Final answer:
The responsibilities of a conductor on the Underground Railroad included guiding freedom seekers from one station to another, often disguising themselves to help slaves escape plantations, and using non-written cues to provide directions.
Step-by-step explanation:
To understand the responsibilities of a conductor who bypasses a station without permission, we need to look at the historical context of the Underground Railroad. This term refers to the network of secret routes and safe houses that were used by enslaved African Americans to escape into free states and Canada with the aid of abolitionists and allies who were sympathetic to their cause.
The role of a conductor was crucial, as they were responsible for moving the freedom seekers from one station to another. Often, a conductor might pretend to be a slave to infiltrate a plantation and then assist the runaways in escaping to the North. These journeys would usually occur at night, covering approximately 10 to 20 miles to each successive safe haven or "depot." Along the way, visual and audible clues such as quilt patterns, song lyrics, and star positions were used to navigate, because many freedom seekers were illiterate and could not use written directions. The stations were typically secluded spots, like barns, managed by "station masters" who aided the runaways, allowing them to rest, eat, and receive guidance.