Chapter 1.VII. He Sets His Trap.
"May I come in? I hope I do not disturb you, my dear friend," said
Bonaparte, late one evening, putting his nose in at the cabin door, where
the German and his son sat finishing their supper.
It was now two months since he had been installed as schoolmaster in Tant
Sannie's household, and he had grown mighty and more mighty day by day. He
visited the cabin no more, sat close to Tant Sannie drinking coffee all the
evening, and walked about loftily with his hands under the coat-tails of
the German's black cloth and failed to see even a nigger who wished him a
deferential good morning. It was therefore with no small surprise that the
German perceived Bonaparte's red nose at the door.
"Walk in, walk in," he said joyfully. "Boy, boy, see if there is any
coffee left. Well, none. Make a fire. We have done supper, but--"
"My dear friend," said Bonaparte, taking off his hat, "I came not to sup,
not for mere creature comforts, but for an hour of brotherly intercourse
with a kindred spirit. The press of business and the weight of thought,
but they alone, may sometimes prevent me from sharing the secrets of my
bosom with him for whom I have so great a sympathy. You perhaps wonder
when I shall return the two pounds--"
"Oh, no, no! Make a fire, make a fire, boy.
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