While in the back of the wagon on their way to be sold, Amari is deeply troubled. “Afi had constantly talked about her bright spirit and her future. But Amari could see nothing but the darkness; she found she did not have Afi’s strength” (201). However, after an hour on the road, Dr. Hoskins pulls the wagon over and stops. Dr. Hoskins tells them he wants to help them in the only way he can: by letting them free and “giving them a fighting chance” (202). Dr. Hoskins apologizes for being unable “to pay the purchase price for the three of [them]” (203) and so advises them to follow the Ashley River and only to travel at night. He gives them a sack that holds “a small bundle of food, a couple of coins, and a flintlock musket” (204). Polly knows how to shoot, but they only have enough gunpowder for one shot. They thank him and then head into the woods.

The three stop to rest in the woods, and for the first time since she moved to Derbyshire Farms, Amari says out loud what her real name is. She also defiantly argues with