Copper Sun

Following the horrific killing of Noah and the baby, Mrs. Derby throws herself on the child and faints. Derby asks the doctor to look after her, because “she had to witness the disciplining of some unruly slaves, and it proved a bit much for her” (184). Mr. Derby orders Teenie, Polly, and Amari to follow him. He also tells Teenie to call for Tidbit, who comes out of hiding. He tells them that “when Dr. Hoskins leaves in the morning, he will have three passengers”; he plans on selling them (186). He locks the four of them in the smokehouse and tells Teenie that he will be selling Tidbit along with Amari and Polly, because he’d never sell her, she’s “much too valuable” (187).

While locked together, faced with Teenie’s uncontrollable sobbing, Amari brings up the possibility of them running away. It has been attempted in the past, but most runaway slaves are captured and brought back. There are some that have made it to the North, however, and have jobs and own their own property.

Cato arrives in the dark and talks with them through the wall of the smokehouse.