After the Coffins, with Jack, had been on the road for a few days, Osborne learned that a negro was with them and, feeling sure that it was his Sam, he started in hot haste after them.

This becoming known to the Friends, young Levi Coffin was sent after Osborne to forestall disaster.

The descriptions given of Jack and Sam were practically identical and it was surmised that when Osborne should overtake the party and discover his mistake, he would seize Jack for the sake of the offered reward.

Coffin soon came up with Osborne and decided to ride with him for a time to learn his plans.
In the course of their conversation, it was finally agreed that Coffin should assist in the recovery of Sam.

Osborne was also generous and insisted that if it proved to be the other "nigger" who was with the company, Coffin should have half the reward.