e is no other safe course for Delia and Rene. They must reach
a northern state before Kirby can lay hands on them. Could Delia pass
for a white woman?"

"Not in the South; still she could travel as Rene's maid. But I do not
believe it is possible for the two to escape in that way, Knox.
Understand I'd be willing to risk it if there were any show. How can
it be done? On the average at this time of year there isn't a
steamboat along here once a month. If we did get them onto a boat they
would have to travel straight south as far as the Ohio. Kirby wouldn't
be more than a day or two behind them, with friends on every boat on
the river. Illinois is no free state for fugitive slaves--they might
just as well be caught in Missouri as over there. There is not one
chance in a thousand that they make it."

"And less than that, if they remain here for Kirby to get his hands
on," I retorted bitterly. "Now look here, Haines. I am going to carry
out this plan alone, if you will not back me in it. I am not talking
about steamboats; they could travel by night, and hide along shore
during the day. All they would need would be two negro oarsmen,
sufficient food, and a boat big enough to carry them safely. You have
small boats, surely?"

"I got one, Massa Knox," burst out Pete eagerly. "She's down by de
mouth ob de creek, sah, an' she sure am a mighty good boat. We could
load her up right here, an' I'd be one ob de niggers fer ter take dem
ladies down ribber. I'se a free boy, an' nobody care whar I done go."

These unexpected words heartened me, strengthened my own resolve, and I
obeyed the first impulse, instantly crossing the room and frankly
extending my hand to the surprised negro.

"That sounds like a man, Pete," I exclaimed warmly. "Yes, of course I
mean it--shake hands. You are white enough for me, boy, and I do not
propose letting you do any more than I am willing to do. I'll go along
with you on this trip. I have sixty days furlough."

I turned and faced the lawyer, my mind firmly settled on the scheme,
and determined upon carrying it out instantly.

"And now, what about you, Haines?" I demanded. "Are you ready to help?
Come, man, surely this is not something we have any time to debate.
Kirby is liable to show up at any moment with full authority, and the
sheriff to back him. It is still early in the evening and we must work
tonight, if at all."

"You haven't the strength for such a venture," he pr