WHEN Phil returned with Margaret, he drove, at Mrs. Cameron's request, to find Ben, brought him with all speed to the hotel, took him to his room, and locked the door before he told him the news. After an hour's blind rage, he agreed to obey his father's positive orders to keep away from the Captain until his return, and to attempt no violence against the authorities. Phil undertook to manage the case in Columbia, and spent three days in collecting his evidence before leaving.
Swifter feet had anticipated him. Two days after the arrival of Dr. Cameron at the fort in Columbia, a dust-stained, tired negro was ushered into the presence of General Howle.
He looked about timidly and laughed loudly.
"Well, my man, what's the trouble? You seem to have walked all the way, and laugh as if you were glad of it."
"I 'spec' I is, sah," said Jake, sidling up confidentially.
"Well?" said Howle, good-humouredly.
Jake's voice dropped to a whisper.
"I hears you got my ole marster, Dr. Cameron, in dis place."
"Yes. What do you know against him?"
