three hours, however, and had ample time for reflection. The bridge
where I had been so completely hemmed in the night before was impressed
deeply upon my memory; and the agony of mind while on the bridge was
still troubling me. I relied on a loving heavenly Father in my troubles
and trials, and brought to my mind the condition of the children of
Israel when about to be overwhelmed by the hosts of Pharaoh on the shore
of the Red Sea. God delivered them, and I believed he would deliver me.
My faith was strong.

Night came at last, when I cautiously emerged from my hiding-place and
continued my journey toward home. I ran and walked about twenty-five
miles, and did not find any familiar objects to lead me to suppose I was
in the neighborhood of my master's plantation, when I began to look
about for a place of concealment in which to spend another weary and
lonesome day. Walking slowly along, after a short time my attention was
attracted by sounds as if some one was pounding a hard substance. On
stopping and listening, I soon heard some person calling hogs. The
voice seemed familiar. Upon further investigation I began to recognize
objects, and soon ascertained that I was "at home." Now that I had got
back "home," new troubles arose in my mind. I would be punished
severely, without doubt.

Instead of going to "the quarters" I went directly to my master's
plantation, in the hope that I could enlist my mistress in my behalf,
and thus have the way made smooth for me. My master was not at home,
fortunately, and my mistress heard my story and prayers for forgiveness.
She promised to intercede with my master for me, but that I must promise
not to run away again, which I did. She bade me to go and hide myself in
the stable loft, and not to leave there until she sent for me. Soon
after, my master came home. In conversation with him my mistress