`` indeed , captain , '' hammond said to laurence eagerly , having overheard this suggestion , `` you must admit there is a great deal of sense in what he says : and it is plain to see they have no notion of slavery , at least in the western mode ; there is surely no cruelty or abuse- '' `` sir , '' laurence said , cutting him short , `` will you ask the gentleman if he prefers to remain here , or be taken to his first-proposed destination ? ''