Chapter 9 Summary

On the Ohio side of the river, Senator and Mrs. Bird are in their home discussing the recent passing of the Fugitive Slave Law which essentially forbids the people in northern states from assisting runaway slaves. Mrs. Bird questions the Christianity of such legislation and informs her husband that she will break the law should she find herself in a position to provide assistance to some unfortunate slave. The Birds are interrupted by the arrival of Eliza and Harry at their door and the two refugees are admitted to the Bird home. Eliza shares her story of fear and exhaustion from crossing the ice-filled Ohio River in an attempt to evade slave catchers. While Mrs. Bird provides food and warm clothing to Eliza and Harry, Eliza tells the story of Mr. Shelby's situation which has predicated her flight.

Eliza also informs the Birds...