Mind Of A Slave

The Four Men

7.

I don't see Julia at all during the next two weeks. I work with Amos almost every day, but I don't talk to him.

For five days in a row, we spend hours picking cotton in the fields behind the houses, and I find comfort in the distraction from everything that has happened.

During those days I often think about Papa. I wonder where he is, what he is doing.

At night I imagine that I'm sending my strength out to him through the stars. And I know that he is thinking of me and of Mama.

In many other states the war rages on. Even as a slave, I know that we are not winning. We are losing. Dreadfully. I can tell because as the days pass, we see less and less of our Master.

And I overhear things, too. Master Ramier's business conversations prove to be my main source of knowledge. I don't mean to hear what I'm not supposed to hear.

But I don't ignore it, either.

I act as a maid for Master Ramier's company twice during the following fortnight.

The second time, I am stood by the door in the corner of the room while the men discuss war and slavey over dinner.

There are four men. They wear smart black or grey clothes and wide black hats. I have seen two of them at the Plantation before, but there is one man whom I don't recognise.

"So," says the unfamiliar man. "You hear what's been happening in the North?" He removes his hat to scratch his head thoughtfully. His hair is styled in a heap of curly grey locks and he has a big nose.

"Yes," frowns Master Ramier, "But I don't think it's wise to talk while she's in the room." He indicates me with a tilt of his head.

"Then send her out," says one of the other men.

The big-nosed man laughs loudly. "What could she do? Start a rebellion?" he snickers, replacing the hat and flattening his curls as he does so.

Master Ramier shrugs.

"You've been acting strangely, Martin." The man with the big nose says.

"War's tough." Master Ramier replies shortly.

"Not here," says the man. "Not yet. Recently, Martin, I have had suspicions that you are not totally supporting the Confederacy."

"Course I am." scoffs Master Ramier.

"Really." says the man.

I notice how my Master shifts uncomfortably in his seat.

"I think you need to keep to yourself a little more, Ronald."

Ronald leans back so the front legs of his chair lift off the ground. He squints at Master Ramier. "Jack and Reuben insisted I come today. Now I see why."

Master Ramier stands abruptly, serveying the men sitting around him. "I will tell you now, with absolute honesty, that I fully support the Confederacy and would not do a thing to prevent us from becoming victorious at the outcome of this war."

"Then tell us about the rumours." Jack says, with an accusing tone to his voice.

"What rumours?"

"Your slaves..." Ronald hisses.

"Ronald, I deny any accusations made about my attitude towards my negroes. I bought and am keeping them legally, and I suggest that neither of you dig deeper into my business." Master Ramier says. He makes an effort to lower his voice but I can still hear his every word.

"Something you have to hide?" Reuben asks.

"Of course not." Master Ramier says fiercely. "I'm telling you"-

"Despite how defensive you appear to be, Martin, a decision has been made to remove you from your current position within the Confederacy," says Ronald.

"Excuse me," says Master Ramier. "And who"-

"Oliver requested your removal. Reuben will replace you beginning on Monday."

"In two days?" Master Ramier's voice quivers. "And I shall do what, after that?"

"I am certain that you will be able to locate a new position of work," Reuben says confidently.

"You could succumb to general farming," says Ronald, with a thundering laugh that shakes his body and jostles the curls which protrude out from under his hat.

"Find work in a shop"-

-"Or the army."

"They always need more men, especially at this point in the war. And you could bring along a few slaves to assist you. You must have heard that the recruiting of slaves has recently been made legal," says Jack.

Master Ramier doesn't respond. His face has paled dramatically. He stares at the men in disbelief.

"And maybe," Ronald whispers, "if you succeed in showing your total support for General Lee, we could recommend you for a different job, of a higher and more respectable rank, if an appropriate position becomes available." He rises, adjusting his hat, and his two companions follow him to the door. They stop before they reach me.

"Wonderful food, though," Ronald says, scooping some nuts into his palm from the tray I am holding. He sweeps out of the room, trailed by Jack and Reuben.

Master Ramier remains behind in his seat, staring at the wall opposite with dull, vacant eyes. His expression if lifeless; his hunched shoulders tell me that he is tired and defeated.

His head twists and he sees me watching him.

I stand where I am, unsure of what he wants from me.

"Leave," he says.

I walk out quickly.