12 Years a Slave Solomon Northup Chapter 19 Avery, of Bayou Rouge—peculiarity of dwellings—Epps builds a new house—Bass, the carpenter—his noble qualities—his personal appearance and eccentricities—Bass and Epps discuss the question of slavery—Epps’ opinion of Bass—I make myself known to him—our conversation—his surprise—the midnight meeting on the bayou bank—Bass’ assurances—declares war against slavery—why I did not disclose my history—Bass writes letters—copy of his letter to Messrs. Parker and Perry—the fever of suspense—disappointments—Bass endeavors to cheer me—my faith in him