Gabriel, who was a tall, sad looking negro,
was called on one side by Paul who explained that they desired his
services for twenty-four hours, he stated that there was plenty of
provision aboard for him and that he would send him back from New
Orleans by steamer, so that his trip would not cost him a cent. Gabriel
received the communication in stolid silence. He then retired to a log
where he seated himself in the centre of a number of his darkey friends.
After a consultation, he returned and announced that the figure would be
twenty-five dollars.
"Why, what do you mean, you black rascal!" exclaimed Paul, "it will
really be only one day's work. How much do you make a day
gathering driftwood?"
"Two an' foah bits a day sah."
"And you want twenty-five out of me for one day's work? I will give you
three dollars."
"All right, boss, all right, sah," responded Gabriel without a moment's
hesitation.
Soon after, Paul and the newspaper man were approached by a darkey, who
introduced himself as Mr. Brown. He said:
"I heah dat yo' hab engage Gabe fur pilot ye' down to New Yorleans. Dat
niggah don' know nofing 'bout de riber, sah, no sah, me do dough, an,
me'll go down fur nothin' sah."
"Are you sure you understand the channel down the river?" asked Paul.
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