We wanted to be free. We got through and we went to Canada. On our way we met some white people who were kind to us and were willing to help us.

When I reached Canada I decided to help other slaves escape from other plantations in Virginia. I made a trail from Canada to Virginia which I called the Underground railroad. It wasn't really a railroad, it was a path I took so we wouldn't be caught.

If we're caught they would beat us and sell us, they would kill me. So whenever I got back from Canada, I would always give a bird call, so that the slaves would know that I was back. They always knew to get ready for our departure when they heard the call.

I always had a strategy so that I wouldn't be caught. The strategy was, I would get a job in the city so it would look like I was a housekeeper. Not a person who let slaves go free. When we were on our way, we stopped off at the first Station.

I knew Mr. Dill would help us, so I knocked on the door. He said who is it, and Mr. Dill opened the door and said, "It's not safe here'', so we went on to the next stop! By now my followers were getting restless and doubtful. One of them even said, "I am going back''. Then everyone wanted to go back, I told them that they couldn't. I said seriously you either come with me or die. Everyone was shocked and they murmured and came with me.

Soon we reached Canada and everyone was happy and free. Everyone thanked me.

Then they called me Moses because I led them to freedom, like Moses did to the Israelites. Freedom is everything and I went on and did that work forever.

There is something every one should know. Freedom is not bought with dust.

NADINE BLAKE Year 3 St. George's Secondary.

EDUCATION MONTH