met a colored man and began conversation with him. I learned that the
reward Wilson had offered for me had arrived at Holly Springs before me,
and that persons were on the lookout for me. The colored man seemed to
have a suspicion that I was a runaway, and was disposed to aid me all in
his power. To keep out of the way of slave-hunters was my object, and I
knew that the contemplated visit to Uncle Ben was fraught with too much
danger to be further thought of.

Fearful that the negro would betray me, yet feeling somewhat safe for
the present, I sat down to think and rest myself. I knew that if I was
caught Wilson would flay me, as he had threatened to do, for making his
saddle-horse's back sore, but that if I could once get through to
Memphis I would be enabled, through the assistance of friends, to make
my way North. Yet I wanted to see Uncle Ben again, and tried to hit upon
some plan to accomplish that object; but I failed, and started on the
road again.

After traveling a short time I came to a house by the road-side. The
kitchen stood about twenty yards from the main building, and had a
window in the back part of it. I was very hungry, and debated in my mind
as to the manner in which I should proceed to obtain food. To ask for it
was too risky, and I was fearful that if I was seen by any of the
persons about the house I would be apprehended and put in the nearest
jail as a runaway. Looking in at the window I saw a colored woman; and
on a table a meal was prepared, which, it seemed, was being held in
readiness for the arrival of some one. I waited patiently, hoping the
colored woman would leave the kitchen for some purpose; but she sat
quietly waiting.

After awhile the master and mistress arrived, it seems, from a visit.