Chapter 3 Summary

Since her surroundings are so unfamiliar to her, Miranda finds it impossible to sleep that night. The noises of the city and the shouts of the town crier keep her awake, and she decides to get up at five o'clock. In the morning, her father leaves quickly after giving his usual admonitions to avoid evil, and she feels a certain sense of abandonment when he is gone. Then, she and Nicholas prepare to float up the Hudson on the Swallow (also known as the floating palace") to his estate.

As they ride, Miranda begins to enjoy the scenery, and Nicholas entertains her with his descriptions of the landmarks they pass and some legends related to the area. When they reach Poughkeepsie, the Swallow gets there ahead of the Express, and this makes her apprehensive because she feels that the race is some sort...