Chapter 17 Summary

The action moves back to the north with George, Eliza and Harry about to make their departure from the Halliday home. Rachel is preparing a feast for the little slave family so they will be well nourished for the next leg of their journey. The atmosphere in the home is congenial but tinged with anxiety at the approaching evening's adventure. Soon the family is interrupted by the arrival of a neighbor, Phineas Fletcher, who announces that the talk in town is that the slave catchers are nearby and hot on the trail of George, Eliza and little Harry. Phineas is a rough but kindhearted man who feels obliged to help the little family escape the approaching captors.

Meanwhile George and Eliza spend a few moments together to express their love for each other in the event that the evening brings disaster instead of...