Hearing Sammy scream after their escape from Henderson's mill, James runs through the brush and attacks the man he finds with her before realizing he has tackled Norman. Norman is shocked to see James with Sammy and challenges James for bringing her along, but James bluntly explains that Sammy is a young girl who has been brutally whipped and could not be left behind. Norman accepts the moral necessity, though he immediately worries about how they can all survive.

James introduces Norman to Sammy, but Sammy is terrified and confused because Norman appears white to her. James explains that Norman is Black and that they are together, yet Sammy remains wary. As they talk, Norman reports that he had used some of their money to buy food, and James and Norman turn from explanation to escape planning.

James first thinks of following the creek toward the river, because the river still feels like safety to him, but Norman argues that they should go south by land because pursuers will not expect that route. James agrees. When they hear more than one barking dog, the danger becomes immediate, and the three hurry deeper into the woods, knowing they can no longer risk towns or open travel.

The flight is hard because James is weakened by the recent whipping. Fear keeps him moving, but by midday he can run no farther. They find shelter in a gulley beside a small stream under a rocky outcropping that is almost a cave, and there they finally stop when the dogs can no longer be heard.

Once they rest, Norman sees the full damage on James's back and is horrified. James directs Norman and Sammy in treating the wounds with bee balm root, plantain leaves, and clay mud. Sammy helps gather and crush the plants, showing practical knowledge and beginning to take part in the group's survival.

Believing the hiding place may be safe for the moment, James proposes that they remain there until night so they can travel again under cover of darkness. Norman and Sammy agree. Exhausted from pain, blood loss, and fear, James loses consciousness.