When Northup describes Freeman as "amlable" and "plous-hearted," the reader can infer that Northup is being sarcastic. Northup thinks Freeman a good man. Northup feels grateful to know Freeman. Northup knows Freeman is religious.

How does this excerpt develop the central idea that espionage during the civil war was often carried out by untrained citizens? it enhances the reader’s understanding by explaining why training was unnecessary. it changes the reader’s perception of what information a spy was able to obtain. it explains an ordinary person’s motivation for conducting espionage against the enemy. it adds moral complexity to espionage, due to the use of secret and dangerous methods.