12 Years a Slave Solomon Northup Chapter 13 The curious axe-helve—symptoms of approaching illness—continue to decline—the whip ineffectual—confined to the cabin—visit by Dr. Wines—partial recovery—failure at cotton picking—what may be heard on Epps’ plantation—lashes graduated—Epps in a whipping mood—Epps in a dancing mood—description of the dance—loss of rest no excuse—Epps’ characteristics—Jim Burns removal from Huff Power to Bayou Bœuf—description of Uncle Abram; of Wiley; of Aunt Phebe; of Bob, Henry, and Edward; of Patsey; with a genealogical account of each—something of their past history, and peculiar characteristics—jealousy and lust—Patsey, the victim