might yet save him from a felon’s doom.  She revealed to him the secret that was then occupying her thoughts, viz., that George should exchange clothes with her, and thus attempt his escape in disguise.  But he would not for a single moment listen to the proposition.  Not that he feared detection; but he would not consent to place an innocent and affectionate girl in a position where she might have to suffer for him.  Mary pleaded, but in vain—­George was inflexible.  The poor girl left her lover with a heavy heart, regretting that her scheme had proved unsuccessful.

Towards the close of the next day, Mary again appeared at the prison door for admission, and was soon by the side of him whom she so ardently loved.  While there, the clouds which had overhung the city for some hours, broke, and the rain fell in torrents amid the most terrific thunder and lightning.  In the most persuasive manner possible, Mary again importuned George to avail himself of her assistance to escape from an ignominious death.  After assuring him that she not being the person condemned, would not receive any injury, he at last consented, and they began to exchange apparel.  As George was of small stature, and both were white, there was no difficulty in his passing out without detection:  and as she usually left the cell weeping, with handkerchief in hand, and sometimes at her face, he had only to adopt this mode and his escape was safe.  They had kissed each other, and Mary had told George where he would find a small parcel of provisions which she had placed in a secluded spot, when the prison-keeper opened the door, and said, “Come, girl, it is time for you to go.”  George again embraced Mary, and passed out of the gaol.  It was already dark and the street lamps were lighted, so that our hero in his new dress had no dread of detection.  The provisions were sought out and found, and poor George was soon on the road towards Canada.  But neither of them had once thought of a change of dress for George when he should have escaped, and he had walked but a short distance before he felt that a change of his apparel would facilitate his progress.  But he dared not go amongst even his coloured associates for fear of being betrayed.  However, he made the best of his way on towards Canada, hiding in the woods during the day, and travelling by the guidance of the North Star at night.

One morning, George arrived on the banks of the Ohio river, and found his journey had terminated, unless he could get some one to take him across the river in a secret manner, for he would not be permitted to cross in any of the ferry boats; it being a penalty for crossing a slave, besides the value of the slave.  He concealed himself in the tall grass and weeds near the river, to see if he could embrace an opportunity to cross.  He had been in his hiding-place but a short time, when he observed a man in a small boat, floating near the shore, evidently fishing.  His first impulse was to call out to the man and ask him