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the paper to me, open the door quickly, lock it on the inside, and run through the parlor into the back-yard.
There is a wall there eight feet high, with spikes at the top. Thou wilt find a clotheshorse leaning against it, to help thee up. When thou hast mounted, kick the clothes-horse down behind thee, drop on the other side of the wall, and be off.’
The premises were then shown to him, and he received minute directions through what alleys and streets he had better pass, and at what house he could find a temporary refuge.
Col. Ridgeley came the next morning, at the appointed hour, and brought a friend to stand sentinel at the street door, lest the slave should attempt to rush out. It did not occur to him that there was any danger of his running in.
‘We have not been able to raise the five hundred dollars,’ said Friend Hopper; ‘and here is thy man, according to agreement.’
The Colonel gave back his obligation for one thousand dollars; and the instant it left his hand, the fugitive passed into the parlor.
The master sprang over the counter after him, but found the door locked.
Before he could get to the back yard by another door, the wall was scaled, the clotheshorse thrown down, and the fugitive was beyond his reach.
Of course, he returned very much disappointed and enraged; declaring his firm belief that a
Boston, J. P. Jewett and Company; Cleveland, Ohio: Jewett, Proctor and Worthington; London; Low and Company, 1854.
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