"Isn't Max in
town?"
"No sar; he went away to de Norf about a monf ago."
"Look here, you black imp," said the stranger, in a severe tone, "do you
mean to say that Max is _not_ in town?"
"I do, for sartin, sar."
"And he has left you to practise law for him in his absence?" returned
the visitor, with a grin.
"No sar, I takes care ob de buildin."
"Fudge! Maxwell always shuts up his room when he leaves town;" and the
stranger walked round the room towards the private apartment, much to
the consternation of Dido.
"No, Massa, he tell me, monf ago, to keep de room in order."
"No doubt he did," returned the stranger, placing his hand on the handle
of the door, and attempting to open it, which, by Dido's precaution, was
ineffectual.
"Is there no one in this room?" asked the gentleman.
"No sar, de room is locked, and Massa Maxwell hab carry off de key."
The stranger walked several times round the room, and thoroughly
scrutinized everything; after which, to the entire satisfaction of the
colored lady, he took his departure.
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