Pgs. 82-116 Summary

As the sixth chapter opens, one of the three abductors reminds Flashy how they grabbed him in New Orleans ten years before and took him to Crixus, the boss of the Underground Railroad. The scene is repeated and the frail old man is in rapture to welcome Flashy back, victorious, reminding him that the Railroad has eyes and ears everywhere. Learning of his chance arrival, they determine to keep Flashy safe. Flashy senses that Crixus has something in mind for him even before Crixus begins talking about the gathering storm, the powder keg that will destroy hated slavery. God has sent the man to light the fearful fire: John Brown.

Flashy knows nothing about the man and listens to Crixus' recounting the deeds of "Old Ossawotomie, the Angel of the Lord" (pg. 89), a prophet and warrior. Crixus goes on at length...