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.