small boats, surely?"

"I got one, Massa Knox," burst out Pete eagerly. "She's down by de
mouth ob de creek, sah, an' she sure am a mighty good boat. We could
load her up right here, an' I'd be one ob de niggers fer ter take dem
ladies down ribber. I'se a free boy, an' nobody care whar I done go."

These unexpected words heartened me, strengthened my own resolve, and I
obeyed the first impulse, instantly crossing the room and frankly
extending my hand to the surprised negro.

"That sounds like a man, Pete," I exclaimed warmly. "Yes, of course I
mean it--shake hands. You are white enough for me, boy, and I do not
propose letting you do any more than I am willing to do. I'll go along
with you on this trip. I have sixty days furlough."

I turned and faced the lawyer, my mind firmly settled on the scheme,
and determined upon carrying it out instantly.

"And now, what about you, Haines?" I demanded. "Are you ready to help?
Come, man, surely this is not something we have any time to debate.
Kirby is liable to show up at any moment with full authority, and the
sheriff to back him. It is still early in the evening and we must work
tonight, if at all."

"You haven't the strength for such a venture," he protested.

"Haven't I?" and I laughed. "Oh, yes I have. I am young and this
wound is nothing. I may be a bit stiff in the shoulder for a few days,
but I can pull an oar with one hand. That never will stop me. Are you