Page:The Under-Ground Railroad.djvu/42

22 He kept no record as to the number he had assisted in this way. I have only been able, from conversations with him on the subject, to ascertain about 1,300 whom he delivered to abolitionists to be forwarded to Canada. Poor man, he was finally captured and sold. He had been towards the interior of Kentucky, about 50 miles: it was while returning, with four Slaves, that he was captured. On one side the Ohio river is Kentucky, a Slave State, and on the other side of that river is a Free State, this river dividing the line. Day-light came on them, they concealed themselves under stacks of Indian corn, which served them for food, as well as protection from the weather and passers-by, waiting till the sun should go down and leave behind him a black garment over the face of Nature. Late in the afternoon of that day, in the distance was heard the baying of the Negro-hounds, on their track; escape was impossible. To plunge into the river was to find a watery grave. To turn back was to walk into the lion's den. Self-defence was the only alternative: perhaps they might cause the enemy to retreat, if not too many for them. When the four Slaves saw their Masters, they said, "J. M., we can't fight." He endeavoured to rally up their courage, and arouse their ambition, by urging the justness of their cause, but to no purpose; their manhood had been crushed out by the overpowering influence of Slavery,