Book excerpt: The Underground Railroad was a secret network of routes used by Southern slaves in escaping to the North. In their attempts they were often guided and helped by former fugitive slaves and abolitionist who were known as the conductors. Read about these incredible and unforgettable life journeys and the people who took these treacherous routes to freedom. This edition includes the narratives of Harriet Tubman and Laura S. Haviland, the female conductors, along with a meticulous record of the lucky few slaves who managed to cross-over to North and escape the clutches of the dreadful slavery.