And now, Vingo, boy, you may turn the
horse's head for the town."
"Yes, massa."
And though some fifty years had passed over the old negro's head, he
sprang with the agility of boyhood's days; although, as the poor fellow
often remarked, "he had a wonderful constitution for enduring rest," the
thought of his good missus's surprise, when she should learn of their
morning's adventure, gave him new life, and he fairly danced about the
beach for joy. Seated in the spring-cart, Captain Grosvenor took the
babe in his arms, that had now fallen into a quiet sleep, while Vingo,
perching himself first on one foot and then the other, to keep his
balance, gathered up the reins, and all started for home.
"I am tinking, massa, dat my missus be quite ober-much-come at de sight
of dis little sea-flower."
"Yes, boy; yes, sea-flower indeed. I have travelled the wide world from
stem to stern, but never have I met with such an emblem of innocence
before." And though the hardy sea-captain had spent the greater part of
his life among the whales, he stooped down and pressed his lips to the
brow of the unconscious sleeper.
"Luff off there a little, Vingo; keep to the right; these bare commons
are not the easiest grounds to ride over, though with a light
spring-cart like this one can navigate with some degree of comfort.
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