"My present mistress will not sell me, and if you wished to do so ever so much you could not." "Then," said he, "if I cannot buy you, when the steamer reaches Mobile, fly with me, and you shall be free." "I cannot do it," said Clotelle; and she was just leaving the stranger when he took from his pocket a piece of paper and thrust it into her hand.
After returning to her room, she unfolded the paper, and found, to her utter astonishment that it contained a one hundred dollar note on the Bank of the United States.

The first impulse of the girl was to return the paper and its contents immediately to the giver, but examining the paper more closely, she saw in faint pencil-marks, "Remember this is from one who loves you." Another thought was to give it to her mistress, and she returned to the saloon for that purpose; but on finding Mrs.
Taylor engaged in conversation with some ladies, she did not deem it proper to interrupt her.
Again, therefore, Clotelle seated herself by the window, and again the stranger presented himself.

She immediately took the paper from her pocket, and handed it to him; but he declined taking it, saying,-- "No, keep it; it may be of some service to you when I am far away." "Would that I could understand you," said the slave.
"Believe that I am sincere, and then you will understand me," returned the young man.

"Would you rather be a slave than be free ?" inquired he, with tears that glistened in the rays of the moon.
"No," said she, "I want my freedom, but I must live a virtuous life." "Then, if you would be free and happy, go with me.

We shall be in Mobile in two hours, and when the passengers are going on shore, you take my arm.