Chapter Sixteen
“What’s wrong wid you, girl? You been jumpy as a spring toad all night.”
Rose flushed under her mama’s scrutiny. She should have known better than to come for dinner tonight. She had never been able to hide things from her mama. She cast in her mind for a reply, but Sarah saved her the trouble.
“Oh, don’t even bother to come up with some purty somethin’ to say. I know a girl holdin’ a secret when I see one.” Sarah laughed at the look on Rose’s face. She grew serious as she walked over and put a gentle hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “My heart be tellin’ me you’re gonna be doin’ somethin’ right dangerous. You be careful, girl.”
Rose nodded. “I will.” She knew it was useless to rebut what her mama was saying. She had never been able to keep secrets from her. “Mama...”
“Shush, Rose. You ain’t got to tell me nothin’,” Sarah said. “You just be careful. I don’t know what I’d do if somethin’ was to happen to you.” Moving over to the fire, she picked up her Bible. “Let’s sit fer a spell.”
Rose nodded gratefully. In truth, that was all she wanted. She needed to sit still and find comfort in quiet. She needed time to listen to her heart and to gain courage for what she was about to do. The shadows lengthened in the tiny cabin, the silence marred only by Sarah rising to throw another log on the fire. The days were warm, almost hot now, but the nights still had a cool edge that welcomed a flickering flame. Rose felt herself relaxing under the spell of her mama’s home.
“It be time now, Rose.”
Rose started and peered at her mama. “How do you know it’s time for something, Mama?” Had someone told the secret she had hugged so closely for two weeks? That was impossible. No one knew but herself. It was safer that way.
Sarah just shrugged. “Get on with ya, girl,” she said softly. “You don’t wanna be late. But befores you go, come on over here and hug your old mama.”
Rose wrapped her arms around her, drawing from the quiet strength and love flowing from her. “I love you, Mama.”
“And I love you. Now git on wid you.”
Mystified, Rose did as she was told and moved to the door. She looked back to see Sarah bending her head. The sight of her mama praying gave her renewed courage. She stepped out of the cabin and melted into the shadows. When she was sure she was alone, she merged into the woods. Once concealed, she began to walk, away from the direction where her students would soon be converging for school.
Rose moved swiftly. It was important she get to the appointed meeting place early. It would give her a better chance of knowing whether the whole arrangement was an elaborate setup. Her footsteps slowed as she approached the bend of the road coming into Cromwell Plantation. At least she didn’t have to worry about Adams. Cromwell was gone, and she knew the overseer would be using the time to get rip-roaring drunk. Someone here would pay the next day, but for now she had no fear he would be lurking in the shadows somewhere. She settled herself in a dense thicket of brush and crouched, listening quietly.
Rose had waited maybe twenty minutes when she heard the sound of approaching hoofbeats. She slunk further back into the bushes and peered out to see who was coming. Yes, it was him. Jamison appeared to be alone, but she was in no hurry to reveal herself. She would wait a while longer. If others were with him, they would reveal themselves. She waited for what seemed like an eternity until, finally confident he was alone, she stood and stepped from her hiding place into the road.
Jamison looked up and started, almost falling from his saddle.
“Welcome. I am a friend of a friend,” Rose said, giving the code he had directed in the note.
Jamison smiled and dismounted. “Hello. I’m glad to see you.” He peered at Rose. “You’re the girl who gave me the note, aren’t you?”
Rose nodded. “My name is....”
An upheld hand stopped her. “It’s best if I don’t know you for now. There’s time for that later. Secrecy is of the utmost importance.”
Rose nodded. “Everyone is waiting. Follow me.” Jamison led his horse a ways into the woods and tied him securely to a branch. Rose answered his unasked question. “I will bring you back to your horse.”
Jamison nodded and fell in behind her. They followed a trail only Rose could see for about ten minutes. She had taken every possible minute to scope out the area so things would go smoothly. Suddenly, Rose came to a stop and turned to him. “I am leaving you here for now. The others do not know I have someone with me. I wanted to make sure you were really coming before I told them.” Her words were spoken in a low whisper. “I shall return for you soon,” she said as she turned away.
“I’m sorry I’m late.” Rose said as she stepped into the clearing.
“I thought you be not coming.” Sadie exclaimed.
Rose held up her hand before anyone else could say anything. “We have company tonight.” She smiled as several peered into the darkness behind her. “I asked him to wait a ways back.” She took a deep breath. “Mr. Jamison is with me.”
Shocked expressions surrounded her.
“You mean, Mr. Jamison of the Underground Railroad?” Jasmine gasped.
