Daisy's Search for Freedom

by Bertha Schwartz

  “More,” he said, stuffing the rest in his mouth. Daisy handed him the rest of the cheese and wondered what they were going to eat later. But Simon was unconcerned. He stuffed it into his already-full mouth as he rose.

  Daisy got up and quickly took his hand. “Let’s go,” she said. At the last moment, she remembered the fishing poles and grabbed them.

  She walked as quickly as she dared, knowing they had lost some time while Simon slept. Meanwhile, Simon was talkative, pointing out different sights and wanting to stop. Daisy tried to hurry him along without being too obvious. The few people they met seemed to ignore them.

  Since Daisy had seldom been in a town herself, she was tempted to stop and look around. But something urged her to hurry.

  Suddenly, a hand on Daisy’s shoulder stopped them. Daisy turned quickly. It was a big man with a star on his chest. “Where might you boys be going in such a hurry?” he asked.

  “F-fishing,” stammered Daisy.

  “And does your master know where you are?”

  “Yes, sir.” Daisy remembered what Doc had told her to say.

  “And who might that be?” questioned the sheriff.

  “Master Manly said we could go fishing today.”

  “All right,” said the sheriff. “Run along and have fun.”

  Daisy tried to swallow her fear as she turned and walked away. They had not gone far when Simon whispered, “I was scared.”

  “I know,” Daisy whispered back. “But it’s okay now.”

  As Daisy hurried along, she looked frantically for a blue house with dark blue shutters. Had she missed it? It was growing dark. Maybe they had spent too much time under the bridge.

  “Sammy,” whispered Simon. “I can’t run anymore.”

  “I’m sorry,” whispered Daisy. “But we have to find the blue house.”

  “That blue house?” asked Simon, pointing ahead.

  “Oh, yes,” Daisy sighed in relief. “You are a brave, sweet boy.”

  Simon beamed and started to run ahead. Daisy quickly caught him. “No, Simon. We’re not going in that house.” At his look of disappointment, she quickly added, “Maybe we can find a nice, soft place to sleep.”

  “I want Mama.” Simon had huge tears in his eyes.

  Daisy thought of her own mama back on Six Oaks Plantation. Then she remembered, her Mama was praying for her! She stopped and hugged Simon. “Come on. We’ll be a’right,” she said.

  Simon’s lips trembled, but he willingly took Daisy’s hand. Daisy stayed beside the creek. The bushes were growing closer to the bank here. Finally she spotted the small, gray shed Doc had told her about. She moved deeper into the bushes.

  “Sammy,” protested Simon.

  “Hush,” whispered Daisy. Simon quieted immediately.

  Daisy peered through the bushes. The house was lit up. Darkness was coming fast. Daisy shivered. She wished they were inside the shed already. She gripped Simon’s hand tighter and gave a little tug. Just as Simon rose to his feet, the back door flew open. Daisy quickly pulled Simon back down.

  A girl about Daisy’s age stepped outside and dumped a bowl of water. She quickly went back inside, pulling the door shut behind her.

  Daisy waited a while longer to make sure no one else was coming out. And then, holding tightly to Simon’s hand, she stepped carefully from the bushes. She cringed as Simon stepped on a branch.

  Daisy moved quickly to the shed. As she pulled the door open and stepped inside, with Simon clinging tightly to her side, she felt sharp prickles of fear. Someone was in the shed!

  “Close the door quickly,” commanded a hushed voice. Daisy did as she was told.

  A light flared and was extinguished. But in that moment, Daisy recognized him! It was the sheriff they had talked to earlier. She tried to stifle her urge to scream.

  He seemed to sense it. He covered her mouth and whispered, “Quiet! Someone is looking for you. Now, listen carefully. We’re going into that house. You two must be so close to me, we make only one shadow. Are you ready?”

  “Simon?” Daisy whispered.

  “I’ll carry him.”

  As the sheriff picked him up, Daisy reached up to feel Simon’s foot. She held on to it as the sheriff pulled her tightly against him and walked swiftly to the house. Just as they neared the door, the light went out in that room.

  Daisy felt welcome warmth as they stepped inside. They hurried into another room. As Daisy’s eyes adjusted to the darkness, another door opened, spilling light into the room. “Sit here on the floor,” they were instructed.

