Every eye gazed hither and thither, and every ear intently listened for the answer.

After a moment of breathless silence, the excited counselor was assured that the "bird had flown," which announcement was received with a rapturous shout of joy by the audience, greatly, however, to the discomfiture of the gentlemen from Kentucky, who had thought themselves so sure of their prize.

Nor would they be thwarted now.

It was not yet too late to overtake their victim, and slavery required at their hands a sacrifice which they were ready to make.

Hand-bills were in immediate circulation, offering a reward of fifty dollars for the apprehension of the flying fugitive.