William replied, “I am too grateful for the kindness you have shown me, to feel any disposition to take advantage of that circumstance.  If I live, you shall never lose a single cent on my account.”

He was soon after indentured to Mr. Jacob Downing a respectable merchant of Philadelphia, who agreed to pay one hundred and twenty-five dollars for his services.  This was half of the money advanced for all of them.  William served the stipulated time faithfully.  His master said he never had a more honest and useful servant; and he on his part always spoke of the family with great respect and affection.

When the time of his indenture had expired, he called upon his old benefactor, Thomas Harrison.  After renewing his grateful acknowledgments for the service rendered to him in extremity, he inquired whether anything had ever been heard from the two other fugitives.  Being answered in the negative, he replied, “Well, Mr. Harrison, you paid two hundred and fifty dollars for us, and you have not been able to find my companions.  You have received only one hundred and twenty-five dollars.  It is not right that you should lose by your kindness to us.  I am willing you should bind me again to make up the balance.”

“Honest fellow!  Honest fellow!” exclaimed Thomas Harrison.  “Go about thy business.  Thou hast paid thy share, and I have no further claim upon thee.  Conduct as well as thou hast done since I have known thee, and thou wilt surely prosper.”

Friend Hopper happened to be present at this interview; and he used to say, many years afterward, that he should never forget how it made his heart glow to witness such honorable and disinterested conduct.  The two other fugitives were never heard of, and Friend Harrison of course lost one hundred and twenty-five dollars.  William frequently called upon his benefactors, and always conducted in the most exemplary manner.

SARAH ROACH.

Sarah Roach, a light mulatto, was sold by her master in Maryland to a man residing in Delaware.  The laws of Delaware prohibit the introduction of slaves, unless brought into the state by persons intending to reside there permanently.  If brought under other circumstances they become free.  Sarah remained with her new master several years before she was made aware of this fact.  Meanwhile, she gave birth to a daughter, who was of course free, if the mother was free at the time she was born.  At last, some one informed the bondwoman that her master had no legal claim to her services.  She then left him and went to Philadelphia.  But she remained ignorant of the fact that her daughter was free, in consequence of the universal maxim of slave law, that “the child follows the condition of the mother.”

When the girl was about sixteen years old, she absconded from Delaware, and went to her mother, who inquired of Isaac T. Hopper what was the best method of eluding the vigilance of her master.  After ascertaining the circumstances, he told her that her daughter was legally free, and instructed her to inform him in case any person attempted to arrest her.