She then gave us directions for our journey, naming the dangerous places which we were to avoid; after which we started with renewed courage. After travelling about two miles we came to a bridge, upon which were many hands at work, under the supervision of a “boss.” They did not address us, although they looked steadily at us, as if they wished to do so.
This was a toll bridge, at which footmen paid two cents, but when we crossed, the toll man was in so high dispute with a teamster, who had just crossed, that he did not notice us. Thus God paid our toll.
About a mile beyond this, we came to a place where were several Irishmen quarrying stone. They stopped work as we approached, looked hard at us, and I heard them say, “Here come two negroes who look like runaways; we can make a penny apiece off them, let’s take them up.” This was a trying time, and exercised all the faith of which we were possessed. But faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen; by it the elders obtained a good report.
But notwithstanding the suggestions of these men and our passing near them, still they did not molest us, although they followed us with their eyes, as far as they could see us. This was another Ebenezer for us to raise, in token of God’s deliverance; so when we were out of their sight, we knelt and offered up our thanksgiving to God for this great salvation.
Three miles farther on we passed a village tavern, at the door of which stood a stage coach loaded with passengers, of the driver of which we inquired the way to a certain town. We had travelled about a mile in the direction he designated, when we saw two horsemen following us, in great haste. We suspected they were in pursuit of us, but as there were no woods near, saw no means of escape.
As they came up they said, “Boys, where are you going?” We named the town which was about three miles distant. “You will not get there to-night,” said one. “No, sir, we don’t expect it,” I answered.
They kept along with us for about a mile. I soon suspected their object was to arrest us, that they dared not attempt it alone, but that they hoped to meet some one who would assist them. One of them entered a tavern, which we passed, but finding no help there, came out and continued on with us.
After awhile one of them rode on ahead of us, when the other tried to check him by saying, “We must not go so fast, they will take another road.” This verified our suspicions that they were after us.
My companion began to complain that it was now a gone case with us, and said he wished he had not come. I reproved him for this faithlessness; told him if this was his course of procedure, that we should soon be taken up, and reminded him of his promise to trust in God, let danger assume whatever shape it might. I told him my confidence remained unshaken, that I had no reason at all to doubt. Upon this he braved up, and went on cheerfully.
When we approached the town of Rockville, our undesirable companions rode off at full speed, thinking, doubtless, that we should be foolish enough to follow. We thought it wisest, however, as soon as they were out of sight, to take the woods until night. But whilst resting under the bushes, we observed two boys approaching, one black the other white. The latter exclaimed at once, “There are two runaways, I will go and tell my father.”