Of late, however, they are beginning to
suspect that it is I that am haunted; and, as I have never given
them any satisfactory account of myself, they are whispering that
I am a murderer, and haunted by the spirits of those I have slain.
August 30.--This day I have been informed that I am to he
banished the dwelling-house by night, and to sleep in an outhouse
by myself, to try if the family can get any rest when freed of my
presence. I have peremptorily refused acquiescence, on which my
master's brother struck me, and kicked me with his foot. My body
being quite exhausted by suffering, I am grown weak and feeble
both in mind and bodily frame, and actually unable to resent any
insult or injury. I am the child of earthly misery and despair, if
ever there was one existent. My master is still my friend; but
there are so many masters here, and everyone of them alike harsh
to me, that I wish myself in my grave every hour of the day. If I
am driven from the family sanctuary by night, I know I shall be
torn in pieces before morning; and then who will deign or dare to
gather up my mangled limbs, and give me honoured burial?
My last hour is arrived: I see my tormentor once more
approaching me in this wild.
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