a limber tongue. In my
desperation, I had fully made up my mind to measure strength with Master
Hugh, in case he should undertake to execute his threats. I am glad
there was no necessity for this; for resistance to him could not have
ended so happily for me, as it did in the case of Covey. He was not
a man to be safely resisted by a slave; and I freely own, that in my
conduct toward him, in this instance, there was more folly than wisdom.
Master Hugh closed his reproofs, by telling me that, hereafter, I need
give myself no uneasiness about getting work; that he "would, himself,
see to getting work for me, and enough of it, at that." This threat I
confess had some terror in it; and, on thinking the matter over, during
the Sunday, I resolved, not only to save him the trouble of getting me
work, but that, upon the third day of September, I would attempt to
make my escape from slavery. The refusal to allow me to hire my time,
therefore, hastened the period of flight. I had three weeks, now, in
which to prepare for my journey.

Once resolved, I felt a certain degree of repose, and on Monday, instead
of waiting for Master Hugh to seek employment for me, I was up by break
of day, and off to the ship yard of Mr. Butler, on the City Block, near
the draw-bridge. I was a favorite{257} with Mr. B., and, young as I was,
I had served as his foreman on the float stage, at calking. Of course, I
easily obtained work, and, at the end of the week--which by the way was
exceedingly fine I brought Master Hugh nearly nine dollars. The effect
of this mark of returning good sense, on my part, was excellent. He was
very much pleased; he took the money, commended me, and told me I might
have done the same thing the week before. It is a blessed thing that
the tyrant may not always know the thoughts and purposes of his victim.
Master Hugh little knew what my plans were. The going to camp-meeting
without asking his permission--the insolent answers made to his
reproaches--the sulky deportment the week after being deprived of the
privilege of hiring my time--had awakened in him the suspicion that I
might be cherishing disloyal purposes. My object, therefore, in working
steadily, was to remove suspicion, and in this I succeeded admirably. He
probably thought I was never better satisfied with my condition, than
at the very time I was planning my escape. The second week passed, and
again I carried him my full week's wages--_nine dollars;_ and so well
pl