Mr. Jones owned a cotton plantation and many slaves.

One day he was talking to the owner of the plantation next to his, and Mr. Jones was lamenting the fact that times were tough.

He was having to work his slaves harder than ever, and was having trouble with some of them being disobedient or trying to run away.

The other plantation owner said he knew someone who could help. Day one. One day, Mr.

Jones called his slaves together so a man named Mr. Smith could talk to them. Before beginning,

Mr. Smith whispered to Mr. Jones, whatever I say, do not contradict me or interfere, and I promise

you your slave troubles will end. My name is Mr. Smith, he said to the interfere, and I promise you your slave troubles will end.

My name is Mr. Smith, he said to the slaves, and this may be the happiest day of your lives.

From today forward, you will no longer be slaves, but free men. Mr. Jones was so shocked, he started to step forward, but Mr. Smith gestured for him to remain silent. He did only because the other plantation owner had

spoken so highly of Mr. Smith's skills. You are no longer the property of Mr. Jones, Mr. Smith continued.

You are free. No more would you be forced to labor for the benefit, Mr. Jones. Now you can work for

yourselves. Now the slaves were all murmuring and looking at each other. Many were

smiling, many were looking puzzled. In fact, you are now free to leave the plantation whenever

you want, Mr. Smith said. However, since we are surrounded by other plantations, if you leave,

some other plantation owner will likely claim you as his own the moment you set foot on his property.

So I urge you not to risk your

newfound freedom by doing something so foolish. Instead, I suggest that you stay here, no longer

as slaves, but as willing participants and part owners of this plantation. Yes, this is now your

plantation. Mr. Jones bit his tongue to keep from objecting. For now, we might as well leave Mr. Jones in charge, said Mr. Smith,

since he is the only one with any experience at running a plantation,

which is quite a complicated thing to manage.

But he will no longer be your master but just another worker on the plantation.

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