had gone by, ten in all from the
time I first began to think about school.

Finally, one night I said to him: "This is the third and last
time I shall tell you I want to go to school. You hindered me for
years by telling me that I would be travelling in your tears.
That will not answer any longer." When he saw that the blaze had
never died out he said: "My son, these may be right thoughts that
have come to your mind and their power may lead you to a good
end, yet they may be the ruin of you. I would rather follow you
to your grave than see you captured and brought back to be
punished by these hateful laws they have on these plantations.
God will change things after a time and then it may be you can go
to school in safety." I saw then that my poor father wanted me to
go to school but was afraid I would be punished if I did, as he
had known others to do. I said I was going to risk it anyway. As
the appointed time drew near he was very sorrowful. Never shall I
forget the night of parting. After he had pronounced a
benedirection upon me he said: "May you ever be happy."

I had really started upon my journey. I had a sack of gingerbread
which I did not want to bother with but that my dear sisters
persuaded me to carry with me. When daylight appeared I knew it
would not be safe to keep the road so I planned out a road of my
own. When I came to the spring into which Ponce de Leon had
plunged to regain his lost youth I sat down and ate all the bread
I could and left the rest. How often afterwards I wished for it!

Not long after I left Ponce de Leon spring I heard the plantation
dogs coming after me. "What shall I do now?" was the question.
When they had nearly reached me I hid behind a tree and then
dashed off as if I saw game ahead. They soon recognized me and
became my fast friends.

We slept in the same bed under the same guardian stars. Every
night I would thank God for their voiceless sympathy. I shared my
meals with them. When I bought crackers I would eat but a few of
them and give the rest to my dumb companions. But I saw at last
that I must get rid of the poor creatures somehow, although the
thought almost broke my heart. When I reached the Mississippi I
lashed two logs together and sent my companions out hunting. Then
I sailed away