"He was afraid he was going to die, and he was in my power. He knew I could blow out his brains any moment when he attempted to lay his hands upon me; and he knew I would do it, too." "I never saw him so mild and gentle as he was while on board the boat." "I hope he will always continue so, and treat the people well when he gets back to Redlawn. I have nothing against him now. I forgive him, and I did all I could for him when he was wounded." "I know you did. Do you suppose he will get well, Dan?" "I have no doubt he will." "Shall you send for your free papers?" "I shouldn't dare to let him know where I am." "He gave us our freedom." "I should be afraid that he would alter his mind; and though he might keep his word, he might cause us to be taken up for killing the slave-hunters, or stealing the boat and provisions, or something of that kind. I shall keep out of his way. If we should be arrested, I would appeal to him then." "Where are we going now, Dan?" asked Lily, as she glanced out upon the vast expanse of waters which rolled to the southward. "I hardly know, Lily. We have got to the bottom of my map; I shall stand to the south-east till something happens. If we can fall in with a vessel which does not sail from or to a southern port, I should have some hopes, especially as we have money enough now to pay our passage." "How much have you, Dan?" "Two hundred dollars," replied Dan, exhibiting the roll of bills which the planter had given him. "Colonel Raybone is generous, but this would not half pay us for the services we have rendered him." The pocket compass upon which the skipper had to depend for his course was now produced, and before dark that night the Isabel was out of sight of land. The wind was light, the weather pleasant, and the sea not heavier than they had seen on the lake. It was arranged that each of the boys should steer four hours in his turn, night and day, and the voyage, which had been looked upon as involving many perils, was found to be very pleasant. For two days they were favored with good weather; but on the third it came on cloudy and blowy after dinner. The foresail was taken in, and every thing made snug about the Isabel, in preparation for the worst. The storm increased in violence, and they soon had their first experience of a heavy sea. The waves tossed them about like a feather, dashing over the decks, and several times filling the standing room half full of water. "Gossifus! Dis big sea!" exclaimed Cyd, as he shook the water from his woolly locks. "Yes, and it is coming heavier yet," replied Dan. "But the Isabel stands it well." "Plenty ob water on fora'd dar," said Cyd, pointing to the forecastle, which was often submerged in the heavy billows. "Perhaps we can remedy that. I don't think we shall want the bateau any more, and we may as well toss it overboard. It sinks her head down too much." "Hossifus! Frow de boat overboard?" "Yes; over with it, if you can."