Chapters 7 and 8 Summary

As Eliza runs through the night with Harry clinging to her, she thinks of the place she is leaving and may never see again and is filled with momentary sadness, but Eliza's maternal instincts are stronger than melancholy and she pushes on. Stopping only once to feed Harry, Eliza moves as quickly as possible and reaches a town on the Ohio River, where she stops at a tavern for some dinner and a little rest.

Crossing the river tonight seems impossible as the ferries have been stopped on account of the ice. The tavern owner seems to sense Eliza's distress about her child and tells her there will be a barge leaving later tonight. With that piece of good news, Eliza and Harry wait in a small bedroom offered by the woman. While Harry sleeps, Eliza hears a commotion outside the...