoinVirginia，andthatnaturallytheslavesweresetagainsttheoverseer；andthatnowPearsonhadnolongeramastertosupporthim，hewasobligedtobemoreseverethanbeforetoenforceobedience。AtthesametimeitvexedheratheartthatthereshouldbeanyseverityontheOrangeryestate，wherethebestrelationshadalwaysprevailedbetweenthemastersandslaves，andshehadherselfspokentoJonasonthesubject。
Hehadgivenherthesameanswerthatshehadgivenherson:"Theslaveswillworkforamaster，Mrs。Wingfield，inawaytheywillnotforastranger。Theysetthemselvesagainstme，andifIwerenotseverewiththemIshouldgetnoworkatallcutofthem。Ofcourse，ifyouwishit，theycandoastheylike；butinthatcasetheymusthaveanotheroverseer。Icannotseeafineestategoingtoruin。IbelievemyselfsomeoftheseAbolitionfellowshavebeengettingamongthemanddoingthemmischief，andthatthereisabadspiritgrowingupamongthem。IcanassureyouthatIamaslenientwiththemasispossibletobe。Butiftheywon"tworkI
mustmakethem，solongasIstayhere。"
Andsotheoverseerhadhadhisway。Sheknewthatthemanwasagoodservant，andthattheestatewaskeptinexcellentorder。
Afterall，theseventiesofwhichshehadheardcomplaintswerebynomeansexcessive；anditwasnottoheexpectedthataNorthernoverseercouldruleentirelybykindness，astheownerofanestatecoulddo。Achangewouldbemostinconvenienttoher，andshewouldhavedifficultyinsuitingherselfsowellanothertime。
Besides，themanhadbeenwithhersixteenyears，andwas，asshebelieved，devotedtoherinterests。ThereforesheturnedadeafeartoVincent"sremonstrances。
ShehadalwaysbeensomewhatopposedtohisbeingleftinEnglandatschool，urgingthathewouldlearnideastherethatwouldclashwiththoseofthepeopleamongwhomhislifewastobespent；andshestillconsideredthatherviewshadbeenjustifiedbytheresult。
TheoverseerwasthefirsttogivehisversionofthestoryshoutDan"sconduct；forongoingtothehouseVincentfoundhissisters，RosaandAnnie，inthegarden，havingjustreturnedfromatwodays"visittosomefriendsinRichmond，andstayedchattingwiththemandlisteningtotheirnewsforanhour，andinthemeantimeJonashadgoneinandseenMrs。Wingfieldandtoldhisstory。
"Ithink，Mrs。Wingfield，"hesaidwhenhehadfinished，"thatitwillbebetterformetoleaveyou。ItisquiteevidentthatIcanhavenoauthorityoverthehandsifyoursonistointerferewhenI
amabouttopunishaslaveforanactofgrossdisobedienceandneglect。Ifoundthatallthetobaccorequiredturning，andnowitwillnotbedonethisafternoonowingtomyordersnotbeingcarriedout，andthetobaccowillnotimprobablybeinjuredinquality。Mypositionisdifficultenoughasitis；butiftheslavesseethatinsteadofbeingsupportedIamthwartedbyyourson，myauthorityisgonealtogether。Nooverseercancarryonhisworkproperlyundersuchcircumstances。"
"Iwillseetothematter，Jonas，"Mrs。Wingfieldsaiddecidedly。
"Beassuredthatyouhavemyentiresupport，andIwillseethatmysondoesnotagaininterfere。"
When，therefore，Vincententeredthehouseandbeganhiscomplainthefoundhimselfcutshort。
"Ihaveheardthestoryalready，Vincent。Danactedingrossdisobedience，andthoroughlydeservedthepunishmentJonaswasabouttogivehim。Theworkoftheestatecannotbecarriedonifsuchconductistobetolerated；andonceforall，IwillpermitnointerferenceonyourpartwithJonas。Ifyouhaveanycomplaintstomake，cometomeandmakethem；butyouarenotyourselftointerfereinanywaywiththeoverseer。AsforDan，IhavedirectedJonasthatthenexttimehegivescauseforcomplaintheistogointothefields。"
Vincentstoodsilentforaminute，thenhesaidquietly:
"Verywell，mother。Ofcourseyoucandoasyoulike；butatanyrateIwillnotkeepmymonthshutwhenIseethatfellowill-treatingtheslaves。Suchthingswereneverdoneinmyfather"stime，andIwon"tseethemdonenow。YousaidtileotherdayyouwouldgetmeanominationtoWestPointassoonasIwassixteen。
Ishouldbegladifyouwoulddoso。BythetimeIhavegonethroughtheschool，youwillperhapsseethatIhavebeenrightaboutJonas。"
Sosaying，heturnedandlefttheroomandagainjoinedhissistersinthedrawing-room。
"IhavejusttoldmotherthatIwillgotoWestPoint，girls，"hesaid。
"FathersaidmorethanoncethathethoughtitwasthebesteducationIcouldgetinAmerica。"
