in the sub-tropical south, almost 3,000 miles later. But
in those days the river also bore with it the tears and
prayers of those whose freedom had been taken from
them.
The steamboat moved slowly along the river as the 5
evening sun reflected on the big river, carrying cotton
bales from the many plantations that sent the cotton
down river to the markets. It is here that we find Tom,
sitting behind one of these bales. Haley saw that Tom
never complained and was always ready to help to load 10
and unload the boat when it stopped at some town on
the way. After a few days Haley took Tom’s chains off
and let him walk around wherever he wanted. When
there was nothing more to do, he climbed up onto the
bales and began studying his Bible.
*
15
From the boat, Tom looked out at the country
around and saw the large houses of the masters. Near
by were the tiny cabins where the slaves lay down to
sleep after working all day in the fields under the burn
ing sun. Tom thought about his life in Kentucky and 20
about his own cabin under the tall trees, surrounded by
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