Tom Sawyer's Cabin - (New Curriculum Standards)

Author: Harriet Beecher Stowe
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: In February, the biting spring chill wrapped around the entire evening. In a drawing room in P-town, two men sat facing each other, drinking wine. One was short, unremarkable in appearance, and dressed in a vulgar manner, always deliberately jingling his watch chain and gold ring while talking, clearly a petty, self-seeking person. On the other hand, the host, Mr., was quite a gentleman, and the furnishings and ambiance of the room were enough to prove his taste in life.
"Alright, let's make up our minds." said Mr..
"Not on your life, Mr.. I can't agree to such a deal," the other replied, raising his glass.
"Hey, Helly, Tom is an honest and capable slave. He's managed my farm so well. He's worth every penny."
"Is he now?" Helly poured himself a glass of brandy, asking dismissively.
"Of course. Tom is a true Christian, faithfully managing all my property. Last year, he alone went to Cincinnati and brought back five hundred dollars, rejecting several villains who tried to persuade him to flee to Canada. To be honest, I really can't bear to sell him."
"My price is fair enough. Business is tough these days!" Helly sighed and poured more wine.
"Helly, what do you really want?"
"Add a child?"
"That's not so easy. If it weren't for having no other choice, I would never sell any slave."
Just then, the door opened, and a boy of about four or five years old, handsome and adorable, walked in.
"Come here, Harry, let this gentleman admire your skills." So the child sang a song popular among Black people in a clear voice, moving his body to the rhythm of the music, making Mr. and Helly laugh heartily.
Next, Harry pulled a long face and imitated an old person, moving laboriously while singing a hymn in a nasal voice.
P1-3