h toil and hardship to slavery
with ease and plenty.

Somers had over-estimated his power of endurance; and a hard gallop of
five miles was about the extent of his capacity. The rude jolting of his
arm made it extremely painful, while his system, reduced by the fever
attending the wound, was incapable of supporting such a heavy draft upon
his strength. He bore up against the pain and faintness which beset him
as long as he could; but at last, to the oft-repeated inquiries of
Captain de Banyan in regard to his condition, he was compelled to answer
in the most discouraging terms.

"We must stop and rest," said the captain. "We have about fifteen miles
more to go; and you mustn't break down yet, Somers."

"Here, massa, take some of this," said Alick, as he reined in his horse.

"What is it?" asked Somers faintly.

"Brandy."

"I can't drink brandy."

"It will do you good, my dear boy. There is strength in brandy--only as
medicine. Don't be stubborn, Somers."

"Good brandy, massa," added Alick. "I brought it along on purpose for
you. I was mighty feared you wouldn't be able to stand the ride."

"I am willing to take it if it will do me any good," said Somers. "I am
about used up."

The sufferer drank two or three swallows of the fiery liquid from the
bottle after he had dismounted. The potion gave him an artificial life,
which enabled him to ride five miles farther, though at a much slower
pace than before. The roads seemed to be entirely deserted, and the party
felt satisfied that they had passed out of the reach of a successful
pursuit. Another dose of brandy gave Somers strength enough to accomplish
fifteen miles of the journey; but at this point he was absolutely unable
to sit on his horse. With the assistance of De Banyan, he got off and lay
for two hours on the ground, where his devoted companions made him a bed
of their coats. Alick produced some bacon and crackers, which he had
brought for an emergency, of which Somers partook in small quantities.
Pressed by his fellow-fugitives, he again drank some brandy; and while
his head was flying round like a top, his friends placed him on the horse
again.

In the overpowering weakness and suffering of the hour, Somers had begged
his companions to leave him to his fate; but De Banyan declared that he
would be hanged a dozen times before he would do so mean and wicked an
act. With the fumes of the brandy darting in every direction through his
brain, which seemed t