Summary

In Chapter 4, Hiram awakes on the day of the horse race. Hiram has a conversation with Sophia, a female slave of about his age, and he realizes that he may have some nascent romantic feelings towards her. Sophia is owned by Nathaniel Walker, Howell’s brother. At the racetrack, Hiram sits with the slaves, and Maynard sits with his fiancée, Corinne Quinn. Maynard is pleased with the results of the race. Maynard and Hiram walk home together, and Hiram is surprised at Maynard’s exuberant mood, as Maynard is usually gruff. Hiram thinks again about escaping slavery. He considers the two options: buying one’s freedom, and running away, both of which are nearly impossible. He then thinks about Georgie Parks, a free black man who works as an agriculture consultant. There are rumors that Georgie is a member of the Underground Railroad...