To ordinary people, these forms of communication were innocent, but if the wrong person overheard, it could blow the whole operation. Song lyrics often contained helpful meaning in helping slaves escaped. Follow the Drinking Gourd is a song itself that told slaves to follow a constellation known as the Big Dipper to the north to find their freedom. It is also theorized that slaves used quilts to draw out maps as well. Because many slaves didn’t know how to read or write and were forbidden to do so, it is assumed that it would be easier for them to use a quilt to gather information they needed. The name of the Underground Railroad itself is secretive. People would assume that a real railroad is being discussed, not an entire operation that helped runaway slaves to the north. The Quakers who helped conductors and their baggage were referred to as station masters and their homes were known as