southern blacks whose ignorance and waywardness render them most of the
time more than brutal. I made every effort to do good among them, and
endeavored to preach to them on several occasions, but was interrupted
and deterred by the whites, who forbade my preaching. I talked to the
blacks, however, whenever opportunity occurred, and I hope that my
labors for Jesus were not in vain.

The last day of my month came and passed. It was Friday. On Saturday
morning, about three o'clock, I started for home, and with rapid walking
I reached my destination about two hours after sunrise. When I reached
the plantation I "cut across lots," and passed through the field where
Wilson was at work with the hands. I approached, unobserved by him, and
spoke to him. He looked at me with astonishment, and in surprise asked,
"What are you doing here?"

"You told me to stay one month; I done so," I answered.

"Did Mr. Leadbitter know when you left?"

"I do not know, sir," I replied. "I left at three o'clock this morning,
and did not think it worth while to disturb Mr. Leadbitter's rest."

"Three o'clock!" exclaimed Wilson.

"Yes, sir," I quietly answered.

"You ran away, did you?"

"No, sir, I did not run away. I stayed as long as you required me to
stay, when, in obedience to your expressed promises, I came home."