How the young Quaker outwitted the tyrant, gained his point, sent Jack on his way to liberty, and at the same time retained the confidence of Osborne so that upon their return home he was definitely engaged to assist Osborne in finding Sam, is a fascinating story.

The abolitionist won from the slaveholder the doubtful compliment that "there was not a man in that neighborhood worth a d--n to help him hunt his negro except young Levi Coffin." Sam was perfectly safe so long as Levi Coffin was guide for the hunting-party, but matters were becoming desperate.

For the fugitive something had to be done.

Another family was planning to move to Indiana, and in their wagon Sam was to be concealed and thus conveyed to a free State.

The business had now become serious.