Haul her up 'till she grounds, and she won't leak when the tide
leaves her. We can go to the theatre and have a right good supper
after, at Baker's or the St. Charles's. It's the way our folks live.
We live to enjoy ourselves in South Carolina. Let the old wreck go
to-night." The little fellow seemed so extremely polite, and so
anxious to "do the genteel attention," that the Captain entirely
forgot the tenor of his conversation with the pilot, while his
feelings changed with the prospect of such respectful attention; and
yet he seemed at a loss how to analyze the peculiar character of his
little, pedantic friend.
"You must not think me intrusive, Captain," said he, pulling out his
segar-pouch and presenting it with at Chesterfieldian politeness.
"It's a pleasure we Carolinians take in being hospitable and
attentive to strangers. My name, sir, is--! My niggers call me
Master George. Yes, sir! our family!--you have heard of my father
probably--he belongs to one of the best stocks in Carolina--owns a
large interest in this wharf, and is an extensive cotton-broker,
factors, we call them here--and he owns a large plantation of niggers
on Pee-Dee; you must visit our plantation. Captain, certain! before
you leave the city. But you mustn't pay much attention to the gossip
you'll hear about the city. I pledge you my honor, sir, it don't
amount to any thing, nor has it any prominent place in our society.
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