Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/144

128 He talked the matter over with his wife, and they decided that he must take the first opportunity to escape to Canada, and then, as soon as he could earn the money, he should buy her freedom. A few days after, he was sent on an errand to a neighboring town, and embraced the opportunity to run away. He got safely to Canada, but in a short time he found that he could get higher wages at the Cataract House at Niagara; so he crossed the river and took service there, being very anxious to buy his wife’s liberty as soon as possible. One day as he entered the dining-room he saw his master at one of the tables. He started back in dismay, hurried out of the door, and made his way as quickly as possible to the Canada side. His master noticed the confusion, and inquired the cause, and found that his former slave was in the neighborhood. He sent word to him to come and see him, as he wanted to talk with him, and he need have no fear of being captured. The slave knew that he could fully trust his master’s honor, and came to see him. The master said to him, “Don’t you think you have treated me very badly? I only bought you because you pleaded so earnestly with me. I did everything I could to make you comfortable, and I thought you were happy and contented.” “Yes, massa, you were very good to me, and I loved you very much.” “Why then did you leave me?” “Do you remember that day I was driving you with Mr. So-and-so, and you said that you were thinking of selling out?” “Yes, I remember, but I did not think you heard.” “I heard it all, and I felt that I could not stay and be sold down the river. Don’t think me ungrateful, but I felt I must be free.”

They talked for some time, and at last the master said, “I think you have talents that would fit you for