Forge

The following morning, Curzon decides not to tell his friends who it was that stole his boots. They push for him to admit who it was that attacked him, but finally realizing that he cannot not (or will not) tell, they agree instead to help him by sharing their shoes amongst themselves, rotating throughout the week.

A blizzard arrives, bringing with it members of the Continental Congress. The whole camp is called to assemble. They do so in the high, cold snow, doing their best to appear hardy, though so many are shabby, cold, and ill-shod. A man in shabbier attire is among the well-dressed, warm-looking congressmen. Curzon is horrified to discover he is, in fact, James Bellingham: Curzon’s former owner. He reflects upon a time in his childhood when he was measured and dressed in a green waistcoat. Bellingham’s father, a judge, owned both Curzon and Curzon’s father, and had gifted Curzon to Bellingham for his 25th birthday. Curzon, as a child, is so heartbroken and frightened to be taken from his father, he attempts to run away. He is captured, and the judge forces Curzon’s father to whip him as punishment. His father lashes him once, cutting his cheek, and then breaks into tears. But now, years later, Curzon finds Bellingham in a sorrier state: aged, untidy, and small.

Bellingham recognizes Curzon and, seemingly shocked and elated to find him alive, insists he join him the following day at Washington’s headquarters, where he can give honest testimony regarding the conditions at Valley Forge. Burns seems frightened at the prospect and attempts to insinuate himself into the conversation, but Bellingham dismisses him, insisting that Curzon come alone, and (noticing his lack of boots) that he be given proper footwear.

Curzon returns to his hut with his friends. They pepper him with questions, which he does his best to answer without betraying the secret of his being a runaway slave. He tells them he had worked for Bellingham in his youth and traveled with him after he was disowned by his father for joining the Sons of Liberty and publishing pamphlets in support of American independence. Eben and Sylvanus ask to escort him the following day, but Curzon declines, deciding to take the boots of another solider, Faulkner, as their disrepair best reflect the sorry state of the camp. 

The next morning, Curzon walks through camp on his way to Washington’s headquarters. When he arrives, he speaks to Bellingham, who tells of his wife’s passingand his financial troubles as a result of the war. He then tells Curzon that a warm meal and hot bath are awaiting him upstairs. Curzon is shocked, and asks when he’ll be able to talk to his superiors regarding the camp. Bellingham then reveals his ruse: “Curzon…” he says, “I own you,” (162). 

Curzon insists that he is, in fact, a free man, having enlisted in Bellingham’s place in the army. His decision to reenlist was his own. This leads to an argument, finally ending with Bellingham hitting Curzon out of anger. Curzon rises, pushes Bellingham out of the way, and attempts to run. He is captured and court-martialed for lying about his freedom.

The court-martial finds against him, 2 to 1. Curzon is deemed Bellingham’s property. Curzon then spits in Bellingham’s face, and is promptly knocked unconscious.

He is brought to Bellingham’s home, where he’s fed warm broth. It’s there that Curzon vows to kill Bellingham. The next day, a slave named Gideon – a large, servile man whom Curzon describes as looking like a frog – leads him into Bellingham’s study. There, Bellingham describes his current state and confesses to Curzon his ambitions and plans to ascend into General Washington’s favor. Curzon fantasizes about murdering him with a firepoker while he speaks, but reminds himself to wait, eat, and regain his strength first.

Bellingham sends for Gideon and calls for his maid to come into the room. Gideon returns moments later with the maid.

Curzon is horrified to discover the maid is none other than Isabel: both have now been enslaved by Bellingham.