James reflects on the hope represented by the underground railroad and on the brutal reality that, without a white person beside him, he cannot move safely in public. After the riverboat disaster, James watches the beach below, where survivors have gathered and bodies still lie scattered. While searching for any sign of Norman, James spots his notebook beside a dead white woman and impulsively leaves cover to retrieve it.

James's carelessness immediately puts him in danger. White onlookers accuse James of robbing the dead woman, and Daniel Emmett recognizes both James and the notebook, realizing that James has taken what Emmett thinks belongs to him. Because the people on the beach are too weak to chase him, James uses the brief advantage to run north along the shore and then back into the woods.

When James finally stops to catch his breath, Huck appears beside him, having followed him during the escape. Huck reminds James that James saved Huck's life during the explosion, choosing Huck over Norman, and argues that they should stay together. James rejects the idea because James's goal is now clear: reach the North, gain freedom, earn money, and send help back for his family.

As they walk, Huck asks about the notebook and learns that James can read and write. Huck feels hurt that James kept this from him, while James makes clear that the deception has ended and suggests they part ways. Huck refuses, insisting that his whiteness still gives James practical protection because Huck can claim James as his slave if they meet white people.

James resists the idea, calling it foolish, but he knows Huck is right. A white boy's story could make James's presence seem acceptable in a way James alone never could. So James keeps moving north with the river beside them, reluctantly allowing Huck to remain with him, a decision that ties James's quest for freedom to an uneasy dependence on the boy.