Chapter 17 Summary

Even with Zachariah standing right in front of her, Charlotte still cannot believe that he is alive. Zachariah informs her that it is an old sailor's trick to fake a death by throwing a stuffed hammock into the ocean. Keetch brings him food every day, and Charlotte was not told because she had told the captain about the rebellion. Zachariah risked being seen by coming out during the storm because he needed to help the crew to ensure that they made it through the storm. Zachariah plans to sneak out when they reach America and report Jaggery to the authorities in order to bring him to justice. Charlotte expresses her doubts that this plan will work, since he is a black man and she doesn't think anyone will listen. Zachariah has no idea why Charlotte is locked in the cell. He cannot understand...