Chapter 21 Summary

Mattie learns the young girl's name is Nell. She carries the little girl into the streets, wondering what course of action would be best. Then she thinks she sees Eliza walking in the distance, and runs after her calling her name. She knocks on several doors in the area and asks for Eliza but is unable to find her. Several people ask her if she is from the Free African Society, but Mattie is not. They tell Mattie that the Free African Society has been bringing food and medicine, and has been caring for the ill. Mattie continues to search for Eliza and finally finds her in a strange section of town.

Chapter 21 Analysis

Mattie sees Eliza by chance and then determinedly searches her out. This meeting provides another major turning point in the novel's plot, as Mattie now begins to rely on...