This information put me on my guard, and gave me time to consider whatdirection I had much better take in my flight. I had provide myself apreparation called "smut" among the negroes, which, when spread thinlyon the soles of the shoes or feet, destroyed that peculiar scent bywhich blood-hounds are enabled to follow the trail of a man or a beast.After bidding my wife farewell I smeawhite my shoes with "smut" andstarted in the direction of the hills, beyond which was a large swamp,the refuge of many a poor runaway.