water. Here he remained quietly
on the log, using only sufficient exertion to avoid the current, until
he was satisfied that Jaspar and his companion had departed from the
bank. He then returned to the shore, using the greatest precaution to
avoid his enemies; but all was still.

Immediate danger being at an end, he bethought him of securing his
future safety,--a matter of extreme difficulty for one in his position.
He was satisfied that Jaspar would invent some story to account for his
disappearance; and just as well satisfied that he would shoot him, if he
again showed himself on the plantation. He congratulated himself on the
happy scheme he had adopted to deceive Jaspar; for he had now a
reasonable security from being advertised and pursued as a runaway
slave.

After much reflection, he concluded his wisest plan would be to seek
safety in New Orleans, where, in the crowd, he might escape recognition.
The cane-brake and the cotton-grove would not protect him. He might be
seen, and the blood-hound and the rifle bring him in a prisoner, and
even Miss Emily would now be unable to save him from the penalty. How
could he live in New Orleans, or how escape from there? He was without
money, and he had sense enough to know that money is a desideratum,
especially to the traveller.

Of this useful commodity, however, he had a supply in the mansion house,
which he had saved from the presents made him by Colonel Dumont and his
guests. Recognizing the necessity of obtaining it, as well as some more
clothing, he resolved to enter the house and procure them, after the
light he saw in the library-window was removed.

While waiting, he pondered more fully his position. What should be his
future conduct in regard to the will? He carried with him, he felt, the
future destiny of his gentle, much-loved mistress. He felt that on his
action during the next hour depended the happiness for a lifetime of one
whom he had been taught to revere, and whose gentleness and beauty had
almost lured him to worship. If the morrow's sun found him in the
vicinity of the estate, he would probably fall a victim to Jaspar's
policy. What should he do with the will? Should he show himself at the
hour appointed for the reading of it? He might fall into Jaspar's hands
in the attempt, the precious document be wrested from him, and thus all
his exertions be in vain. Without the will itself he could do
nothing,--his word or his evidence in court would be of no