&ldquo;Who fired that gun?&rdquo; demanded Captain Parks, as he turned around and faced his terrified negro, Pompey. &ldquo;Hang me, if I don&rsquo;t believe it was you, Pompey.&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Heben sabe me, massa captain; I wouldn&rsquo;t do such a ting for ten fousand dollars!&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Let me see your gun.&rdquo;<br />The trembling African obeyed. It required but a moment for the irascible captain to ascertain that the piece had just been discharged.<br />&ldquo;Yes, you black rascal, it was you! Take that!&rdquo; he added giving his servant a tremendous kick. The latter paid not the least heed to it, and finally added, as if addressing himself,<br />&ldquo;Come to tink soberly on de matter, I bring to mind I did have de hammer up, so as to be ready for de Injins when dey do come, and jist now I stubbed my toe, and jerked on de trigger, and I s&rsquo;pose dat am what made de blasted ting go off so mighty suddint like.&rdquo;