As the border of the Shelby plantation fades into the distance, Eliza reflects on the life she leaves behind, as well as the life she approaches. Their destination is Ohio, a free state, and they plan to cross the Ohio River from Kentucky. Eliza assures Harry that she will protect him, and they stop at a tavern for rest. At this time of year, however, the Ohio River is clogged with ice; its waters are rough, and it is unclear if a ferry will come to take them across. As they wait, Harry eventually becomes exhausted and falls asleep.

The focus returns to the Shelby plantation. Haley is restless, waiting to begin the search for Eliza and Harry. Mrs. Shelby's promised him dinner, but Chloe takes her time preparing it. Along with the other kitchen servants, Chloe curses Haley and wishes for God's vengeance upon his cruel soul. Uncle Tom, however, advises them to forgive and pray for Haley's soul. Mrs. Shelby informs Tom that she will attempt to purchase him back as soon as possible

After dinner, Sam, Andy, and Haley begin their pursuit. Haley decides on a route to the river, but Sam warns that there are two roads leading there, and it is uncertain which Eliza might have chosen. As he speaks, Haley grows suspicious of his motives but questions his choice. Sam is in a joyful mood, falsely claiming to have spotted Eliza and keeping Haley in a state of agitation.

The search party arrives at the tavern where Eliza and her son Harry are resting, but before they can find her, Sam sees Eliza first and warns her of the danger. She quickly grabs Harry and makes a run for it, jumping from ice block to ice block as she crosses the river. Mr. Symmes, a friend of the Shelby family, helps Eliza and Harry out of the water on the other side. Sam and Andy watch in awe of Eliza's bravery and then share a laugh at Haley's expense before riding back to the plantation, leaving the empty-handed trader behind.

After Sam and Andy abandon him to return to the plantation, Haley sits disappointedly in the tavern. There, he meets Tom Loker, a rugged slave hunter, and his friend Marks, a nimble lawyer. Haley tells them his woes, and they come to a devilish agreement: if Loker and Marks can catch Eliza and Harry, they will keep Eliza for themselves to sell and return Harry to Haley.

Back at the Shelby estate, Sam and Andy share their experiences with Mr. and Mrs. Shelby; they inform the rapt couple that Eliza and Harry have arrived safely in Ohio. Afterward, Sam and Andy join the other servants in Chloe's kitchen to enjoy a meal and recount their journey.