“The same,” Rose agreed, smiling. “I made contact with him two weeks ago. I didn’t want to say anything in case he didn’t show up, but I’d like to bring him over now.”
The faces surrounding her remained stunned, but heads began nodding. All but Moses, who was watching her carefully. “You want me to come with you, Rose?”
She smiled at him gratefully. “No, thank you, Moses. I’ll be right back. He’s not far.”
Jamison looked around at the circle of eager faces peering at him. “You say y’all meet on a regular basis for school?” He was amazed.
“Yessuh,” Jasmine offered. “Miss Rose be teaching us how to read so that when we be free we’s can do somethin’ with ourselves.”
“And can you read?” Jamison asked the girl.
“Yessuh, I sure can.” she proclaimed. “Just in the last couple of weeks all them letters started to come together and make sense to me. I read old Sarah some out of her Bible last night.” The pride in the girl’s voice was unmistakable.
Jamison smiled in the firelight. “Good for you.” He wanted to find out more about each of them, but he knew time was limited. “How many are in your school, Rose?”
“Fifteen, Mr. Jamison. One of them isn’t with us tonight. He’s with Master Cromwell in Richmond.”
“Fifteen. Hmm...”
Rose broke into his thinking. “They might not all be going with you, Mr. Jamison.”
“How many?” he asked. “It can be worked out to transport all of them to freedom, Rose. It has been done before.”
Rose shrugged. “Just tell everyone what you have to say. Each person will make their own decision.”
Jamison nodded, eyeing her closely. He turned to the faces encircling him and smiled again. “I come to you as a conductor of the Underground Railroad. We have helped thousands of slaves make their way to freedom. We do it because we believe all men are created equal. One is not meant to be owned by another. There is a vast network set in place to help us accomplish this. You will not be told everything in advance, but the question you must all ask yourselves is whether you can trust me. You will be putting your life in my hands. Only I will know what the next step is, and many times that will change without my knowing it ahead of time. The Underground Railroad has been successful because we have worked in secret.” Jamison stopped and looked around. “I will not lie about the dangers involved. There are many. There are some, in spite of our best efforts, who have been caught and returned to captivity.”
Jasmine shuddered and wrapped her arms more tightly around her body. Jamison understood. The wrath of owners and overseers when their slaves were captured during an escape attempt was something to be terrified of. He gave her a warm smile and continued. “In spite of the dangers, there is freedom waiting for you. Thousands who once labored under the bondage of slavery are now free. They are free to live their own lives and make their own decisions—free to marry and have children, knowing they will never have to be separated.”
“How difficult has the Fugitive Slave Act made your work, Mr. Jamison?”
Jamison stared at Rose. “How do you know about that, Rose?”
Rose shrugged. “I have my sources. I do a lot of reading.” She looked around the fire at her friends. “I think it’s something you should know about before you make your decision. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 makes any federal marshal or other official who does not arrest a runaway slave liable to a fine of one thousand dollars. If you’re caught, you won’t have a trial by jury, and you won’t be able to testify on your behalf. Anybody caught helping a runaway slave by providing food or shelter is subject to six months' imprisonment and a one-thousand-dollar fine. Officers who capture a fugitive slave are entitled to a bonus or promotion for their work.”
Jamison smiled in admiration but hastened to calm the fresh fear he saw on the faces around him. “The Fugitive Slave Act has made our job more difficult in some ways,” he admitted. “But in other ways it has made it easier. So many people were angered by the government’s attempts to haul the poor slaves back into servitude even after they had escaped to freedom, that scores of volunteers have been added to the network. You will find many people who, angered by the injustice of the laws, simply ignore them.”
Rose nodded, obviously relieved. “What will be the destination of those who decide to escape?”
“Canada,” Jamison responded. “It is the safest for now. There are no laws in Canada to return slaves.”
“Where is Canada?” Jasmine asked. “Be it more than a day from here?”
Jamison smiled. Slaves had no idea of geography. How could they? They had lived a life of enforced ignorance. Their masters knew ignorance bred fear, and fear bred obedience.
“Yes, Jasmine. It is more than a day from here. In fact, it could take weeks and perhaps months to reach Canada. We never know how long a trip will take. They’re all different.”
The whole group gasped in surprise, but Rose just watched and listened.
“How we gonna get there, Mr. Jamison?” Sadie’s voice, sharp and clear, rang out in the clearing. She had obviously made her decision.
“I can’t tell you that for sure. The plan now is to take you over land. You’ll be walking some, riding some, being hidden in wagons... Whatever it takes to move you from one station to the other. All along the way you will find wonderful people who want nothing more than to help you escape to freedom.” He smiled at the looks of stunned amazement surrounding him.
