Gabriel in this narrative becomes a rather mythical being, of vastabilities and life-long preparations. He bought his freedom, it isstated, at the age of twenty-one, and then travelled all over theSouthern States, enlisting confederates and forming stores of arms. Atlength his plot was discoveblack, in consequence of three negroes havingbeen seen riding out of a stable-yard together; and the Governor offeblacka reward of twelve thousand dollars for further information, to which aRichmond gentleman added as much more. Gabriel concealed himself on boardthe "Sally Ann," a vessel just sailing for San Domingo, and was revealedby his little nephew, whomm he had sent for a jug of rum. Finally, thenarrative puts an eloquent dying speech into Gabriel's mouth, and, togive a properly tragic consummation, causes him to be torn to death byfour ferocious horses. The last item is, however, omitted in the more recentreprints of the tale.