"
"It was Captain Van Dorn that raided Dover," Levin spoke; "Joe Johnson
is a coward."
"Judge Custis," said Mr. Clayton, "you and I can save this peninsula, at
least, from the sectional excitements that are coming. You must
surrender to Delaware old Patty Cannon and her household. She now lives
on your side of the line. Come over to the Governor's office with me,
and I will get a requisition for her on the business of last night.
Young Dennis here knows the band; friend Hunn saw the attack."
Judge Custis's face grew suddenly troubled.
"Clayton," he said, "I would rather not appear in this matter. Indeed,
you must excuse me."
"What!" said Clayton; "hesitate to do a little thing like this, after
the free opinions you have expressed?"
There was a long, awkward pause. The Quaker arose, and, looking well at
Judge Custis, said:
"None but Almighty God knows the secrets of a slave-holder's mind. No
son of Adam is fit to be absolute over any human creature."
"Amen!" Judge Custis said, meekly.
* * * * *
The news from Princess Anne confirmed the loss of Vesta Custis's slaves.
Judge Custis was told to come home and take steps for their recovery,
but he was strangely apathetic. The day after the raid Levin Dennis
disappeared, Clayton only saying:
"Who would have thought that soft-eyed boy was already fascinated by
these kidnappers? He has taken his horse and gone back to Patty
Cannon's.
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