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[179] “Yas, Yas, massa,” she replied, “we wud. We's Union! We'd loike ter git 'way, massa!” Then awakening her husband, Bible said to him: “Uncle, wud yer risk yer life fur yer freedom?” “Ef dar's a chance, massa, a right smart chance. Dis dark'y tinks a heap ob his life, he does, massa. It'm 'bout all him got.” “Yas, yas, I know; but ye shill hev freedom. I'll see ye ter the Free States, ef ye'll holp tuck them secesh ossifers.” “ Holp tuck dem, massa! Why, dar's a dozen on 'em; dey'd chaw ye up in no time,” exclaimed the astonished African. “ No, thar hain't a dozen on 'em; thar's only nine; but-ye's a coward,” replied the scout. “ No, I hain't no coward, massa; but I loikes a chance, massa, a right smart chance.” Bible soon convinced the negro that he would have a “right smart chance,” and he consented to make the hazardous strike for his freedom. Entering the house, he returned in a few moments to the scout, confirming the sentinel's report: the weapons were reposing quietly in the hall, near the doorway, and the officers, very much the worse for liquor, were carousing with his mas. ter in the dining-room. Selecting three of the best horses from the stables, Bible directed the yellow woman to lead them into the road, and to bring his own from where it was fastened in the woods. Then, with his sooty ally, the scout entered the mansion. Removing the arms from the hall, he walked boldly into the dining-room. “v Gentlemen,” he said, pointing his pistols-one in each hand-at the
Thayer and Eldridge, 1866.
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