Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1919-09-19

menC.
"And you said that Kirby and Car
yer were only in town for one night,
leaving the next morning on a keel
boat for st. Louis. My idea is they
were not quite ready to take posses
sion; that they have gone to st. Louis
with officers prepared to execute
them. This means that we must work
fast to get out of their way
What do you propose doing?"
Let me ask a question first. Is it
true that EIoise Beaucaire is heiress
to fifty thousand dollars through her
mothers estate?'
Yes; 1 invested most of it,
'In what?'
New Orleans property principally"
"Then it is safe enough whatever
happens. The only thing we can do
is this: tell those girls and the mother |
the whole truth-tell them at once, be-
fore Kirby can return, and then help |
them to get out of this country. 1t |
is not necessary for Eloise to go, un-
less she desires to, but there is nc |
They must reach a northern state be-
fore Kirby can lay hands on them.
Could Della pass for white woman?"
Not in the South; still she could
travel as Rene's maid. But l do not
believe it is possible for the two to
escape in that way, Knox. Understand,
I'd be willing to risk it if there were
any show. How can it be done? On
the average at this time of year there
isn't steamboat along here once a
month. If we did get them onto a
boat they would have to travel
straight south as far as the Ohio.
Kirby wouldn't be more than a day
or two behind them, with friends on
every boat on the river. Illinois is no
free state for fugitive slaves-they
might just as well De caught in Mis-
souri, as over there. There is not one
chance in thousand that they make
it,
"And less than that if they remain
here for Kirby to get his hands on"
1 retorted bitterly. "Now look here,
Haines. I am going to carry out this
plan alone if you will not back me in
it. I am not talking about steam
boats; they could travel by night, and
hide along shore during the day. All
they would need would be two negro
oarsmen, sufficient food, and a boat
big enough to carry them safely. You
have small boats surely?"
81 got one, Massa knox," burst out
Pete eagerly. "Shes down by de
| mouth OBJ de creek, sab, an she sure
am a mighty good boat. We could
load her up right here, an I'd be one
OBJ de niggers fer ter take dem ladies
, down ribber. Use a free boy, an no
5 body care whar I done go.'
} These unexpected words heartened
me, strengthened my own resolve, and
1 obeyed the first impulse, instantly
crossing the room and frankly extend
/ ing my hand to the surprised negro.
l "That sounds like a man, Pete" ]
exclaimed warmly. Eyes, of course
l mean it-shake hands. You are white
enough for me, boy, and I do not pro.
pose letting you do any more than
y am willing to do. I'll go along with
a you on this trip. I have sixty days
furlOugh.
"And now, what about you, Haines p
e 7 demanded. "Are you ready to help
Come, man, surely this is not some
thing we have any time to debate
. Kirby is liable to show up at any mo
ment with full authority, and the sher
iff to back him. 1t is still early ir
4I-z
night if at ALL
"You haven't the strength for sucl
venture" he protested.
"Haven't II" and 1 laughed. "Oh
yes, I have. I am young and thi
wound is nothing. Are you with us?'
He was slow in replying, and, as
eagerly watched his face, I could al
most comprehend the working of tn
lawyer mind. He saw and argue
every doubt considered every danger
"In spirit, yes," he answered at last
'but not physically. 1 believe unde
the circumstances you are justified
Knox Perhaps I'd do the same thin
if 1 was in your place and had you
!. youth behind me. But l am a lawyer
lily yedIS Oll, anu ILLS Is LILY nOlQ6
. If the story ever got out that I\too
part in niger stealing, that would b
the end of me in Missouri. You ca
take the risk, but about all can
will be to keep a quiet tongue in m
- head I'll promise you that. But tha
is all 1 can promise"
rt "Yet you acknowledge this is th
NJ = L
:" us?"
re absolutely none. If there was
should never consent to be party t
Is this plan, or shield you in any way
Kirby has undoubtedly got the la7
of with him. We cannot establish fraud
We the property actually belongs to him
both mother and daughter are HI
ut slaves"
is "And how about the other girl
e, Eloise?"
C. HE has no legal hold on her; she
en- free white woman. He could onl
IS hope to overcome her resistance b
e. threats. The plantation is irrevocabl
RI. lost to the Beaucaires, but she po
ID. sesses the power to defy him becaus
ly of her mothers property. If Kirb
marries her, it will only be throug
y her consent"
q! He picked up his hat from the tabl
d. and a stout stick he had broug1
S. along with him, taking a step towar
up the door.
'e. 81 might as well tell you I conside
VI this a mad scheme" he paused to at
" gravely, "and that it will probably fai
ie There is a possible chance of success
1 admit, and for that reason 1 perm
" you to go ahead with it, and pledg
~ myself to keep the secret. was rath'
- Intimately associated with Beaucail
"a for a number of years, and to see h
~ granddaughter sold into slavery, eve
~, if she does have drop of nigg,
- blood in her veins, is more than I CO
stand without giving her a chance