we must travail in the Night
upon our Flight: but tho we took him with us, we dared not to tell him
of our design, because he had a Wife, intending not to acquaint him
with it, till the Business was just ready to be put into action. But
when he came expecting to meet with our guide, he was gone into another
Countrey; and we knew not where to find him, and we knew not how to
run away without him. Thus we were disapointed that time.

But as formerly, we went to and fro until we had sold our ware; and
so returned home again and delivered the man to his wife; but never
told him any thing of our intended design, fearing lest, if he knew
it, he might acquaint her with it, and so all our purposes coming
to be revealed might be overthrown for ever afterwards. For we were
resolved by Gods help still to persevere in our design.

[An extraordinary drought for three or four years together.] Some eight
or nine years one after another we followed this Trade, going down
into this Countrey on purpose to seek to get beyond the Inhabitants,
and so to run away thro the Woods to the Hollanders. Three or Four
years together the dry weather prevented us; when the Countrey was
almost starved for want of Rain: all which time they never tilled the
Ground. The Wells also were almost all dry; so that in the Towns we
could scarcely get Water to drink, or Victuals to eat. Which affrighted
us at those times from running into the Woods, lest we might perish
for Thirst. All this while upon the Mountains, where our dwelling was,
there was no want of Rain.

We found it an inconvenience when we came three of us down together,
reckoning it might give occasion to the people to suspect our design,
and so prevent us from going thither again. Some of the English
that followed such a Trade as we, had been down that way with their
Commodities, but having felt the smart of that Countries Sickness,
would go there no more, finding as much profit in nearer and easier
Journeys. But we still persisted in our courses this way, having some
greater matter to do here than to sell Wares, viz. to find out this
Northern Discovery; which in Gods good time we did effect.

CHAP. IX.

How the Author began his Escape; and got onward of his Way about an
Hundred miles.

[Their last and successful attempt.] Having often gone this Way to
seek for Liberty, but could not yet find it; we again set forth to try
what Success God Almighty would now give us, in the Ye