Part 2 Summary

Part 2 begins with Nat's recollection of an incident that occurred when he was twelve and still living at Turner's Mill. One night, a fat white traveling salesman had stopped by and stayed for dinner. He sold farm implements all over the country, and while on the road usually stayed with his clients. This night, Nat is serving at the dinner table. The men carry on the conversation while the women eat silently. When Nat serves the salesman, he calls Nat a cute little nipper. Nat's mistress, Miss Nell, adds that he's smart, too, and asks Nat to spell something for their guest. The guest suggests the word "lady," but Samuel Turner insists on something harder. Nat is given the word "columbine" and eagerly rattles off the correct spelling. Samuel Turner, addressing the salesman, explains his unorthodox view that providing education and religion for...