“Very well,” rejoined his opponent.  “There are lawyers enough who need it, and still more who would be glad to have it.”

Finding it alike impossible to coax or intimidate the resolute Quaker, they withdrew.  About eleven o’clock at night, some of the family informed Friend Hopper that there was a man continually walking back and forth in front of the house.  He went out and accosted him thus:  “Friend, art thou watching my house?” When the stranger replied that he was, he said, “It is very kind in thee; but I really do not think there is any occasion for thy services.  I am quite satisfied with the watchmen employed by the public.”

The man answered gruffly, “I have taken my stand, and I intend to keep it.”

Friend Hopper told him he had no objection; and he was about to re-enter the house, when he observed Dr. Rich, who was so wrapped up in a large cloak, that at first he did not recognize him.  He exclaimed, “Why doctor, art thou here!  Is it possible thou art parading the streets so late in the night, at this cold season of the year?  Now, from motives of kindness, I do assure thee thy slave is not in my house.  To save thee from exposing thy health by watching at this inclement season, I will give thee leave to search the house.”

The doctor replied, “I shall obtain a warrant in the morning, and search it with the proper officer.”

“There appear to be several on the watch,” said Friend Hopper; “and it surely is not necessary for all of them to be out in the cold at the same time.  If thou wilt be responsible that nothing shall be stolen, thou art welcome to use my parlor as a watch-house.”  This offer was declined with freezing civility, and Friend Hopper returned to his dwelling.  Passing through the kitchen, he observed two colored domestics talking together in an under tone, apparently planning something which made them very merry.  Judging from some words he overheard, that they had a mischievous scheme on foot, he resolved to watch their movements without letting them know that he noticed them.  One of them put on an old cloak and bonnet, opened the front door cautiously, looked up the street and down the street, but saw nobody.  The watchers had seen the dark face the moment it peeped out, and they were lying in ambush to observe her closely.  After a minute of apparent hesitation, she rushed into the street and ran with all speed.  They joined in hot pursuit, and soon overtook her.  She pretended to be greatly alarmed, and called aloud for a watchman.  The offenders were arrested and brought back to the house with the girl.  Friend Hopper explained that these men had been watching his house, supposing a fugitive slave to be secreted there; and that they had mistaken one of his domestics for the person they were in search of.  After laughing a little at the joke practised upon them, he proposed that they should be set at liberty; and they were accordingly released.

The next morning, as soon as it was light, he invited the watchers to come in and warm themselves, but they declined.  After sunrise, they all dispersed, except two.  When breakfast was ready, he urged them to come in and partake; telling them that one could keep guard while the other was eating.  But they replied that Dr. Rich had ordered them to hold no communication with him.