The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-06-13
BY MRS. T. M. PEACOCK

In the old ante bellum days, MT James Scarborough, of Mt. Andrew, Ala. owned a negro slave, whose name was Titus. He was a good negro, in- dustrious. attentive to business and a favorite with his master but that in born love of liberty which dwells in every human breast awakened in Titus, and he resolved to make bold dash for freedom, so he became. what was then known as runaway nigger."
 Leaving home one night he travelled southward, plunging through dense thickets and the canebrakes of Pea river swamp. The fear of being over taken brought back and punished lending speed to his feet. he made good lending speed to his feet, he made such good progress that the gray mists of morning found him many miles from his masters home.
 After a brief rest he resumed his tourney, working his way through the thick woods and swamps, never coming out into the open country. listening always for the bark of the dogs, which he knew would be put on his trail. and the tramping of the horses of his pursurers, knowing full well ne might expect them at any tune,
 In this way he travelled on in con stant fear of being caught by his mas ter. but he succeeded in eluding his pursurers until he reached the Ever glades of Florida. that mysterious baffling region of swamp, water and sword grass.
 Here he met with a band of Indians whose home was on an island In the interior of the Everglades. for, though the white man could not penetrate that region, the Indians knew Of pass ages through the sword grass, and made frequent trips from home to the towns, selling baskets and bead-work Titus made the Indians understand that he was in distress and taking | him under their protection, they car ried him to their island home.
 dains not daring to venture, out lest he should be captured and taken back to his master.
 MT. Scarborough, finally traced Iii tus to the Everglades. and suspected that he was with the Indians Know ing they would not voluntarily give him up. he conspired with some of tho men of the little town where the In. dians traded to arrange a plan where by they could be induced to restore him to his owner.
 On one of the trading expeditions of the Indians to the whit mans town. their chief was seized and held prisons er and they were informed tSSt he would only be given his liberty in ex" change for the runaway Titus
 This scheme worked we'll The In- dians at once made their way to their nome Tn lHe AVI tHC Pdi pose of bringing Titus to be eXchang- ed for their chief. He was very un- willing to come with them, but the Indians were determined; four years they had sheltered and protected him. but now their chiefs life was in dan ger, and Titus must be given up to save him.
 Two canoes were at once made ready for their journey, and the Indians be- gan the return trip with Titus se- curely fastened with a rope tied to one of his ankles, this in turn being made fast to the wrist of one of the Indians.
 At night they camped on one of the little islands of the Everglades. their canoes were tied up, a camp fire built supper eaten. and soon the Indians were asleep. Titus could not sleep. his thoughts ran of plans of escape. Must he be carried back to be slave again | after four years of freedom? 1 Midnight came, the fire was out; all was still. Titus thought this the time 1 to attempt his escape. Occasionally