# The Runaway Slave explained — Aesop's Fables

> Chapter companion for Aesop's Fables by Aesop.

## What happens

A discontented slave runs away from his master, who pursues him on horseback. The slave tries to hide in a treadmill, but his master finds him and remarks that the treadmill is the perfect place for him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Consequence

The slave's attempt to escape his lot leads to a fitting consequence as he is found in the very place meant for labor.

## Character check-ins

### The Slave

The runaway slave who attempts to hide in a treadmill but is caught by his master.

### The Master

The master who pursues the runaway slave and finds him hiding in a treadmill.

## Key lines

> A Slave, being discontented with his lot, ran away from his master.

A slave, unhappy with his situation, fled from his owner.

_Sets up the conflict of the fable._

> He was soon missed by the latter, who lost no time in mounting his horse and setting out in pursuit of the fugitive.

The master quickly noticed the slave's absence and immediately rode out to chase him.

_Highlights the master's swift response._

> Aha, that’s the very place for you, my man!

Ah, that is exactly where you belong!

_The master's ironic remark upon finding the slave in the treadmill._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-runaway-slave
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters