It was very fortunate that I had heard the remark about my being "the son of the abolitionist," for then I knew in an instant that they were _en route_ to Grasshopper Falls to murder my father.

I at once saw the importance of my escaping and warning father in time.

It was a matter of life or death to him.

So I urged Prince to his utmost speed, feeling that upon him and myself depended a human life--a life that was dearer to me than that of any other man in the world.

I led my pursuers a lively chase for four or five miles; finally, when they saw they could not catch me, they returned to their camp.