In these remarks, however, it is possible that I do Master Thomas Auld injustice.
He certainly did not exhaust his power upon me, in the case, but acted, upon the whole, very generously, considering the nature of my offense.
He had the power and the provocation to send me, without reserve, into the very everglades of Florida, beyond the remotest hope of emancipation; and his refusal to exercise that power, must be set down to his credit.
After lingering about St.Michael's a few days, and no friend from Alabama making his appearance, to take me there, Master Thomas decided to send me back again to Baltimore, to live with his brother Hugh, with whom he was now at peace; possibly he{234} became so by his profession of religion, at the camp-meeting in the Bay Side.

Master Thomas told me that he wished me to go to Baltimore, and learn a trade; and that, if I behaved myself properly, he would _emancipate me at twenty-five!_ Thanks for this one beam of hope in the future.

The promise had but one fault; it seemed too good to be true..