XXIV.  WITH THE GOVERNOR
XXV.  THEN WHAT HAPPENED 

CHAPTER XVI 

A LETTER 

With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was
writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.  They lay on
the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town,
the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with
mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere. 

It was Christmas Day, and he had done his duty to his slaves and the folk
on his plantation.  He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock
breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the
feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting
attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local
provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army
and navy.