"I follers Missy," explained Bstralla. "An' when that man grabs her on
King Street, I was gwine to chase right home an' get Massa Fulton, but
Missy talks brave at him, an' he lets go of her. Oh, Missy! What you
doin' of way off here?"
At this question Mr. Doane smiled, realizing that the little negro girl
had no knowledge of the message which Sylvia had delivered.
"Well, Estralla, suppose Miss Sylvia came to try and help give you your
freedom?" he asked.
"An' my mammy?" demanded Estralla eagerly.
"Why, of course," Mr. Doane replied. "For anything that helps to
convince South Carolina that she is wrong will help to free the slaves,"
he added, turning to Sylvia.
"Now, Estralla, if you love Miss Sylvia, if you want to stay with your
mammy, you must never tell of her visit here to-night. Remember!" and
Mr. Doane's voice was very stern.
"Estralla won't tell," Sylvia declared confidently; "and I am glad she
came to go home with me."
"Shuah I'll do jes' what Missy wants me to," said the little darky.
"Try to let Mrs. Carleton know that I received the letter, and that I
hope to reach Washington safely," said Mr. Doane, as he bade Sylvia
good-night.
As the door closed behind them Estralla clasped Sylvia's hand.
"Wat dat clock say?" she asked; for one of the city clocks was striking
the hour.
"It's twelve o'clock," answered Sylvia.
"Oh! My lan', Missy! Dat's a terrible onlucky time fer us to be out,"
whispered Estralla.
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