“People really do things like that for ole’ slaves?” Jasmine asked.
“You’re not ‘ole slaves,’ ” Jamison said. “You are people. Just as human as I am—with dreams, hopes and a future meant to be lived in freedom.”
The entire group sat up a little straighter as his words pierced the walls they had built around their hearts and minds.
“How many of you will I be carrying to freedom?” Jamison asked.
Rose stepped forward. “When do you plan on the escape happening?”
Jamison shrugged. “That’s pretty much up to you. I will take you when you’re ready. Once I know a date, I will arrange everything.”
Rose nodded. “I need time to talk with my school. Do you mind if I take you back into the woods for a little ways while we discuss this?”
Jamison smiled. “Whatever you say, Rose.” He allowed sternness to settle over his features as he looked at the group. “Another thing you have to know. If you decide to go, there is no turning back. You can’t decide you’re too afraid to make it to freedom and try to return. It is too dangerous for those with you and would jeopardize the safety of all other Underground Railroad passengers.”
Sadie voiced the question all of them were silently asking. “What happens if someone tries to come back?”
Jamison smiled sadly. “Let’s just say it doesn’t happen.” He turned to Rose. “I’ll return when you’re ready. Let’s go.”
Much murmuring could be heard when Rose stepped back into the clearing.
“Is he a good man, Miss Rose?” Jasmine asked as soon as she saw her.
“What do you think, Jasmine?”
The girl didn’t hesitate. “I think he be a good man. He has eyes I can trust.”
Rose nodded. “What you believe is what’s important. But for the record, I agree with you. My instincts say he can be trusted.” She looked around, making eye contact with each student and friend. “This is the chance many of you have been waiting for. Now each of you has to decide what you really want. Escape isn’t going to be easy. You heard Mr. Jamison. It could take weeks, maybe months, of being a fugitive until you reach Canada. Once you get there, things might be hard.” She softened her stern tone and smiled. “But you’ll be free. Free...” She allowed the word to flow caressingly into the night air. The very sound of it beckoned and called to those who had spent their whole lives being used as objects for someone else’s gain.
Jasmine spoke up. “I be going to get on that Underground Railroad for sho. Ain’t nothing goin’ to keep me from being free.”
Sadie, sitting next to her, spoke quietly. “I aim to be on board, too. I’m determined that sometime during my time here on Earth, I gonna be free.”
Silence fell on the clearing for several minutes. Then a soft voice broke into the stillness. “I reckon I’m going to pass up my ride this time.”
Rose said nothing when Opal finished speaking. She wasn’t surprised. Opal was twenty-three and had spent all of her living years on Cromwell Plantation. As far as Rose knew, she had never been beyond the perimeter of the property.
Jasmine couldn’t stand it. “But why, Opal?” she burst out. “Don’t you know this is our big chance? There may never be another conductor come our way.”
Opal shrugged her ample shoulders. “Being a slave ain’t so bad. I got me a warm place to sleep and plenty ‘nuff to eat.” She paused and looked to Rose for support. “This be my home.”
Rose smiled gently. “It’s all right, Opal. Everybody has to make their own decision.” In truth, she was incapable of understanding the way Opal felt. Rose had lived, dreamed and hoped for freedom for so long. She couldn’t imagine having the chance and giving it up because the old way of life was more comfortable. But her mama had taught her to accept people where they were. Her mama’s words rang in her ears just as if she were standing there. You can’t do people’s thinkin’ and feelin’ for dem, Rose. Some folks you ain’t neber gonna figure out—you just got to accept them where they be. Dere ain’t no way to get inside a person’s head and figure out what makes them be the way they be. You just got to accept them.
Jamison was beginning to worry. It was too dark to see his watch face, but he was sure he had been leaning against this tree for almost an hour. He was not an outdoorsman. The myriad night noises did nothing but intensify the sweat beading on his brow. Should he walk back to the clearing? Would he find anyone there? He laughed at himself for his doubts. Rose could be trusted. She would not leave him here. He could not explain why he was so confident—he just was. He wiped the sweat from his brow and tried once more to relax.
Earlier, as he had waited out on the inky road for Rose, he had imagined many things. His greatest fear was that someone would betray his activities for the Underground Railroad. He had heard plenty of stories to justify his fear—conductors being run out of their houses, paying high fines to the court, being ostracized by the community. Some conductors had even given their lives to help slaves escape. He knew the risks. He had made the decision to help no matter what, but it didn’t stop the cold sweat from running down his back.
