I hid myself in the leaves to prevent discovery.

But, as the night rambler in the woods drew nearer, I found him to be a _friend_, not an enemy; it was a slave of Mr.William Groomes, of Easton, a kind hearted fellow, named "Sandy." Sandy lived with Mr.Kemp that year, about four miles from St.
Michael's.

He, like myself had been hired out by the year; but, unlike myself, had not been hired out to be broken.

Sandy was the husband of a free woman, who lived in the lower part of _"Potpie Neck,"_ and he was now on his way through the woods, to see her, and to spend the Sabbath with her.
As soon as I had ascertained that the disturber of my solitude was not an enemy, but the good-hearted Sandy--a man as famous among the slaves of the neighborhood for his good nature, as for his good sense I came out from my hiding place, and made{183} myself known to him.

I explained the circumstances of the past two days, which had driven me to the woods, and he deeply compassionated my distress.