"ButIthoughtyouhadmadeupyourmindthatyouwouldratherstopathome，Vincent？"
"SoIhad，andsoIwouldhavedone，butmotherandIdifferinopinionThatfellowJonaswasgoingtoflogDan，andIstoppedhimthismorning，andmothertakeshispartagainstme。Youknow，Idon"tlikethewayhegoesonwiththeslaves。Theyarenothalfsomerryandhappyastheyusedtobe，andIdon"tlikeit。Weshallhaveoneofthemrunningawaynext，andthatwillbeanicethingonwhatusedtobeconsideredoneofthehappiestplantationsinVirginia。Ican"tmakemotherout；Ishouldhavethoughtthatshewouldhavebeenthelastpersonintheworldtohaveallowedtheslavestobeharshlytreated。"
"Iamsurewedon"tlikeJonasmorethanyoudo，Vincent；butyouseemammahastodependuponhimsomuch。No，Idon"tthinkshecanlikeit；butyoucan"thaveeverythingyoulikeinaman，andIknowshethinksheisaverygoodoverseer。Isupposeshecouldgetanother？"
Vincentsaidhethoughtthattherecouldnotbemuchdifficultyaboutgettinganoverseer。
"Theremightbeadifficultyingettingoneshecouldrelyonsothoroughly，"Rosasaid。"Youseeagreatdealmustbelefttohim。
Jonashasbeenhereagoodmanyyearsnow，andshehaslearnedtotrusthim。Itwouldbealongtimebeforeshehadthesameconfidenceinastranger；andyoumaybesurethathewouldhavehisfaults，though，perhaps，notthesameasthoseofJonas。Ithinkyoudon"tmakeallowanceenoughformamma，Vincent。IquiteagreewithyouastoJonas，andIdon"tthinkmammacanlikehisharshnesstotheslavesanymorethanyoudo；buteveryonesayswhatadifficultyitistogetareallytrustworthyandcapableoverseer，and，ofcourse，itisalltheharderwhenthereisnomastertolookafterhim。"
"Well，inafewyearsIshallbeabletolookafteranoverseer，"
Vincentsaid。
"Youmightdoso，ofcourse，Vincent，ifyouliked；butunlessyouchangeagooddeal，Idon"tthinkyoursupervisionwouldamounttomuch。Whenyouarenotatschoolyouarealwaysonhorsebackandaway，andweseelittleenoughofyou，andIdonotthinkyouarelikelyforalongtimeyettogiveupmostofyourtimetolookingaftertheestate。"
"Perhapsyouareright，"Vincentsaid，afterthinkingforaminute；
"hutIthinkIcouldsettledowntoo，andgivemostofmytimetotheestate，ifIwasresponsibleforit。Idaresaymotherisinadifficultyoverit，andIshouldnothavespokenasIdid；Iwillgoinandtellherso。"
Vincentfoundhismothersittingashehadlefther。AlthoughshehadsidedwithJonas，itwasagainstherwill；foritwasgrievoustohertohearcomplaintsofthetreatmentoftheslavesattheOrangery。Still，asRosahadsaid，shefelteveryconfidenceinheroverseer，andbelievedthathewasanexcellentservant。Shewasconsciousthatsheherselfknewnothingofbusiness，andthatshemustthereforegiveherentireconfidencetohermanager。ShegreatlydislikedthestrictnessofJonas；butif，ashesaid，theslaveswouldnotobeyhimwithout，hemustdoasliethoughtbest。
"IthinkIspoketoohastily，mother，"Vincentsaidasheentered；
"andIamsurethatyouwouldnotwishtheslavestobeill-treatedmorethanIshould。IdaresayJonasmeansforthebest。"
"Ifeelsurethathedoes，Vincent。Amaninhispositioncannotmakehimselfobeyedlikeamaster。Iwishitcouldbeotherwise，andIwillspeaktohimonthesubject；butitwillnotdotointerferewithhimtoomuch。Agoodoverseerisnoteasytoget，andtheslavesarealwaysreadytotakeadvantageofleniency。Aneasymastermakesbadwork，butaneasyoverseerwouldmeanruintoanestate。IamconvincedthatJonashasourinterestsatheart，andIwilltellhimthatIparticularlywishthathewilldevisesomeothersortofpunishment，suchasdeprivingmenwhowon"tworkofsomeoftheirprivilegesinsteadofusingthelash。"
"Thankyou，mother。Atanyrate，hemighthetoldthatthelashisnevertobeusedwithoutfirstappealingtoyou。"
"Iwillseeaboutit，Vincent，andtalkitoverwithhim。"AndwiththatVincentwassatisfied。
CHAPTERII。BUYINGASLAVE。
MRS。WINGFIELDdidtalkthematteroverwiththeoverseer，andthingswentoninconsequencemoresmoothly。Vincent，however，adheredtohiswish，anditwasarrangedthatassoonashecouldgetanominationheshouldgotoWestPoint，whichistotheAmericanarmywhatSandhurstandWoolwicharetoEngland。
