Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1899-01-21

S"S,'' III iIiilI iuSC w tIlO SOllSIIOuCCltSS
Henry Boyer, loved him despite his
w'rthlessness and the fact that he had
stolen valuable horse belonging to her
father. IT was that feeling which caused
her to make her way stealthily to the
inn late at night under the escort of her
faithful servant and to release me, be-
hoving | was her lover. The act was
wOmnnlilc and who shall blame her
therefor, even though she knew the un-
wOrthiness of the miscreant that had
won her affection?
But after all had nothing to do with
this phase Of the business. So far as 1
was concerned the young woman had
builded better than she knew. | was
breathing the free air of heaven and
should continue to do so or know the
reason why.
"Rastus, you say Miss Esther wishes
me to run and it is the best thing fer
me to do, but did she say in what di
rection?'
81 s'poso from her observations dat
she meant fur yo' to run to de debbil,
which am de same as runnin like de
old boy"
But, not being acquainted with the
country What the mischief are You
laughing att" l angrily demanded as
the negro chuckled.
"Marse Hank, yo' jokin when yo' say
yo' doan't know much bout dis ken
try"
1t was a waste of the precious min
utes to seek to convince Erastus Brown
of the truth. l appealed to his good
opinion of himself.
"What do you advise? What direc-
tiOn is best for me to take?"
"My advice am to head fur Moo Or
leans and not stop runnin day or night
till yo' got dere. 1t am only free, four
t'ousand miles, and l s'pose yo'll got
tired, but when yo' arrOve dere yo'll be
safe and yo' kin take good, long rest
Mercy heben," suddenly exclaimed the
African, "did yo' hear dat?'
1t was dismal, mournful sound that
rose on tho night air, coming from some
point apparently miles distant. l took
it for the cry of a wolf in some swamp
or woods and set it down as unworthy
of attention at the time.
Although | had made my escape from
the house, l was still near it. Cy Wal
ters and Archie Hunter would not sit
down and wait for daylight before max
ing another move against me, and un
less morning found me several miles
from that spot it would find mo i'll i'm
minent peril of being recaptured or shot
down.
h,1n For tn hn fnrOnttnT
Although | had possession of an excel
lent revolver, only three chambers were
loaded, and was without an additional
cartridge, for Jim DUNCAN when he re-
lieved me of my weapon took good care,
as l have related, to supply himself with
the accompanying ammunition. 1t was
necessary, therefore, that | should hus-
band those three charges until the direst
necessity compelled me to appeal to
them.
"You know l have been away for
some time, Erastus, " l said desperately.
II shall depend upon you to guide me
to a secure hiding place. Lead ON. "
No doubt the African deemed me &C.
centric that night but probably he laid
it to my flustered condition. He NUT
tered something which | did not catch
and turned straight about and started
across the broad spreading meadow tO
which l have referred. followed few
PAGES behind him.
AS nearly as | remember, we walked
an eighth of mile without any per
ceptible change of direction. Then my
guide turned to the left, and in few
minutes we were making our way
through low, swampy ground, whore
the water wet my shoes. Dense stubby
trees and bushes loomcd up III 'front.'
"Where are you leading me, Eras
tus?" L asked sharply.
"Gracious heben, doan' yo' know,
Marse Hank"-
1t would not do to throw away time
with this fellow. l spoke with sternness
and laid my hand ON the butt Of the
pistol at my hip.
"Erastus, after this when l ask you
a question answer me if you don't
want me to shoot you. What place is
this to which you are leading me?"
at am Black Mans swamp"
"What gave it that name?"
"Dat's whar de runaway slaves some
times uSpd tO hide De swami am So