negro to himself, "jist like a fly flying into de spider-web. I guess
I gib him warning." With this benevolent intention, Primus went to the
door, and as Holden approached, addressed him with the salutation
of the morning. It was courteously acknowledged, and the General
commenced as if he wished to engage in a conversation.

"Beautiful wedder dis marning, Missa Holden."

"Old man, thy days are too short to be wasted in chattering about the
weather," said Holden. "Speak, if thou hast aught to say."

The General's attempt at familiarity was effectually checked, and he
felt somewhat chagrined at the reply; but for all that he would not
give up his friendly purpose.

"Dey say," he said, with military precision, "dat de Constable Basset
hab a warrant agin Missa Holden."

"Thanks, Primus," said Holden, resuming his walk, "but I fear the face
of no man."

"De obstinate pusson!" exclaimed the negro. "And den to talk about my
short day! Dat is bery onpleasaut. Short day, Missa Holden, eh? Not as
you knows on. I can tell you dis child born somewhere about de twenty
ob June (at any rate de wedder was warm), and mean to lib accordingly.
Oh, you git out, Missa Holden! Poor parwarse pusson! What a pity he
hab no suspect for de voice ob de charmer! I always hear," he added,
chuckling, in that curious, mirth-inspiring way so peculiar to the
blacks, "dat de black snake know how to charm best, but all sign fail
in dry wedder, and de pan flash in de powder dis time."