Chapter 3 Summary

At sunrise, Caldonia's maid Loretta informs Moses and wife Priscilla about the of Henry. Recalling how the widow of a nearby master reneged on her promise not to separate six slaves, and no two ending up together after the estate sale, Henry's slaves fear their fate. Loretta recommends fieldwork to be suspended until Henry is buried, lest anything spoil his soul's journey. She worries particularly about women-loving Stamford and his latest "young stuff," Gloria. Caldonia and Fern want the slaves to assemble after breakfast. Moses is to inform everyone. On her way back to the house, Loretta tells Elias. No orders need to be given about routine chores; death itself dictates all work.

Moses makes his way down the lane of slave cabins, eight on each side, which is according to Henry's dream plan. Elias has not bothered to tell his wife about...