were really going to be made free, and being assured that Lincoln’s proclamation had made them all free, and that a million of them had their liberty already, he said, “Massa says you are gwine to sell us all to Cuba, but we don’t believe it.” “No, Phil, not one of you will be sold. We are going to make men of you; send your children to school, and teach you to read. Now, Phil, is this a safe place for us to stay?” “Yes,” said Phil, “if you keeps bery still. I comes to-night and brings you to a better place, and gibs you all de provisions you want.” He bounded away, and well nigh forgot himself in singing,
“De kingdom am a comin’
And de year ob jubilee.”
One of the party called to him and said, “Still, my boy, still.” “ Oh, yes sah, I forgot,” and he was soon out of sight. Phil was as good as his word. He came to them as soon as it was dark, conducted them to an old house, brought them more food than they could eat and carry away, and also brought a negro shoemaker, who mended their shoes, and several old negroes to talk with them. When they started on late in the evening, Phil went with them. When out of hearing of those left in the house, Phil startled them with the question, “Massa, does you tink you can find the way to Tennessee? Mighty long way dar, and bery crooked road, and now, I tinks you had better take a guide wid you, to show you de way. I knows de way from heah to Knoxville.” “No,” they said, “we are prisoners of war, and liable to be caught any hour, and should we be caught and you be found with us, they would hang us all. Direct us the best route to go and we will take the risk. Your time will come soon, Phil, you will be free. God bless you.” Phil seemed to have a foreboding of trouble, and would willingly have risked his own life to help them on to