Beforethatcouldhedone，however，agreatpoliticalagitationsprangup。TheslavesStatesweregreatlyexcitedovertheprospectofaRepublicanpresidentbeingchosen，fortheRepublicansweretoagreatextentidentifiedwiththeabolitionmovement；andpublicfeeling，whichhadforsometimerunhigh，becameintensifiedasthetimeapproachedfortheelectionofanewpresident，andthreatsthatiftheDemocratswerebeatenandaRepublicanelectedtheslaveStateswouldsecedefromtheUnion，werefreelyindulgedin。
InVirginia，whichwasoneofthemostnorthernoftheslaveStates，opinionwassomewhatdivided，therebeingastrongminorityagainstanyextrememeasuresbeingtaken。AmongVincent"sfriends，however，whowereforthemostpartthesonsofplanters，theDemocraticfeelingwasverystronglyintheascendant，andtheirsympathieswerewhollywiththeSouthernStates。Thatthesehadarighttosecedewasassumedbythemasbeingunquestionable。
Butinpointoffacttherewasagreatdealtobesaidonbothsides。
TheStateswhichfirstenteredtheUnionin1776consideredthemselvestobeseparateandsovereignStates，eachpossessingpowerandauthoritytomanageitsownaffairs，andformingonlyafederationinordertoconstructacentralpower，andsotooperatewithmoreeffectagainstthemothercountry。TwoyearslatertheconstitutionoftheUnitedStateswasframed，eachStategivingupacertainportionofitsauthority，reservingitsownself-governmentandwhateverrightswerenotspecificallyresigned。
NomentionwasmadeintheconstitutionoftherightofaStatetosecedefromtheUnion，andwhilethosewhoinsistedthateachStatehadarighttosecedeifitchosetodosodeclaredthatthisrightwasreserved，theiropponentsaffirmedthatsuchacasecouldneverhavebeencontemplated。Thusthequestionofabsoluterighthadneverbeensettled，anditbecamepurelyoneofforce。
EarlyinNovember，1860，itbecameknownthattheelectionofMr。Lincoln，theRepublicancandidate，wasassured，andontheninthofthatmonththerepresentativesofSouthCarolinametatCharleston，andunanimouslyauthorizedtheholdingofaStateconventiontomeetinthethirdweekinDecember。Theannouncementcausedgreatexcitement，foritwasconsideredcertainthattheconventionwouldpassavoteofsecession，andthusbringthedebatedquestiontoanissue。AlthoughopinioninVirginiawaslessunanimousthaninthemoresouthernStates，itwasgenerallythoughtthatshewouldimitatetheexampleofSouthCarolina。
Onthedayfollowingthereceiptofthenews，Vincent，whohadriddenovertotheplantationsofseveralofhisfriendstotalkthematterover，wasreturninghomeward，whenheheardthesoundofheavyblowswithawhipandloudcurses，andamomentlaterashrillscreaminawoman"svoiceroseintheair。
Vincentcheckedhishorsemechanicallywithanexclamationofauger。Heknewbuttoowellwhatwasgoingonbeyondthescreenofshrubsthatgrewontheothersideofthefenceborderingtheroad。Foramomenthehesitated，andthenmuttering，"What"stheuse!"wasabouttotouchthehorsewiththewhipandgallopon，whentheshriekagainroselouderandmoreagonizingthanbefore。
WithacryofrageVincentleapedfromhishorse，threwthereinsoverthetopofthefence，climbedoveritinamoment，andbursthiswaythroughtheshrubbery。
Closebyanegrowasbeingheldbyfourothers，twohavingholdofeachwristandholdinghisarmsextendedtofulllength，whileawhitelad，sometwoyearsVincent"ssenior，wasshoweringblowswithaheavywhipuponhim。Theslave"sbackwasalreadycoveredwithweals，andthebloodwasflowingfromseveralplaces。Afewyardsdistantablackgirl，withababyinherarms，waskneelingonthegroundscreamingformercyfortheslave。
JustasVincentburstthroughthebushes，theyoungfellow，irritatedathercries，turnedroundanddeliveredatremendousblowwiththewhiponherbareshoulders。
Thistimenocrycamefromherlips，buttheslave，whohadstoodimmovablewhilethepunishmentwasbeinginflicteduponhimself，madeadesperateefforttobreakfromthemenwhoheldhim。Hewasunsuccessful，butbeforethewhipcouldagainfallonthewoman"sshoulders，Vincentsprangforward，andseizingit，wresteditfromthehandsofthestriker。Withanoathoffuryandsurpriseatthissuddeninterruption，theyoungfellowturneduponVincent。
"Youareacowardandablackguard，AndrewJackson!"Vincentexclaimed，whitewithauger。"YouareadisgracetoVirginia，youruffian!"
