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| 322 THE UNDBBGSOUND RAIL ROAD. fellow," was the owner of Owen and his two brothers. Besides slaves, the old man was in possession of a wife, whose name was Martha, and seven children, who were pretty well grown np. One of the sons owned Owen's wife and two children. Owen declared, that they hod been worked hard, while few privileges had been allowed them. Clothing of the poorest texture was only sparingly furnished. Nothing like Sunday raiment was ever given them; for these comforts they were compelled to do over-work of nights. For a long time the idea of escape had been uppermost in the minds of this party. The first of January, past, WM the time "solemnly " fixed upon to " took out," but for some reason or other (not found on the record book), their strategical minds did not see the way altogether clear, and they deferred starting until Easter Sunday. On that memorable evening, the men boldly harnessed two of Mr. Fiery's steeds and placing their wives and children in the carriage, started off via Hagerstown, in a direct line for Chatnbersburg, Pennsylvania, at a rate that allowed no grass to grow under the horses' feet. In this manner they made good time, reached Charabersburg safely, and ventured up to a hotel where they put up their horses. Here they bade their faithful beasts good-bye and "took out" for Harrisburg by another mode of travel, the cars. On tbeir arrival they naturally fell into the hands of the Committee, who hurried them off to Philadelphia, apprising the Committee there of their approach by a dispatch sent ahead. Probably they had scarcely reached Philadelphia ere the Fierys. were in hot haste after them, as far as Harrisburg, if not ferther. It hardly need be hinted, that the community in \vhich the Fierys lived was deeply agitated for days after, as indeed it was along the entire route to Chambersburg, in consequence of this bold and successful movement. The horses were easily captured at the hotel, where they -were left, but, of course, they were mute as to what had become of their drivers. The furious Fierys probably got wind of the fact,. that they had made their way to Harrisburg. At any rate they made very diligent search at this point. While here prosecuting his hunting operations, Fiery managed to open communication with at least one member of the Harrisburg Committee, to whom his grievances were made known, but derived little satisfaction. After the experience of a few weeks, the pursuers came to the conclusion^ that there was no 'likelihood of recovering them through these agencies, or through the Fugitive Slaipe Law. In their despair, therefore, they resorted to another " dodge." AH at once they became " sort-o'-friendly "—indeed more than half disposed to emancipate. The member of the Committee in Harrisbaig had, it is probable, frequently left room for their great delusion, if he did not even go so far as to feed their hopes with plausible suggestions, that some assistance might be afforded by which an amicable settlement might be made between masters and slaves. |