The condition in which I was now placed rendered me indeed a pitiable
object. I waited and longed for morning to come; but the long, slow
minutes passed lazily along without regard to my sufferings or wishes.
After a long time, to me, I heard a rooster crow, and the welcome sound
brought me to my feet in an instant. I started in the direction of the
sound, and approached warily. Having walked a short distance I reached
the edge of the swamps, or rather a dry spot or oasis in the swamp, and
by the faint glimmer of day, which was just breaking, I could see the
outlines of a house. The cock continued to crow, which seemed to invite
me to approach, and which I construed into a good omen,--at least I
really felt good at the sight of the house, even though it might contain
those who would chain me and take me back to my master. I noticed that a
public road ran along close to the house; and after going on the road,
in approaching the house I was discovered by a dog, belonging to the
house, who set up a furious barking. Fearing to stay and make my wants
known I again sought "cover" in the swamp. I stayed in the swamp that
day and ate such berries, roots, and nuts as I could find. I had plenty
of time for prayer and meditation. I was alone with God, and prayed to
him for help in my distress, and for direction. I became convinced that
I had done wrong in running away, and deemed that I had sinned against
God. I had been a runaway and an outcast before, and had came to right
conclusions; yet I had turned from the path of duty, and was even now
being punished for my sin. I determined to return to my master and take
the consequences of my acts in running away. I asked God to have mercy
on me and pardon my sins, and protect me from the wrath of my master and
the maliciousness of Hines. Having fully made up my mind to return to
Thompson and make such efforts as I could to allay the punishment I
expected to receive, I set about perfecting my plans to get there
without being apprehended by the slave-hunters, who were then, I have no