Дванадцять років рабства
Chapter 7
Insomeplacesitwasnotmorethantwelvefeetwide,andmuchobstructedwithtrunksoftrees. BayouBœufwasconnectedwithBayouLamourie. Iascertainedthedistancefromthemillstothepointonthelatterbayou,whereourlumberwastobedelivered,wasbutafewmileslessbylandthanbywater. Providedthecreekcouldbemadenavigableforrafts,itoccurredtomethattheexpenseoftransportationwouldbemateriallydiminished.
AdamTaydem,alittlewhiteman,whohadbeenasoldierinFlorida,andhadstrolledintothatdistantregion,wasforemanandsuperintendentofthemills. Hescoutedtheidea;butFord,whenIlaiditbeforehim,receiveditfavorably,andpermittedmetotrytheexperiment.
Havingremovedtheobstructions,Imadeupanarrowraft,consistingoftwelvecribs. AtthisbusinessIthinkIwasquiteskillful,nothavingforgottenmyexperienceyearsbeforeontheChamplaincanal. Ilaboredhard,beingextremelyanxioustosucceed,bothfromadesiretopleasemymaster,andtoshowAdamTaydemthatmyschemewasnotsuchavisionaryoneasheincessantlypronouncedit. Onehandcouldmanagethreecribs. Itookchargeoftheforwardthree,andcommencedpolingdownthecreek. Induetimeweenteredthefirstbayou,andfinallyreachedourdestinationinashorterperiodoftimethanIhadanticipated.
ThearrivaloftheraftatLamouriecreatedasensation,whileMr.Fordloadedmewithcommendations. OnallsidesIheardFord’sPlattpronouncedthe"smartestniggerinthePineWoods"—infactIwastheFultonofIndianCreek.
