"No, I do not think it will be possible to escape that way, Tony.
The only possible plan would be to get you on board some ship
going to England."

"Ships not dare take negro on board," Tony said. "Me heard dat
said many times--dat against de law."

"Yes, I know it's against the law," Vincent said, "and it's against
the law my talking to you here, Tony; but you see it's done. The
difficulty is how to do it. All vessels are searched before they
start, and an officer goes down with them past Fortress Monroe to
see that they take no one on board. Still it is possible. Of course
there is risk in the matter; but there is risk in everything. I will
think it over. Do not lose heart. Dan will be back directly with
enough food to last you for some days. If I were you I would take
refuge this time in White Oak Swamp. It is much nearer, and I
hear it has already been searched from end to end, so they are not
likely to try again; and if you hear them you can, if you are
pressed, cross the Chickahominy and make down through the
woods. Do you come again on Saturday evening--that will give me
four days to see what I can do. I may not succeed, you know; for
the penalty is so severe against taking negroes on board that I may
not be able to find any one willing to risk it. But it is worth
trying."

"De Lord bless you, sah!" Tony said. "I will do juss what you tole
me; but don't you run no risks for me, my life ain't worth dat."

"I will take care, Tony. And now here comes Dan with the
provisions."