The focus turns to a new setting: the Ohio home of Senator and Mrs. Bird; the Senator, known for his kind and approachable demeanor, has only recently returned from Washington, D.C. Like Mrs. Shelby, Mrs. Bird is a devout woman who is morally opposed to slavery; as she and her husband discuss the legislative work he is doing, she questions the morality of the Fugitive Slave Law, wondering how a Christian legislature could create laws that prevent helping those seeking freedom. She explains that her beliefs would drive her to defy the law if necessary. Senator Bird, who supported the law while it languished in Congress, explains to his indignant wife that it was enacted to appease slave owners in Kentucky who were afraid of losing their slaves to the North.

As they discuss the idea of fugitive slaves, an exhausted Eliza arrives at their door. After their journey, she and Harry are exhausted and in need of food and shelter. She shares her story with the Birds, detailing how she had to cross a frozen river to evade slave hunters. She also provides some background information, including Mr. Shelby's financial troubles, the fear of being separated from Harry, and her husband George's escape from slavery.

Hearing her story, Senator Bird feels compelled to offer assistance to Eliza and Harry as they journey to Canada. He introduces them to a neighbor, John Van Trompe, who used to own slaves but now provides refuge to those seeking freedom. Van Trompe pledges to take care of Eliza and Harry while they wait to relocate.