ACT TWO: FOLLOW THE DRINKING GOURD
[A dark night on the plantation. HARRIET prepares to escape. Her brothers JAMES and BEN join her briefly, then lose their nerve.]
NARRATOR 3: In 1849, Harriet Tubman learned she might be sold further south — away from her family and everything she knew. She made a decision. She would run. HARRIET TUBMAN: (to herself) I told the Lord I was going to hold steady to Him, and that He had to see me through. And I believed He would.
[HARRIET moves silently through the night, following the North Star. She arrives at the home of THOMAS GARRETT.]
THOMAS GARRETT: (opening his door quietly) Come in, come in quickly. You are safe here. My name is Thomas Garrett. I am a friend. HARRIET TUBMAN: (breathing hard) I've walked all night. THOMAS GARRETT: Then rest. Tomorrow I will help you get to the next station. You are on the Underground Railroad now. HARRIET TUBMAN: Underground Railroad? THOMAS GARRETT: It is not truly underground, and not truly a railroad. It is a network of people — Black and white — who believe in freedom. They will pass you from one safe house to the next until you reach the North. HARRIET TUBMAN: (with wonder) People I have never met... helping me? THOMAS GARRETT: Hundreds of them. You are not alone. [HARRIET continues north and arrives in Philadelphia. WILLIAM STILL greets her.]
WILLIAM STILL:
Welcome to Philadelphia. You are free, Harriet. Legally free.
HARRIET TUBMAN:
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