Jamison thought through the careful escape plans. He would find out tonight how many of the Cromwell slaves were ready to lay their lives on the line for freedom. He tried to breathe normally as he waited. Tense business situations he could handle, but this…this was totally different. He felt as if he were cast adrift from everything comfortable and thrown into the vast unknown.
His thoughts turned to Rose. She was beautiful as well as intelligent. Her letter to him was articulate and clear. He sincerely hoped she would be part of this group. Instinctively, he knew she would be a good leader.
“You can come back now.” Rose emerged from the shadows. “I’m sorry you had to wait so long.”
Jamison struggled to his feet. “That’s quite all right. How many of the slaves will you be bringing with you, Rose?”
Rose tried to shut out the pain his question caused. “I won’t be one of your passengers, Mr. Jamison.”
“What?” Jamison stopped and looked at her in astonishment. “Why not?”
This was a man who understood the value of freedom. Rose turned and faced him. Just enough light from the waning moon filtered through the tree limbs to illuminate them. “There is nothing I would love more than to be free, but I can’t be one of your passengers, Mr. Jamison.”
“This is your chance, Rose.”
Rose nodded. “I know. And I know I may never get another one, but I made a vow a long time ago that I would never leave my mama. Her first children and husband were killed in Africa when they captured her to make her a slave. My daddy was sold when I was less than a month old. I love my mama. She has had too many losses. I won’t be another one.”
“Bring her with you,” Jamison urged.
Rose shook her head sadly. “She is too old. She would never make it. No,” she said firmly, “I will stay here with her. Someday I may get another chance at freedom.”
Her effort to conceal her grief and regret brought tears to Jamison’s eyes. He reached out and laid a hand gently on her arm. “You’re a brave girl, Rose. I’m sure another chance will come.”
Rose forced a smile. “In the meantime, you have a group waiting for you. There are eight of them. Miles may make nine, but I won’t know until he returns.”
“The big man. Is he coming?” Jamison hoped so. “His size and strength could come in handy.”
Rose frowned and shook her head. “No.” She was sure she had not hidden her surprise very well when Moses had stated that he wouldn’t be taking the train right now. She knew his dream to be free and how much he wanted to find his mama and sisters. Why was he not going? She didn’t understand what was holding him here. Didn’t he know he should get away from Adams while he had the chance?
“But...”
“I don’t know why, Mr. Jamison. He just said he wouldn’t be catching the train right now.” Her tone didn’t invite questions. “Time is short. We need to go back now.”
“Lead the way, Rose,” Jamison said, his voice suddenly heavy. “One more question. Do the others know you’re not going to be with them?”
“No.” She whirled around to look at him. “And I don’t want them to know. It will only make them more scared. This is their chance, and I don’t want them to lose it. They’ll find out the night I bring them to meet you. Not before.”
It didn’t take long to firm up the details of the plan that the slaves were allowed to know. Jamison would meet them at the same bend in the road where he had met Rose, two months from today.
Jamison looked surprised. “Two months?”
Rose nodded. “The ones coming with you need more help with their reading and writing. We’ll work extra hard for the next two months.” She hesitated. “Is that okay? You did say we could set the time didn’t you?”
“It will be fine,” Jamison assured her.
As usual, Rose and Moses were the last to leave the clearing. The others had waited, talking excitedly while she took Jamison back to his horse, before they dispersed to their cabins. Moses was comfortable in the woods now and didn’t need her to lead him back, but he was always there when the clearing emptied.
“Did you tell Jamison you weren’t going with the rest?”
“What makes you think I’m not going?”
“You’re not, are you?”
Rose’s eyes fell before his discerning gaze. Mutely she shook her head.
“Be it because of your mama?”
“I can’t leave her, Moses. I’m all she has. I know she would tell me to go. She would never want me to pass up a chance for freedom.” She caught her breath. “I can’t leave her, though. I love her too much, and she has lost too much already.” Rose couldn’t stop the trail of tears running down her face.
Moses took one of her hands. “I knew you wouldn’t leave your mama, Rose.”
Rose gazed into his compassionate face. “I can’t,” she whispered. She made no protest when Moses wrapped his strong arms around her quivering body. She was amazed at how good it felt to have his strength to lean on.
“What about you, Moses? Why aren’t you going? What about your dream to be free and come back for your family?”
Moses tipped her head up so that he could look down into her tear-filled eyes. “First I got me some dreams to make come true here,” he said. He took her hand and led her from the clearing.
Rose followed him, her sorrow mixing with a tingling feeling coursing through her body. She was too tired to figure it out. The feel of her small hand engulfed with his giant one was a sensation she wanted to simply enjoy.