“Not in the South; still she could travel as Rene’s maid.  But I do not believe it is possible for the two to escape in that way, Knox.  Understand I’d be willing to risk it if there were any show.  How can it be done?  On the average at this time of year there isn’t a steamboat along here once a month.  If we did get them onto a boat they would have to travel straight south as far as the Ohio.  Kirby wouldn’t be more than a day or two behind them, with friends on every boat on the river.  Illinois is no free state for fugitive slaves—­they might just as well be caught in Missouri as over there.  There is not one chance in a thousand that they make it.”

“And less than that, if they remain here for Kirby to get his hands on,” I retorted bitterly.  “Now look here, Haines.  I am going to carry out this plan alone, if you will not back me in it.  I am not talking about steamboats; they could travel by night, and hide along shore during the day.  All they would need would be two negro oarsmen, sufficient food, and a boat big enough to carry them safely.  You have 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 with us?”

He was slow in replying, and, as I eagerly watched his face, I could almost comprehend the working of the lawyer mind.  He saw and argued every doubt, considered every danger.