thin a few rods of my frail covering, they
went on, and left me once more in hope. Friday night came without any
other incident worth naming. As I sallied out, I felt evident benefit from
the ear of corn I had nibbled away. My strength was considerably renewed;
though I was far from being nourished, I felt that my life was at least
safe from death by hunger. Thus encouraged, I set out with better speed
than I had made since Sunday and Monday night. I had a presentiment, too,
that I must be near free soil. I had not yet the least idea where I should
find a home or a friend, still my spirits were so highly elated, that I
took the whole of the road to myself; I ran, hopped, skipped, jumped,
clapped my hands, and talked to myself. But to the old slaveholder I had
left, I said, "Ah! ha! old fellow, I told you I'd fix you."

After an hour or two of such freaks of joy, a gloom would come over me in
connexion with these questions, "But where are you going? What are you
going to do? What will you do with freedom without father, mother,
sisters, and brothers? What will you say when you are asked where you were
born? You know nothing of the world; how will you explain the fact of your
ignorance?"

These questions made me feel deeply the magnitude of the difficulties yet
before me.

Saturday morning dawned upon me; and although my strength seemed yet
considerably fresh, I began to feel a hunger somewhat more destructive and
pinching, if possible, than I had before. I resolved, at all risk, to
continue my travel by day-light, and to ask information of the first
person I met.

The events of the next chapter will shew what fortune followed this
resolve.

CHAPTER IV.

THE GOOD WOMAN OF THE TOLL-GATE DIRECTS ME TO W.W.--MY RECEPTION BY HIM.

The resolution of which I informed the reader at the close of the last
chapter, being put into practice, I continued my flight on the public
road; and a little after the sun rose, I came in sight of a toll-gate
again. For a moment all the events which followed my passing a toll-gate
on Wednesday morning, came fresh to my recollection, and produced some
hesitation; but at all events, said I, I will try again.

On arriving at the gate, I found it attended by an elderly woman, whom I
afterwards learned was a widow, and an excellent Christian woman. I asked
her if I was in Pennsylvania. On being informed that I was, I asked her if
she knew where I could get employ? She said she did not;