  As Daisy sat down, Simon was lowered beside her. The girl appeared, carrying two steaming bowls. Daisy gratefully took the delicious smelling stew. A younger boy brought them some cornbread and water.

  As they ate, the sheriff asked, “Do you know a Mr. Turner?”

  At Daisy’s gasp of fear, he continued, “I thought so. We’ll take care of you.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  The Wild Carriage Ride

  “IF YOU’RE FINISHED EATING,” SAID the sheriff, quietly, but with urgency, “we need to go.” He took the bowls they handed him and gave them both a dark coat. Daisy slipped it on and turned to help Simon with his, only to find the tall man had already helped him. He scooped Simon up into his arms and pulled Daisy close as he hurried to the door.

  Daisy realized they were in front of the house now. A closed carriage was waiting with a team of sleek horses. Moving as one person, they quickly crossed to the carriage, and the sheriff lifted them inside. Daisy’s feet had barely touched the floor of the carriage before it started moving at a rapid pace. The first lurch sent her flying, but gentle hands caught her.

  “You’re fine,” said a soft, feminine voice. Daisy dimly saw a woman on the seat. She noticed a small toddler on her lap.

  “Papa said you need to sit down immediately.” Daisy recognized the girl she had seen in the house. The younger boy was beside her. Daisy started sitting on the seat beside her. “Papa said you have to sit on the floor.”

  Daisy sat down quickly and pulled Simon down with her. “When we stop,” continued the lady, “or even slow down, you need to roll under the seats right away. We’ll cover you. You dare not move or even make a sound. Do you understand?”

  “Yes,” whispered Daisy. She scrunched down and tried to make herself as small as possible. Simon pressed close to her side.

  The lady put a hand on her shoulder. “Do you know Jesus?” she whispered. Daisy hesitated for an instant. Was it a trick? She decided to take the chance and gave a slight nod. The lady squeezed her shoulder. “Good! Then you know what I mean when I say, ‘I’ll be praying for you’. Not just now, but every day for a long time. I’ll be praying for your safety.”

  Daisy felt tears in her eyes. She sounded like Mama! “Thank you!” she whispered. Simon snuggled closer to Daisy and relaxed. As the night wore on, the rattle of the wheels and the steady, swift pace of the horses caused Daisy to relax also.

  She was suddenly jerked awake when the carriage lurched to a stop. “Under the seats! Quickly!” commanded a voice. Without another thought Daisy rolled under the seat, pulling Simon with her. He whimpered, but quieted immediately when Daisy touched his mouth.

  “Where do you think you’re going in such a hurry?” asked a demanding voice—a voice Daisy immediately recognized as belonging to Mr. Turner! She felt a fear squeeze around her heart like she’d never known. She was caught!

  “Jesus, protect us all,” whispered a voice above her, reminding Daisy that she could pray.

  She heard the sheriff’s calm answer. “I got a telegram that my wife’s mother is deathly sick. If we don’t hurry, we may never see her alive again.”

  “Well, there’s some runaway slaves loose. And I’m mighty determined to find them. Did ya happen to see a young black girl, ‘bout twelve or so?”

  “No, can’t say as I have,” said the sheriff, thoughtfully. “I was all over town today and even partway into the woods this afternoon a spe
ll. I never did see any blacks that I didn’t think belonged.”

  “I’m gonna check your carriage anyway. Can never tell who might be hoardin’ a runaway.”

  Daisy held her breath and held one hand gently over Simon’s mouth. Just as the door was yanked open, Daisy heard the lady sobbing softly. A light shone in the carriage.

  “You have any runaways in here?” asked Turner, gruffly.

  The lady caught her breath in the midst of a sob. “My poor mama is dying, and you’re asking us about negroes?” Her voice rose to a higher pitch. “You keep me from seeing my dear, sweet mama one last time cause you’re chasing negroes?” Her voice rose with each word. “How dare you! Your mama must have never taught you any manners at all! Have you neither heart nor soul?” She stopped screaming to burst into sobs once more.

  “Please, sir,” said the sheriff’s anxious voice. “You must excuse her. She is almost hysterical with grief. Go ahead and look if you must, but, please, look quickly. I would feel terrible if we arrived too late.”

