At  last,  about  twelve  o'clock,  Sam  appeared  triumphant,
mounted  on  Jerry,  with  Haley's  horse  by  his  side,  reeking  with
sweat,  but  with  flashing  eyes  and  dilated  nostrils,  showing  tha%
the  spirit  of  freedom  had  not  yet  entirely  subsided.  i

"  He  's  cotched !  "  he  exclaimed  triumphantly.  "  If 't  had  n't
been  for  me,  they  might  a  bust  theirselves,  all  on 'em;  but  I
cotched  him ! "

"  You !  "  growled  Haley,  in  no  amiable  mood.  "  If  it  had  n't
been  for  you,  this  never  would  have  happened."

"  Lord  bless  us,  Mas'r,"  said  Sam,  in  a  tone  of  the  deepest
concern,  "  and  me  that  has  been  racin'  and  chasin'  till  the  sweat
jest  pours  off  me !  "

"  Well,  weU !  "  said  Haley,  "  you  've  lost  me  near  three
hours,  with  your  cursed  nonsense.  Now  let 's  be  off,  and  have
no  more  fooling."

"  Why,  Mas'r,"  said  Sam,  in  a  deprecating  tone,  "  I  believe
you  mean  to  kill  us  all  clar,  horses  and  all.  Here  we  are  all
jest  ready  to  drop  down,  and  the  critturs  all  in  a  reek  of  sweat.
Why,  Mas'r  won't  think  of  startin'  on  now  till  after  dinner.
