It was to be met without the least knowledge of its magnitude, except by imagination.

Yet of one thing there could be no mistake, that the consequences of a failure would be most serious.

Within my recollection no one had attempted to escape from my master; but I had many cases in my mind's eye, of slaves of other planters who had failed, and who had been made examples of the most cruel treatment, by flogging and selling to the far South, where they were never to see their friends more.
I was not without serious apprehension that such would be my fate.

The bare possibility was impressively solemn; but the hour was now come, and the man must act and be free, or remain a slave for ever.

How the impression came to be upon my mind I cannot tell; but there was a strange and horrifying belief, that if I did not meet the crisis that day, I should be self-doomed--that my ear would be nailed to the door-post for ever.