g. He was instructed that, as it would probably be
very late, or rather, early next morning, before he returned, he was to
drive the waggon down to the engine-house, and place it under the shed
there for the remainder of the night, instead of driving up to the
house, so that he might not disturb the occupants by the noise of his
arrival.

Leicester at once saw that this errand would afford him probably the
best opportunity he would ever have for the attempted escape; he
therefore mentioned to the overseer that he thought Tom and Walford
would be the most handy men he could take with him as helpers, and at
once went off in an unconcerned manner, but with a well-assumed air of
imperfectly concealed dissatisfaction at the prospect of his night
journey, to harness up the mules. On his way to the stables he sought
out Walford and the lad Tom, bidding them both be ready to go with him,
and imparting to the latter his determination to take advantage of this
opportunity to attempt their joint escape.

This done, he hurried away to the spot where he had concealed his
treasured plants, and arrived there, only to find that they were gone.
Whether they had been discovered and destroyed by the overseers, or had
been found and appropriated by some fellow-slave acquainted with their
valuable properties, it was impossible to tell; the one indisputable
fact was that the plants had vanished.

This was a most unfortunate circumstance, but George would not allow it
to dishearten him; the fugitives would have several hours' start before
the pursuit would commence, and then there was always the possibility
that other specimens of the plant might be found.

Thinking thus, he slowly wended his way to the stable, where he
harnessed up the mules, threw into the waggon a quantity of grass and
cane-leaves, together with a canvas cover and rope, supposed to be
required for packing and protecting the articles, and then drove to the
hut, where Tom and Walford awaited him. The former, a very shrewd and
intelligent young fellow, had immediately, upon being apprised by George
of his intention, hurried off to prepare "supper," recognising the great
importance of a good substantial meal before starting, especially in
view of the uncertainty as to when they would be able to secure another;
and when George reached the hut, this meal was just ready.

The trio partook of this, their last meal in slavery, as they hoped,
with great deliberation, George