The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-06-17

deeply. II the poor unfortunates now in the
swamp were back upon the plantations. all
would be vel. But they syr we're ap mot mot ,a mhey were were
felt responsible for their lives, and we clearly
understood II their masters found them and
caught US, our responslbnlty "ouio END with z
short shrift and u long rope, and they would
Ne had three alternatives: To let Obed and
Mason take the chances OF getting mem through
selves. or to go with then, by the 1io route
either was fraught with danger. IL was not
probable that there would be water enough In
the swamps to float a boat for three months. and
it was impossible for the fhgitiyes to remain
where they were for that length OF time.
AT last Wesner suggested writing 10 En-
twissle' TO inquire il there were any chance
TO ship by water, as there were a number OF
places around yermilion Bay. ana even On the
through safely, provided there was a vessel to
receive us Immediately upon arrival.
Wesner mailed the letter az New orleans.
before he received an answer. There was no
vessel TO be relied upon at present Lnere was
q shipbnilding concern n East b cssU tnat
where on the Sabine river, cutting timber, for
a vessel frame. He had telegraphed to these
parties and the answer was. ..m -. m mn no
Timber not shipped. but VIII De rs soon as
a vessel can be chartered.
Not satisfied with this. Entwistle had written
that he would visit Boston and see what arrange
/ iNiN' bhi w llHtb' o'N ""'
Wesner. who had perfect confidence in, En-
t,ST d snc Wa content pt t to Do wait; rTo Boston SssS la srr
rived. The frame was for Philadelphia parties
and must be delivered there. At present II wa;
c crssa out MAKING Gh usG int Ssh he ~ sabine abb @G near the town
the Sabine. He could make very liberal ar.
were much pleased to get a little freight money
to help them out. There were about $50 tons
Of the timber. liz, could make arrangements
for any number Of lay days at a demurrage OF
only SIS per day after the first twenty days
allowed to load. and he suggested TO Wesner 70
visit the place and see for himself what the
full termination. Wesner telegraphed him that
he would go. While he was absent l made a
visit to the, rendezvous, taking In more pro
visions. All the sick were recovering, and,
best Of. all with returning health were growing
honeful: This was a good omen,
The day after Wesner returned, We mounted
our horses and set ont for the Sabine 10 explore
be taking out people fifty miles. perhaps seventy.
without being d'', covered 4, 4 part sT,m of s S%5
grand prairie; this we would be Obliged to
cross but as our course lay toward TsE%;
Of any Of the party being known. we did not
consider this a very serious obstacle, Some
time was consumed in finding a suitable route
for the first twenty-five miles. but finally we
succeeded In locating the road to our salts
faction. We easily found the ship timber
The trees along the river banks had been cnt
let In the sunlight that II might dry the timber.
as oak in its green state will sink 10 the bottom.
In the woods and at ,he edge ns OF the e, EARN :
during the previous winter Here we passed
the night,
the camp away from the river. This we sup
posed must lead to some plantation or settle
ment. 1t was very narrow, as had not
plore it. About seven miles below the clearing,
and e-half mile from the river bank We located
our camp for the negroes, II was on a solitary
hnmmock about an acre in extent, surrounded
by at least a foot of water and mud, In the
midst of the worst tangled swamp man ever
saw.
sweeping from the Gulf Of Mexico lay great
oaks and tall cypress trees, mingled In wild
confusion. Out among their rotting trunks
the water moccasin vlidcd in disgusting security
the rank September growth Of the semi-tropical
weeds hiding his loathsome body. Picture
this place surrounded by an almost impene-
trable cane brake, its bayous and brooks the
abode Of the alligator and srenouille, and 1t
vii give a faint idea of our camp upon the Sabine,
into whose gloomy recesses no ray of sun
shine ever penetrated. II was ec,re from
We were nineteen days upon this expedition.
from the time We left until out return. Our
rendezvous. We found the ~fuGitives as We
left them-anxious, but hopefuI-fo the sick
had recovered and were ready to move.
Wesner wrote the result Of our expedition
to Entwissle and awaited an answer.
CHAPTER xxx.
had long entertained an Idea regarding
Lucy, and, while upon our Sabine expedition, I
broached the subject TO Wesner. Coverly
was old, the loss OF his slaves had left him poor
Dick had probably paid MIN no money for
Now" said / to George. why not write
Pierce to make the old man an offer for the
girl? He will sell. He never can get her
again and he knows it,, One thousand or
fifteen hundred dollars will be Of more value
to him than the ownership Of a slave in ,Massa-
chusetts, He has srent enough already; He
to tpVPfti Pierce for less. ,Wii YOU Dc IT,
Charlie, / can't bear the idea Of applying
the words buy or sell TO her. Once I could.
You should see her now"
Shall | write to himY"
He h%esitated a moment, No. will. II
she Is once clear Of that hunted feeling. she
will be happier. l will write as soon as g
get back"
old man Covprly ride up to the Office Of tho
only lawyer in the place. dismonnt. pass the
blight Of his bride through the hole in the hitch
ing post. drop the loop over the top and walk
into the Office.
The day was exceedingly warm and the
cid man dropped into a, a chair ina by the open win ;.
with his hat. He caught sight OF me and called
to me to come in, ! had had no trouble with
him, and rather courted an interview. so |
fastened my horse and complied with his re-
Coverly, knowing. ! had been North. and
we're all the territory north of the Ohio River,
asked me II I were acquainted in Massachu.
setts. I told him that | was not, and never
information that he had received a letter from
there, offering him 81. 200 for that girl Of his
that run of. MI, Selwyn hns the letter, "
said he. "Selwyn. let Mr.. Bradley see that
letter