The deep sound of the escape of steam from a boat, which was at that moment ascending the river, broke upon the ears of the slave.

"If that boat is going up the river," said he, "why not I conceal myself on board, and try to escape ?" He went at once to the steamboat landing, where the boat was just coming in.

"Bound for Louisville," said the captain, to one who was making inquiries.

As the passengers were rushing on board, Jerome followed them, and proceeding to where some of the hands were stowing away bales of goods, he took hold and aided them.
"Jump down into the hold, there, and help the men," said the mate to the fugitive, supposing that, like many persons, he was working his way up the river.

Once in the hull among the boxes, the slave concealed himself.