Chapter 4- The Key to Canada

While Abigail was pondering how she would get to Canada, someone knocked quietly on her door. She froze in terror. Visions of her kidnapper flashed into her mind. She shoved those thoughts out of her head and regained her composure. With a bit of hesitation, Abigail slowly pried open the door, just enough to see the face of her visitor. She was relieved to see Marie. Abigail started to greet her, but Marie cut her off.  “I need to talk to you about Canada.” She cautiously looked around, closed the door, and pulled the curtains. “I’ve contacted an abolitionist named Gregory ZeFro. In three days he will take you, at night, to a train that will take you to Canada. Then, a wagon will take you to the mission compound there. Abigail’s mind struggled to comprehend what Marie had just said. She was finally going to Canada! Tears of joy started flowing down her face. “I know this is exciting”, said Marie, “but the chance of getting caught is possible.” Abigail replied solemnly, “I know”, her happy face suddenly changing into a look of determination. “You should start getting ready”, Marie suggested.”Also, it’s getting late now and I have some business to attend to. Good evening!” And with that, she left. Abigail collapsed on the bed. Her mind raced with ‘what ifs’. “Stop it!” she scolded herself. “ It will only do harm.” Instead of terrifying ‘what ifs’, Abigail dreamed of a beautiful paradise of complete freedom. She then fell into a peaceful sleep.

********************

It was a moonless night. Abigail was running behind Mr. ZeFro, constantly looking behind her to make sure nobody was following them. Finally, they reached their destination. In front of them, was a small, green train with its paint chipping off. “Well, here we are!” Mr. ZeFro whispered. Abigail took a deep breath and stepped inside the train. She wrinkled her nose in disgust at the smell of old socks and too much perfume. A tall, old man, in the driver’s seat, chuckled and said,”It may smell foul now, but you’ll get used to it.” He then smiled a toothless grin. “By the way, my name is Fielder.” “It’s nice to meet you, Fielder.” greeted Abigail. Then, turning to Mr. ZeFro, she said, with a hint of sadness in her voice, “Goodbye, sir. Thank you for everything. He just smiled and disappeared into the forest. “Alright! We’re about to depart!” announced Fielder, in his best train conductor voice. The engine roared to life, then the train started rolling down the railroad. Rolling onward to true freedom. However, it was still dangerous…