Chains

Isabel awakes from a deep sleep, and Ruth is missing. Madam spiked the milk with a sedative to prevent her from intervening: Becky delivers the devastating news that Madam has sold Ruth to a family in Nevis, West Indies. Isabel begins to shout, bringing Madam Lockton downstairs. Isabel yells at her, and Madam smashes a picture frame on Isabel’s head. Becky opens the door, and Isabel narrowly escapes. She runs to the Battery, shouts the password, and is admitted—but Colonel Regan is not willing to help her. Madam Lockton arrives, demanding the return of her property. Seeing no other option, Isabel leaps from an open window but is knocked unconscious, and soldiers drag her to the jail. She is woozy from the head injury and has several broken teeth. She is locked in the dungeon with other criminals to await trial.

Two days later, Isabel stands trial with Madam Lockton present. Several witnesses attest to seeing the fracas. The judge acknowledges Isabel’s disobedience but does not feel her crimes warrant death. He suggests 20 lashes, but Madam Lockton wants Isabel to be branded with the letter “I” for “Insolence” (145). Taken to the courtyard, Isabel’s hands are tied to a post and her head pressed into a vice while a crowd watches.