‘There is no use in trying to capture a runaway slave in Philadelphia,’ rejoined the master. ‘I believe the devil himself could not catch them when they once get here.’
‘That is very likely,’ answered Friend Hopper. ‘But I think he would have less difficulty in catching the masters; being so much more familiar with them.’
Sixty dollars had already been expended in vain; and the slave-holder, having relinquished all hope of tracing the fugitives, finally agreed to manumit the woman for fifty dollars, and her son for seventy-five dollars. These sums were advanced by two citizens friendly to the colored people, and the emancipated slaves repaid them by faithful service.
