Gradually, we make it to the outskirts of Louisiana. We only have a little longer until we finally make it to our destination. We've still been getting help along the way and I'm starting to get used to others helping us. David and I have been given new belongings too. We still have to be on the lookout, but I can't seem to keep out the excitement. Freedom is almost here, and I can feel it.

Then one day, after many painful ones, I spot a faint glow in the distance and almost cry out in joy. It's the town we've been searching for ever since we left the plantation. David finds it at the same time I do and he starts to run. I hurry after him and after a short amount of time we are within a few miles of the place.

Finally, after all these horrible weeks, we make it. I practically run into the town. We've made it safely. This is what David and I have dreamed of ever since we heard about the railroad, and even before then, and now it's come true. I couldn't hold back the smile that was growing on my face. Now all we have to worry about is getting a jobs and a house and a living. But I didn't care about any of that right now. All that was on my mind was that we were free, finally free. I turned to my brother and smiled even bigger than I ever have. We were safe at last.

By: Gracie Wessels

http://education.nationalgeographic.com/media/richmedia/0/195/project/j4pop.html