  “Yes, of course. But I need to be perfectly sure. She might have gotten in without your knowledge.” Daisy saw the bag move in front of her. She realized the other children were crying, too, and felt Simon tremble. She held him tighter.

  “O-ooh!” moaned the lady. “If we arrive too late . . . O-ooh Maaamaaa!” she wailed.

  “Stop your screaming, lady,” shouted Turner. “I can’t even think!”

  “She’s almost beside herself with grief,” explained the sheriff, apologetically. “She’s usually not like this at all. Can I help you?”

  “Yes! Make her stop that caterwauling”

  This was followed by such a heart-rending wail that Daisy was afraid she would soon burst into tears herself. The children were all crying loudly now. Daisy held onto the trembling Simon.

  “Forget it!” shouted Turner, slamming the carriage door. “Have you no control over your wife and family?”

  Daisy couldn’t make out the sheriff’s words. She sagged with relief as the carriage moved forward again.

  “It’s okay,” said the lady, still breathing heavily. “You can come out,” she said as the carriage picked up even more speed.

  Just as Daisy and Simon rolled out, they heard rapid hoof beats and a loud shout, “Stop!” Bags were quickly lifted off the floor and Daisy rolled under the other seat, pulling Simon with her. Bags were dropped in front of them just as the door was yanked open once more.

  “Y-y-you!” hiccupped the lady.

  “Shut up!” shouted Turner. “I haven’t searched the whole carriage, yet. An’ your caterwauling ain’t gonna stop me! Lift your feet so I can look under your seat!”

  CHAPTER NINE

  The Gray Kitten

  DAISY HELD SIMON SECURELY IN her arms under the carriage seat. She gently placed a hand over his mouth to keep him quiet. She held her breath as the carriage door was jerked open, and she clearly heard Mr. Turner’s gruff voice. “Now don’t start carryin’ on again, ma’am. I got a right to make all of you step out of this here carriage, so I can search comfortable-like.”

  Daisy heard the lady sniff loudly. “Y-you mean to say, you think we could be hiding slaves at a desperate time like this? We got a telegram today that my mother is deathly ill. I don’t know if I’ll ever see her alive again. And you’re keeping me from her side because you’re—”

  “Now don’t go gettin’ all hysterical again. I just remembered that I never checked under your seat.”

  “But . . . ” the lady’s voice rose.

  “I ain’t accusin’ you or nothin’, but they sometimes sneak in carriages or other places. You can’t be too careful. Now, if you’d lift your feet onto the seat . . . ”

  “The nerve! Speaking in such a way to a lady!”

  “It’s all right, dear,” came the sheriff’s calm voice. “Just do as he says, so we can be on our way again.”

  Daisy’s heart almost stopped beating, as she heard him rooting around under the other seat. Was he going to search under this one again?

  “Everything is clear.” said Mr. Turner. “It’s always good to know in which towns the sheriffs are upright citizens. Sorry to trouble you ma’am.”

  The lady gave another loud sniff. The door was quickly closed, and their voices faded. The carriage started moving at a rapid pace once more. This time it was quite a bit longer until the lady told them they could come out.

  “I’d rather just stay under here,” whispered Daisy.

  “Mama, why didn’t they search under the seat where they were hiding?” asked the girl.

  “The first time we were stopped, they were under my seat, and he checked under yours. The second time, they were hiding under your seat, but he had already checked there, so he checked only under mine.”

  “That was close! I’m glad it turned out that way!”

  “Yes, God certainly answered our prayers! Children, come on out. You can sleep on the blankets on the floor between the seats. I think you’re safe for now. We still have a long way to go.”

  Daisy rolled onto the soft blankets the lady spread out for them. Simon snuggled close again, sobbing softly. “It’s okay,” Daisy whispered quietly as she patted his back. He seemed to relax right away. Daisy felt herself relaxing, too, lulled by the rocking of the carriage.

  Daisy awoke with a start, as she felt herself being lifted. “Everything is fine,” said the sheriff’s quiet voice. He carried Daisy a short distance and then placed her on some more blankets. Someone else covered her with another one. Daisy heard a soft whimper. She reached out and pulled Simon to herself. He quieted immediately. As Daisy’s eyes drifted shut, she heard a soft, feminine voice murmur, “Sleep, little darlings. We will help God and His angels keep watch over you.”

