Elijah of Buxton

The next day Mr. Leroy arrives to ask Pa’s help in bringing his family to Buxton. Though Mr. Leroy initially mentions that Elijah is mature enough to stay for the conversation, after Mr. Leroy become emotional, Pa tells Elijah to go. Elijah, however, stays “close enough for listening” (225). Pa tells Mr. Leroy he’s certain they can bring Mr. Leroy’s wife and children.

The Preacher arrives. When he hears that Mr. Leroy has come into enough money to secure freedom for his family, the Preacher tells them that Pa’s connections are no longer available. Mr. Leroy asks the Preacher for help. The Preacher says he knows a helpful white man, John Jarvey near Detroit, who can use Mr. Leroy’s money to buy the family as if buying slaves for his plantation and then bring them to Michigan. Mr. Leroy excitedly agrees.

While the Preacher is away briefly, Elijah returns. Pa tells Mr. Leroy that he doesn’t trust the Preacher. Mr. Leroy tries to ask Elijah if the Preacher is trustworthy, but Pa prevents Elijah from answering. Mr. Leroy agrees to Pa’s idea to send a legally emancipated neighbor, Theodore Highgate, with the Preacher. While Pa goes to ask Mr.