Page:The rising son, or, The antecedents and advancement of the colored race (IA risingsonthe00browrich).pdf/44

 and began to fill his mouth with tobacco. The men outside mounted their horses and rode away, one of whom distinctly shouted, 'Remember, four o'clock.' I continued to visit one and then the other of the invalids, feeling their pulse, and otherwise showing my interest in their recovery.

"The brandy appeared to have as salutary effect on the man at the table as the morphia had on the sick, for he was fast asleep in a few minutes. The only impediment in the way of my escape now was a large dog, which it was difficult to keep from me when I first came to the house, and was now barking, snapping, and growling, as if he had been trained to it.

"Many modes of escape suggested themselves to me while the time was thus passing, the most favored of which was to seize the revolver, rush out of the house, and run my chance with the dog. However, before I could put any of these suggestions into practice, the woman went out, called 'Lion, Lion,' and returned, followed by the dog, which she made lie down by her as she reseated herself. In a low whisper, this woman, whose fate deserves to be a better one, said,—'They are going to hang you at four o'clock; now is your time to go.' The clock was just striking two when I arose, and with a grateful look, left the house. Taking the road that I had come, and following it down, I found my hat, and after walking some distance out of the way by mistake, I reached