Pascal fled from Virginia, and accused Bannon and Brady of doing
violence to his liberty. He had, however, been in their clutches only a
short while before escaping, but that short while seemed almost an age,
as he was treated so meanly by them compared with the treatment which he
had experienced under his former master.
According to Pascal's story, which was evidently true, his previous
master was his own father (John Quantence), who had always acknowledged
Pascal as his child, whom he did not scruple to tell people he should
set free; that he did not intend that he should serve anybody else. But,
while out riding one day, he was thrown from his horse and instantly
killed. Naturally enough, no will being found, his effects were all
administered upon and Pascal was sold with the farm. Bannon and Brady
were the purchasers, at least of Pascal. In their power, immediately the
time of trouble began with Pascal, and so continued until he could no
longer endure it. "Hoggishness," according to Pascal's phraseology, was
the most predominant trait in the character of his new masters. In his
mournful situation and grief he looked toward Canada and started with
courage and hope, and thus succeeded. Such deliverances always afforded
very great joy to the Committee.
* * * * *