200/min Reading<22>--Uncle Tom's Cabin(2)

 

“As you know, I'm a reasonable man," said the trader, pouring himself a large glass of brandy, "but that's not a good price, even between friends. Isn't there some little boy or girl you could throw in with Tom?"

 

At that moment, the door opened and a little boy with light brown skin walked in. He was very handsome and had big, dark eyes and shiny, curly black hair.

 

"Hey, Jim Crow!" said Mr. Shelby. "Show this gentleman how you dance and sing." The boy began to sing one of the songs that were very popular with black people at the time, and moved his hands and feet in time with his singing.

 

"Well done!" said Haley, throwing him a piece of orange. Then Mr. Shelby told the boy to show how old Elder Robbins sang a hymn. The boy made a long, serious face and began to sing slowly through his nose.

 

"Hurrah!" said Haley. "He's amazing. I have an idea." At this point he put his hand on Mr. Shelby's shoulder and looked him in the eye. "Why don't you give me this little one together with Tom and then we have a deal."

 

Again the door opened. This time a beautiful young light-skinned woman came in and picked up the little boy. It was easy to see that this was his mother. [226 words}