freedom, almost in tears knowing that my hopes, dreams, and prayers of freedom, might never come true.

I rolled over with my eyes closed tight making me feel sleepy and very tired.

Then I heard the hoot of a owl, then a whippoorwill.

I jumped gently to my feet knowing in December the owl and whippoorwills would not make those noises. I knew instantly that was the beautiful graceful sound of the whippoorwhills and owls were made by the saint called `Moses'. I gently gathered my few belongings and crept cautiously out of the stable into the unknown! I walked into the dead dark of night scared and frighten. Yet I some how felt safe once Moses had hold of my hand. I remember her soft voice say `be strong my young child and hold my hand tight for soon you will be free.

It was very dark as we began our journey to freedom. Moses sang low to comfort our souls until daylight. As the sun came up I saw just who else had turned up, first there was John who worked in the cotton fields, then Tesha a young lady who would need to stay healthy on the trip for she was seven months pregnant and myself Jane Pittman.

During the day we would rest for we would never sleep in fear of the danger we would not be free until we got to Canada. I recall Ms Harriet telling us all about our first safe spot. It's so clear in my mind she said, "Sweet children Mr. Bends will feed, clothe and pray for your well being and make sure we all get a good night's sleep.'' After walking for three cool nights we reached the "Bends''. Moses softly knocked on the door. A man with a deep voice replied "Who's there''.

Moses said in a flash, "A friend with friends''.

The door opened quickly, a voice said "get in, get in''. We dashed through the door. here stood a bearded, brown haired, blue eyed, big bellyman with a big smile who said "You have some young ones this time, let's get some food in them, Harriet''.

As we sat at the table full of food the nice man Mr. Bends asked me my name. I replied "Jane, Jane Pittman Sir.'' He was appalled a pretty young lady like you, with a slave name like Jane.

That just will not do when you are free. I shall call you "HUM'' Tyciee. Do you like Tyciee? Quick as a flash I said "Yes Sir, I say I do''.

"Well what do you say Jai, I mean Tyciee'' said Harriet "Thank you'' Tyciee nodded.

After dinner Mrs. Bends gave me a new pair of brown shoes which I loved. Then it was off to get a good nights sleep which I really needed. Cuddled around the orange-red cracking fire we slept peacefully.

That next morning Tesha was unable to go on. The Bends agreed to let her stay there till spring when Ms Harriet would return with another group of run-away-slaves.

The three of us headed on. The weather was bitterly cold. Moses said we must walk faster and skip one or two safe spots if we crossed the border on Christmas we will surly not run into trouble.

We walked on and on I recall myself asking "Are we there yet?'' Over and over again finally I got the response I wanted, a resounding "Yes''.

TYCIEE WHITE Aged 15 St. George's Secondary.

EDUCATION MONTH