they are suspected of knowing
of such escape.

Our anxiety grew more and more intense, as the time of our intended
departure for the north drew nigh. It was truly felt to be a matter
of life and death with us; and we fully intended to _fight_ as well as
_run_, if necessity should occur for that extremity. But the trial hour
was not yet to come. It was easy to resolve, but not so easy to act. I
expected there might be some drawing back, at the last. It was natural
that there should be; therefore, during the intervening time, I lost no
opportunity to explain away difficulties, to remove doubts, to dispel
fears, and to inspire all with firmness. It was too late to look back;
and _now_ was the time to go forward. Like most other men, we had done
the talking part of our{223} work, long and well; and the time had come
to _act_ as if we were in earnest, and meant to be as true in action
as in words. I did not forget to appeal to the pride of my comrades, by
telling them that, if after having solemnly promised to go, as they had
done, they now failed to make the attempt, they would, in effect, brand
themselves with cowardice, and might as well sit down, fold their arms,
and acknowledge themselves as fit only to be _slaves_. This detestable
character, all were unwilling to assume. Every man except Sandy (he,
much to our regret, withdrew) stood firm; and at our last meeting we
pledged ourselves afresh, and in the most solemn manner, that, at the
time appointed, we _would_ certainly start on our long journey for a
free country. This meeting was in the middle of the week, at the end of
which we were to start.

Early that morning we went, as usual, to the field, but with hearts that
beat quickly and anxiously. Any one intimately acquainted with us, might
have seen that all was not well with us, and that some monster lingered
in our thoughts. Our work that morning was the same as it had been for
several days past--drawing out and spreading manure. While thus engaged,
I had a sudden presentiment, which flashed upon me like lightning in a
dark night, revealing to the lonely traveler the gulf before, and the
enemy behind. I instantly turned to Sandy Jenkins, who was near me, and
said to him, _"Sandy, we are betrayed;_ something has just told me so."
I felt as sure of it, as if the officers were there in sight.
Sandy said, "Man, dat is strange; but I feel just as you do." If my
mother--then long in her grave--had appeared before me, an