Samuel's Secret

Samuel, a teenage boy, is born after 1790. He becomes aware that his family is keeping a secret. His older brother Joshua knows what it is but won't tell him. Samuel believes that he too can be trusted. His brother Joshua returns to the Quaker school, leaving more responsibility on Samuel. He begins to take on chores Joshua once did.

The Night of Discovery

One dark night, Samuel awakens to Pals barking. He peeks through a crack in the loft door and watches. Pa brings strangers who were wearing tattered, dirty clothes into their kitchen. Eventually, his father tells him that his family helps slaves escape. Some states call this breaking the law. Other states believe slaves have a right to their personal liberty.

The Surprise

Samuel has another surprise awaiting him when he learns who else is involved in this activity—Samuel himself!