It was a beautiful, clear, starlight night, but very cold, for it was
winter-time. Eliza ran quickly to Uncle Tom's cottage, and tapped on the
window.

Aunt Chloe was not asleep, so she jumped up at once, and opened the
door. She was very much astonished to see Eliza standing there with
Harry in her arms. Uncle Tom followed her to the door, and was very much
astonished too.

'I'm running away, Uncle Tom and Aunt Chloe--carrying off my child,'
said Eliza. 'Master sold him.'

'Sold him?' they both echoed, lifting up their hands in dismay.

'Yes, sold him,' said Eliza. 'I heard master tell missis that he had
sold my Harry, and you, Uncle Tom. The man is coming to take you away
to-morrow.'

At first Tom could hardly believe what he heard. Then he sank down, and
buried his face in his hands.

'The good Lord have pity on us!' said Aunt Chloe. 'What has Tom done
that master should sell him?'

[Illustration]

'He hasn't done anything--it isn't for that. Master don't want to sell;
but he owes this man money. If he doesn't pay him it will end in his
having to sell the house and all the slaves. Master said he was sorry.
But missis she talked like an angel. I'm a wicked girl to leave her so,