Page 302 of 483

To England, therefore, I was bound, and it was understood that my

union with Elizabeth should take place immediately on my return.

My father's age rendered him extremely averse to delay. For

myself, there was one reward I promised myself from my detested

toils-one consolation for my unparalleled sufferings; it was the

prospect of that day when, enfranchised from my miserable

slavery, I might claim Elizabeth and forget the past in my union

with her.