  Daisy felt a peace steal over her as she had never known before.

  As Daisy awoke slowly in the semi-darkness, she realized they were in a very low space, as she couldn’t even sit upright without ducking her head slightly. Straw rustled beneath her blankets. She turned to find Simon regarding her with large, serious eyes. Before she had a chance to respond, they heard the creaking of a heavy sliding door opening. Daisy looked around frantically. But she could see no opening, except a very narrow crack in the wall through which sunlight was streaming. Simon started moving toward it. The straw rustled noisily beneath him. Daisy quickly stopped him and motioned to remain quiet.

  Heavy steps seemed to be moving directly towards them, but Daisy could not see any place they could possibly open. Simon clung to her fearfully.

  “Children,” said a strange voice. “You don’t need to be afraid. I am a friend and have brought you some food.” Daisy was surprised when the wall right in front of them was removed.

  A young man was holding the wall he’d just removed. “Oh, my! You’re younger than I expected. Well, no matter,” he went on briskly. “I brought you some breakfast. You’d better eat it while it’s still hot. Come on out. You can eat while I do the milking.” He helped them out and told them to sit on the loose straw. He’d brought them both a plate full of hot food. Simon dug right in. Daisy hesitated only a minute before she followed suit. She watched from the corner of her eye as the man tied a cow in a nearby stall and began milking.

  Relieved that he seemed to be trustworthy, she settled down to enjoy the tasty breakfast. “Would you care for some fresh milk?” asked the man a few minutes later. He was holding two glasses of warm, foamy milk.

  “Thank you,” murmured Daisy, gratefully.

  “Quite all right, son,” answered the man, as he brushed a lock of wavy brown hair from his eyes. “I’ll be working in the shop here all day. We’ve got some kittens in the mow. If you’re perfectly quiet, it would probably be okay if you played up there awhile. But if I call, you come back down as fast as you can and scoot under there again. That’s very important.”

  Daisy nodded solemnly. Her heart was light as she and Simon scrambled up the ladder. It didn’t take them long to find the kittens. T
here were five of them, all colors. Simon chose a little gray one and was content for a long time.

  Suddenly, their fun was disrupted by the man’s anxious voice. “Boys! Come down! Immediately!” Daisy grabbed Simon’s hand and pulled him to the ladder, almost stumbling in the process. The man was halfway up the ladder and lifted Simon down. Daisy scampered down as quickly as she could and slid under the hole. As the board was dropped in front, Daisy heard a soft meow. Simon was still holding his kitten!

  CHAPTER TEN

  Alone in the Woods

  DAISY QUICKLY TOOK THE KITTEN from Simon. She hugged him to herself to muffle his protests. With her other hand, she gently stroked the kitten. She was very relieved when they both quieted. Almost immediately, Daisy heard a door opening and strange voices talking. She couldn’t make out the words, but they didn’t sound unfriendly. It wasn’t long until Daisy heard the ringing of the anvil and guessed someone had brought something to be repaired. From the noises earlier, Daisy had guessed the man that was helping them to be a blacksmith.

  Simon’s even breathing told Daisy he was sleeping, but her arm that cradled his head was falling asleep. Daisy shifted uncomfortably. He didn’t get much sleep last night—poor little fellow. As Daisy very carefully tried to lay him down, she hoped the noise would be covered by the singing of the anvil. Unfortunately, she forgot about the kitten in her other arm. He let out an angry squeal, just as the blacksmith stopped his hammering.

  “What was that?” Daisy clearly heard a strange voice say. She quickly released the kitten and held perfectly still.

  “Sounded like a kitten to me,” said the blacksmith, calmly. “We’ve got some running around here.”

  “Oh, can I see them?” asked a young boy, excitedly. “I just love kittens.”

  The blacksmith took time to hammer a bit before he answered. “You could on my account, but the mother is a first-time mother. I’m afraid she might not cotton to strangers.”

  “Oh, my son is very good with animals,” boasted the stranger loudly. “He’ll have Mama Cat eatin’ out of his hand in no time a’tall.”