Withoutawordtheyoungplanter，madwithrageatthisinterference，rushedatVincent；buttheatterhadlearnedtheuseofhisfistsathisEnglishschool，andridingexerciseshadstrengthenedhismuscles，andashisopponentrushedathim，hemethimwithablowfromtheshoulderwhichsenthimstaggeringbackwiththebloodstreamingfromhislips。Heagainrushedforward，andheavyblowswereexchanged；thentheyclosedandgrappled。Foraminutetheyswayedtoandfrombutalthoughmuchtaller，theyoungplanterwasnostrongerthanVincent，andatlasttheycametothegroundwithacrash，Vincentuppermost，Jackson"sheadashefellcomingwithsuchforceagainstalowstumpthathelayinsensible。
Thecontesthadbeensosuddenandfuriousthatnonehadattemptedtointerfere。IndeedthenegroesweresoastonishedthattheyhadnotmovedfromthemomentwhenVincentmadehisappearanceuponthescene。Theladrosetohisfeet。
"Youhadbettercarryhimuptothehouseandthrowsomewateronhim，"hesaidtothenegroes，andthenturnedtogoaway。Ashedidso，theslavewhohadbeenfloggedbrokefromtheothers，whohadindeedloosenedtheirhold，andranuptoVincent，threwhimselfonhisknees，andtakingthelad"shandpressedittohislips。
"IamafraidIhaven"tdoneyoumuchgood，"Vincentsaid。"Youwillbenonethebetteroffformyinterference；butIcouldn"thelpit。"Sosayinghemadehiswaythroughtheshrubbery，clearedthefence，mounted，androutehomeward。
"Ihavebeenafool，"hesaidtohimselfasherodealong。"Itwillbealltheworseforthatpoorbeggarafterward；stillIcouldnothelpit。Iwonderwilltherebeanyrowaboutit。Idon"tmuchexpecttherewill，theJacksonsdon"tstandwellnow，andthiswouldnotdothemanygoodwiththepeopleround；besidesIdon"tthinkJacksonwouldliketogointocourttocomplainofbeingthrashedbyafellowaheadshorterthanhimself。It"sblackguardslikehimwhogivetheAbolitionistsarighttoholduptheslave-ownersasbeingtyrantsandbrutes。"
TheJacksonswerenewcomersinVirginia。Sixyearsbefore，theestate，ofwhichtheCedars，astheirplacewascalled，formedapart，wasputupforsale。Itwasaverylargeone，andhavingbeendividedintoseveralportionstosuitbuyers，theCedarshadbeenpurchasedbyJackson，who，havingbeenverysuccessfulasastorekeeperatCharleston，haddecidedupongivingupthebusinessandleavingSouthCarolina，andsettlingdownasaland-ownerinsomeotherState。Hisantecedents，however，weresoonknownatRichmond，andtheoldVirginianfamiliesturnedacoldshouldertothenewcomer。
Hadhebeenamanofpleasantmanners，hewouldgraduallyhavemadehisway；buthewasevidentlynotagentleman。Thehabitsoftradestucktohim，andinaveryshorttimetherewererumorsthattheslaves，whomhehadboughtwiththeproperty，foundhimaharshandcruelmaster。ThisinitselfwouldhavebeensufficienttobringhimdisreputeinVirginia，whereasaruletheslavesweretreatedwithgreatkindness，andindeedconsideredtheirpositiontobeinfinitelysuperiortothatofthepoorerclassofwhites。AndrewJacksonhadbeenforafewmonthsatschoolwithVincent；liewasunpopularthere，andfromtherumorscurrentastothetreatmentoftheslavesontheestate，wasknownbythenicknameofthe"slave-driver。"
HadVincentbeenthesonofawhitetrader，orasmallcultivator，heknewwellenoughthathispositionwouldheaveryseriousone，andthathewouldhavebadtoridetotheborderoftheStatewithallspeed。
