endeavored to creep up the stairs and gain
a view of the upper deck. But both Mapes and the second mate made this
attempt impossible, forcing me into the ranks of the others, and
compelling us to restow the cargo. The methods they adopted to induce
sluggards to take hold were not gentle ones, and we were soon jumping
at the snarl of their voices, as though each utterance was the crack of
a whip. By a little diplomacy, I managed, however, to remain within
general view of the gangway and the stairs descending from the deck
above, confident that no one could pass me unseen. This watch brought
no results, except to convince me that Kirby and his party still
remained aboard. So far as I could perceive, no attempt to depart was
made by anyone, excepting a big fellow with a red moustache, who swore
profanely as he struggled through the mud, dragging a huge valise.

The situation puzzled and confused me. What choice would Kirby and the
deputy make? If once up Rock River the _Adventurer_ might very likely
not return for weeks, and it did not seem to me possible that the
impatient gambler would consent to such a delay. Every advance
northward brought with it a new danger of exposure. These were
Illinois troops to be transported--not regulars, but militia, gathered
from a hundred hamlets--and many among them would be open enemies of
slavery. Let such men as these, rough with the pioneer sense of
justice, once suspect the situation of those two women, especially if
the rumor got abroad among them that Eloise was white, and the
slave-hunter would have a hard row to hoe. And I made up my mind such
a rumor should be sown broadcast; aye, more, that, if the necessity
arose, I would throw off my own disguise and front him openly with the
charge. Seemingly there remained nothing else to do, and I outlined
this course of action, growing more confident as the minutes sped, that
the two men had determined to take their chances and remain aboard with
the prisoners. No doubt they hesitated to leap from the frying pan
into the fire, for perilous as it might prove to continue as passengers
of the _Adventurer_, an even greater danger might confront them ashore,
in that undisciplined camp. Aboard the steamer they could keep their
victims safely locked in the cabins, unseen, their presence unknown;
while probably Captain Corcoran and his two mates, all southern men,
would protect their secret. It seemed to me that this, most likely,