All very constructive posts on this topic. We might also note that Roxy in _PW_ escapes from her slavery the same way-- taking a canoe south then getting on a steamboat north. There's no ignorance in this decision; she's been a slave and has travelled the Mississippi steamboat lines as a freewoman working as a chambmermaid. Her tactic for escaping detection is a demonstration of her knowledge and cunning. Best, --Larry Howe