CHAPTER XII


GEORGE FIGHTS FOR FREEDOM


The day after George and Eliza met each other once more at the end of so
many sad months of parting, was a very happy one in the Quaker house.

The two had much to say to each other. George had to tell how he had
escaped from his cruel master, and how he had followed Eliza all the way
and at last found her. Then there were plans to make for going on
towards Canada. It was arranged that they should start that night at ten
o'clock. 'The pursuers are hard after thee, we must not delay,' said
Simeon.

Rachel was happy and busy, packing up food and clothes for them to take
on the journey.

Late in the afternoon another Quaker, called Phineas, came with the
dreadful news that the wicked men, whom Haley had sent to catch Eliza,
were only a few miles away.

So George and Eliza decided to start as soon as it was dark. A little
while after supper a large covered waggon drew up before the door. They
got in and the waggon drove off.

On and on, all through the dark night they drove. About three o'clock,
George heard the click of a horse's hoof coming behind them.