midnight
that makes a mockery of itself , and enslaves the noblest blood of noble freemen ! They were happy , the victims of ignorance , contented with the freedom their country had given them , bowing beneath the enslaving yoke of justice-boasting democracy , and ready to be sold and shipped , with an invoice of freight , at the beckon of an owner . Mr. M'Fadden questions the people concerning Harry 's departure ; but they are as ignorant of his whereabouts as himself . They only remember that he came to the shed at midnight , whispered some words of consolation , and of his plain fare gave them to eat ; -- nothing more . `` Poor recompense for my goodness ! '' says Mr. M'Fadden , muttering some indistinct words as he returns to the tavern , followed by a humorous negro , making grimaces in satisfaction of `` mas ` r 's '' disappointment . Now friends are gathered together , chuckling in great glee over the large reward offered for the lost parson , for the capture of which absconding article they have numerous horses , dogs , confidential negroes , and a large supply of whiskey , with which very necessary liquid they will themselves become dogs of one kine .