Once fairly within and under the scrutinizing gaze of this man, Charley made bold to ask for bread.
“Bread, you want, do you, you black runaway?” said the landlord rather roughly.
“I’ze no runa—”
“Yes you are you black rascal. Come go with me and I’ll show you something.”
Instinctively following the footsteps of the landlord, Charley was led to the stable where he recognized at once his master’s horse. Then the man took a paper from his pocket and read a complete description of him, and closed by saying: “You are this Charley and your master will give $500 to any man who will return you.”
Seeing he was caught, Charley pleaded, “O Lor,’ Massa, doan gib me up.”
“No, I’ll not; your master is close at hand. Do you see that house across the lot yonder?”
“Yes, Massa, I sees.”
“Well, you go there quick. Tell them I sent you and that they must take care of you. Go right in at the back door. Be quick or you’ll be caught.”
With both heart and feet a-bound, Charley made for the designated place. He found only a woman, sick upon her bed. Ere he had fairly made his errand known, there was heard the sound of horses’ feet upon the street, and looking out, Charley saw his master and another man coming at full speed, and began to cry.