Chapter 13 Summary

Flashy is barely operated on for his painful wound before they are moved to the house of some "red-hot abolitionists," lest Buck deliver a warrant. When the others have gone, Lincoln sits beside Flashy to hear an explanation of how a respectable British officer has become a fugitive slave stealer, and Flashy tells the truth, as always omitting the "spicy bits." Lincoln accepts the story as substantially true precisely because it is so unbelievable, and vows that Cassy will never wear chains again. When Flashy tries to butter him up, Lincoln runs through the laws both have broken, and would do it again, because conscience is higher than law and slavery must be fought. Buck's attitude provokes him.

When Flashy talks of heading home as soon as possible, Lincoln insists that he testify first in New Orleans. No one will link Lt. Comber...