I took them for what they were worth, and did not believe him; for he
would have whipped me severely if he had dared do so. His reasoning
regarding the poor, ignorant slaves on the plantation, however, was to
the point. In their ignorance they would suppose that if I could do as I
pleased and not be punished, they could do the same; and they would, in
all probability, create an insurrection which would result in their own
destruction. For their sakes I acceded to James' wishes. He told me that
if I would go to the railroad and work for Leadbitter one month, that I
might after that time hire myself out to whom I pleased and for as long
a time as I pleased.

I was given a letter to Leadbitter, and immediately started on foot for
the railroad. When I arrived there I handed the letter to Mr.
Leadbitter, who asked me how long I had come to stay with him. I told
him one month. He broke the letter open, and after reading it informed
me that James Wilson stated in the letter that I was to stay as long as
he wanted me. This was a piece of intelligence that learned me that
James Wilson would lie, and from that time forward I had no confidence
in his truthfulness. I did not know what was best to do, but finally
made up my mind to fulfill and make good my promise, and trust to the
future to compel James Wilson to perform his. I thought this the right
course. I did not deem that I would be justified in breaking my promise
because Wilson was unreliable and broke his. I concluded that if
Leadbitter kept me longer than one month he would have to be smarter
than I gave him credit for being. I asked Leadbitter how many days there
were in that month.

I went to work, and kept account of the days. I worked carefully. The
time passed slowly and wearily. My associations were of the worst
character possible, and my co-laborers were of that lowest class of