"And this man, is he one?"
"Yes, a leader; he operates the most dangerous station of all. The escaping slaves come to him first."
"And he passes them on to the next man—do you know who?"
"Only what little Pete told me; the second agent is supposed to be a preacher in Beardstown."
She asked no further questions, and after a moment turned away, resting back against the edge of the cockpit with chin cupped in the hollow of her hand. The profile of her face was clearly defined by the starlight reflected by the river, and I found it hard to withdraw my eyes. A movement by the negro attracted my attention.
"There is a small creek about four miles above the Landing, Sam," I said shortly. "Do you think you can find it?"
"On de Missouri side, sah? Ah reckon Ah cud."