RVANT.

A quarter of a century ago, William and Ellen Craft were slaves in the
State of Georgia. With them, as with thousands of others, the desire to
be free was very strong. For this jewel they were willing to make any
sacrifice, or to endure any amount of suffering. In this state of mind
they commenced planning. After thinking of various ways that might be
tried, it occurred to William and Ellen, that one might act the part of
master and the other the part of servant.

Ellen being fair enough to pass for white, of necessity would have to be
transformed into a young planter for the time being. All that was
needed, however, to make this important change was that she should be
dressed elegantly in a fashionable suit of male attire, and have her
hair cut in the style usually worn by young planters. Her profusion of
dark hair offered a fine opportunity for the change. So far this plan
looked very tempting. But it occurred to them that Ellen was beardless.
After some mature reflection, they came to the conclusion that this
difficulty could be very readily obviated by having the face muffled up
as though the young planter was suffering badly with the face or
toothache; thus they got rid of this trouble. Straightway, upon further
reflection, several other very serious difficulties stared them in the
face. For instance, in traveling, they knew that they would be under the
necessity of stopping repeatedly at hotels, and that the custom of
registering would have to be conformed to, unless some very good excuse
could be given for not doing so.

[Illustration: WILLIAM CRAFT]

[Illustration: ELLEN CRAFT.]

Here they again, thought much over matters, and wisely concluded that
the young man had better assume the attitude of a gentleman very much
indisposed. He must have his right arm placed carefully in a sling; that
would be a sufficient excuse for not registering, etc. Then he must be a
little lame, with a nice cane in the left hand; he must have large green
spectacles over his eyes, and withal he must be very hard of hearing and
dependent on his faithful servant (as was no uncommon thing with
slave-holders), to look after all his wants.

William was just the man to act this part. To begin with, he was very
"likely-looking;" smart, active and exceedingly attentive to his young
master--indeed he was almost eyes, ears, hands and feet for him. William
knew that this would please the slave-holders. The young planter would
h