Summary

In Chapter 16, Albert covered at the tavern so Rachel could go out. This was the first time she had “dared to walk the streets” in some time (126). While wandering, she saw a child’s shadow. She was reminded of her dreams. Determined not to “let the child get away,” she chased him (127). When she grabbed his arm, she was surprised he was not one of her own children (127). He told her he had nowhere to stay and nothing to eat. She invited him back to the tavern.

At the tavern, Rachel learned the boy, Nuno, was from a village upriver. His people, the Akawaio, “got sick and died,” including his mother (130). Shortly after he and his father came to Bridgetown for work, his father died also. Taking pity on Nuno, Rachel insisted he stay.

In Chapter 17, when a captain Nobody knew...