HewouldhavebeendenouncedatonceasanAbolitionist，andwouldhavebeenaccusedofstirringuptheslavestorebellionagainsttheirmasters；acrimeofthemostseriouskindintheSouthernStates。Butplacedashewas，astheheirofagreatestateworkedbyslaves，suchacrycouldhardlyberaisedagainsthim。Hemightdoubtlessbefilledandadmonishedforinterferingbetweenamasterandhisslave；butthesympathyofthebetterclassesinVirginiawouldbeentirelywithhim。Vincent，therefore，wasbutlittleconcernedforhimself；buthedoubtedgreatlywhetherhisinterferencehadnotdonemuchmoreharmthangoodtotheslaveandhiswife，foruponthemAndrewJacksonwouldventhisfury。Herodedirecttothestablesinsteadofalightingasusualatthedoor。Dan，whohadbeensittingintheverandawaitingforhim，randowntothestablesashesawhimcoming。
"Givethehorsetooneoftheothers，Dan；Iwanttospeaktoyou。
Dan，"hewentonwhenhehadwalkedwithhimashortdistancefromthestables，"IsupposeyenknowsomeofthebandsonJackson"splantation。"
Dangrinned，foralthoughtherewasnotsupposedtobeanycommunicationbetweentheslavesonthedifferentestates，itwasnotoriousthatatnighttheywereinthehabitofslippingoutoftheirhutsandvisitingeachother。
"Iknowsomeohdem，MassaVincent。Whatyouwantobdem？
Berrybadmaster，MassaJackson。Wustmasterhereabouts。"
Vincentrelatedwhathadhappened，toDan"sintensedelight。
"Now，Dan，"hewenton，"Iamafraidthataftermyinterferencetheywilltreatthatpoorfellowandhiswifeworsethanbefore。I
wantyentofindoutformewhatisgoingonatJackson"s。IdonotknowthatIcandoanything，howeverbadlytheytreatthem；butI
havebeenthinkingthatiftheyill-treatthemverygrossly，IwillgettogetherapartyoffifteenortwentyofmyfriendsandwewillgoinabodytoJackson"s，andwarnhimthatifhebehaveswithcrueltytohisslaves，wewillmakeitsohotforhimthathewillhavetoleavethestate。Idon"tsaythatwecoulddoanything；butasweshouldrepresentmostofthelargeestatesroundhere，Idon"tthinkoldJacksonandhissonwouldlikebeingsenttoCoventry。
Thefeelingisverystrongatpresentagainstill-treatmentoftheslaves。Ifthesetroublesleadtowaralmostallofuswillgointothearmy，andwedonotlikethethoughtofthepossibilityoftroublesamongthehandswhenthewhitesareallaway。"
"Iwillfindoutallaboutitforyouto-night，sah。Idon"tsuspectdatdeywilldonuffinto-day。AndrewJacksontoosickafterdatknockagainstdetump。Hekeepquietadayortwo。"
"Well，Dan，yougooverto-nightandfindoutallaboutit。IexpectIhadbetterhaveleftthingsalone，butnowIhaveinterferedIshallgoonwithit。"
Mrs。WingfieldwasmuchdispleasedwhenVincenttoldheratdinnerofhisincidentatJackson"splantationandevenhissisterswereshockedatthisinterferencebetweenamasterandhisslave。
"Youwillgetyourselfintoserioustroublewiththesefancifulnotionsofyours，"Mrs。Wingfieldsaidangrily。"YouknowaswellasIdohoweasyitistogetupacryagainstanyoneasanAbolitionistandhowdifficulttodisprovetheaccusation；andjustatpresent，whenthepassionsofeverymanintheSouthareinflamedtotheutmost，suchanaccusationwillbemostserious。
Inthepresentinstancetheredoesnotseemthatthereisashadowofexcuseforyourconduct。Yousimplyheardcriesofaslavebeingflogged。Youdeliberatelyleavetheroadandenterthesepeople"splantationandinterferewithout，sofarasIcansee，theleastreasonfordoingso。Youdidnotinquirewhattheman"soffensewas；andhemayforaughtyouknowhavehalfmurderedhismaster。Yousimplyseeaslavebeingfloggedandyouassaulthisowner。iftheJacksonalaycomplaintsagainstyouitisquiteprobablethatyoumayhavetoleavethestate。Whatonearthcanhaveinfluencedyoutoactinsuchamad-brainedway？"