"He cannot," thought I, "allow his property to be thus bruised and battered, marred and defaced; and I will go to him, and tell him the simple truth about the matter." In order to get to St.Michael's, by the most favorable and direct road, I must walk seven miles; and this, in my sad condition, was no easy performance.

I had already lost much blood; I was exhausted by over exertion; my sides were sore from the heavy blows planted there by the stout boots of Mr.Covey; and I was, in every way, in an unfavorable plight for the journey.

I however watched my chance, while the cruel and cunning Covey was looking in an opposite direction, and started{176} off, across the field, for St.Michael's.

This was a daring step; if it failed, it would only exasperate Covey, and increase the rigors of my bondage, during the remainder of my term of service under him; but the step was taken, and I must go forward.

I succeeded in getting nearly half way across the broad field, toward the woods, before Mr.Covey observed me.