p the bank, and were on their
horses before he could reach them.

'Good evening, mas'r,' said Sam. 'I berry much 'spect missis be anxious
'bout us. Mas'r Haley won't want us no longer.' Then off they went as
fast as their horses could gallop.

It was late at night before they reached home again, but Mrs. Shelby was
waiting for them. As soon as she heard the horses galloping up she ran
out to the balcony.

'Is that you, Sam?' she called. 'Where are they?'

'Mas'r Haley's a-restin' at the tavern. He's drefful fatigued, missis.'

'And Eliza, Sam?'

'Come up here, Sam,' called Mr. Shelby, who had followed his wife, 'and
tell your mistress what she wants to know.'

So Sam went up and told the wonderful story of how Eliza had crossed the
river on the floating ice. Mr. and Mrs. Shelby found it hard to believe
that such a thing was possible.

Mrs. Shelby was very, very glad that Eliza had escaped. She told Aunt
Chloe to give Sam and Andy a specially good supper. Then they went to
bed quite pleased with their day's work.

CHAPTER V

ELIZA FINDS A REFUGE

A lady and gentleman were sitting talking happily together in the
drawing-room of the white house to which Eliza had gone. Suddenly their
old black man-of-all-work put his head in at the door and said, 'Will
missis come into the kitchen?'

The lady went. Presently she called to her husband, 'I do wish you would
come here a moment.'

He rose and went into the kitchen.

There lay Eliza on two kitchen chairs. Her poor feet were all cut and
bleeding, and she had fainted quite away. The master of the house drew
his breath short, and stood silent.

[Illustration]

His wife and the cook were trying to bring Eliza round. The old
man had Harry on his knee, and was busy pulling off his shoes and
stockings, to warm the little cold feet.

'Poor creature,' said the lady.

Suddenly Eliza opened her eyes. A dreadful look of pain came into her
face. She sprang up saying, 'Oh, my Harry, have they got him?'

As soon as he heard her voice, Harry jumped from the old man's knee, and
running to her side, put up his arms.

'Oh, he's here! he's here,' she said, kissing him. 'Oh, ma'am,' she
went, on turning wildly to the lady of the house, 'do protect us, don't
let them get him.'

'Nobody shall hurt you here, poor woman,' said the lady. 'You are safe;
don't be afraid.'

'God bless you,' said Eliza, covering her face and sobbing, while Harry,
seeing her crying, t