We traveled slowly, by reason of the master's sickness; and when we
stopped for the night I found that the saddle I had been riding had hurt
the horse's back. Wilson was furious, and swore he would take as much
hide from my back when we got home as the saddle had taken from the
horse's back.

The next day after leaving Salisbury we arrived at Mr. Dansley's. In
conversation, I heard Wilson tell Mr. Dansley that he intended to take
me home with him.

I claimed the fulfillment of his promise from Wilson, and asked him if
he was not going to let me work for Mr. Dansley, according to agreement.
This so enraged Wilson that he pulled out his six-shooter, and
exclaimed:

"Mount that horse, you ---- black rascal!"

I did so.

Fearful that the horse's back would become incurably sore if I rode him
with his back in the condition it was, I suggested that the horse had
better be led. Wilson therefore ordered me into the wagon to drive the
team, and required Havely, my fellow-slave, to walk,--intending we
should take turns. After awhile Havely exchanged places with me, and
while walking along in rear of the wagon it occurred to me that this
would be as favorable an opportunity as I would soon again get for
making my escape from Wilson and slavery.

I "took to the woods" without attracting the attention of either Wilson