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[106] first salutation was, ‘Where can I find that ungrateful villain Dan? I will take him home in irons.’

Friend Hopper replied, ‘Thou wilt find thyself relieved from such an unpleasant task; for I can easily convince thee that the law sustains thy slave in taking his freedom.’

Reading the law did not satisfy him. He said he would consult a lawyer, and call again. When he returned, he found Daniel waiting to see him; and he immediately began to upbraid him for being so ungrateful. Daniel replied, ‘Master Perry, it was not justice that made me your slave. It was the law; and you took advantage of it. Now, the law makes me free; and ought you to blame me for taking the advantage which it offers me? But suppose I were not free, what would you be willing to take to manumit me?’

His master, somewhat softened, said, ‘Why, Dan, I always intended to set you free some time or other.’

‘I am nearly forty years old,’ rejoined his bondsman, ‘and if I am ever to be free, I think it is high time now. What would you be willing to take for a deed of manumission?’

Mr. Boots answered, ‘Why I think you ought to give me a hundred dollars.’

‘Would that satisfy you, master Perry? Well, I can pay you a hundred dollars,’ said Daniel.

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