` We do n't want to be any freer than we are , ' they said . ` We have always had all we wanted . ' ` We do n't want to leave the old place , and young mas ' r and Missis , and the rest . ' -LSB- Illustration -RSB- ` My good friends , ' said George , when he could get silence , ` there will be no need for you to leave me . We want quite as many servants as we did before . But now you are free men and free women . I shall pay you wages for your work , and if I die , or get into debt , you ca n't be taken away to be sold . That is all the difference . I want you all to stay with me , for I want to teach you how to live as free men and women ought . ' ` One thing more , ' added George , when the cheering and rejoicing had died away a little . ` You all remember our good old Uncle Tom . You have heard how he died , and how he sent his love to you all . It was on his grave , my friends , that I made up my mind , with God 's help , never to own another slave , if it were possible to free him . I resolved that nobody , through my fault , should ever run the risk of being parted from his dear ones , and of dying far from them , as he died . ` So , when you rejoice in your freedom , remember that you owe it to dear old Uncle Tom , and pay it back in kindness to his wife and children . Think of your freedom every time you see Uncle Tom 's Cabin ; and let it help you to try to live as he did , and be as honest and faithful and Christian as he was . ' Chapter 1 PETER BREAKS THROUGH All children , except one , grow up . They soon know that they will grow up , and the way Wendy knew was this . One day when she was two years old she was playing in a garden , and she plucked another flower and ran with it to her mother . I suppose she must have looked rather delightful , for Mrs. Darling put her hand to her heart and cried , `` Oh , why ca n't you remain like this for ever ! ''
This was all that passed between them on the subject , but henceforth XXXXX knew that she must grow up .
Christian Darling George Missis PETER Tom Wendy day mas old