The Water Dancer: Chapter 15 Summary & Analysis

Four months after arriving at Bryceton, Hiram leaves. He, Hawkins, and Bland set off, planning to take a slightly longer route in order to avoid areas where Ryland’s Hounds are known to be particularly active. They board a train, which at that time does not have a separate car for black people. This is because “The Quality [keep] their Tasked ones close the way a lady keeps her clutch, closer even.” The journey takes two days. When they arrive in Philadelphia, a black man greets Hiram, introducing himself as Raymond White. They drive away in a carriage. Hiram looks at Raymond, whose dress is “impeccable” yet who carries a profound sadness in his expression.

Hiram gazes at the people in the city. Although most of the rich are white and most of the poor are black, Hiram is stunned to see that this is not always the case, and that there are black people dressed in more luxury than he’d ever seen on Howell. They arrive at a house where Bland and Hawkins are already waiting, drinking coffee with another black man who Hiram immediately sees must be related to Raymond. He introduces himself as Otha White. Hawkins instructs the White brothers to take care of Hiram, whom he calls “the genuine article.” He explains that Hiram “don’t know nothing,” and they will have to teach him. Hawkins says goodbye, noting that he and Hiram may never see each other again.

Otha takes Hiram to his bedroom, which he feels is a kind of “heaven.” Later, they have dinner at a local tavern. Otha lives in the same house as Hiram, whereas Raymond lives with his wife and children. Hiram wakes early the next morning to wander around the city. He goes into a bakery owned by a friendly black man who introduces himself as Mars. Mars says that he can tell Hiram is new and guesses that he is staying with Otha. Hiram is suspicious, but Mars gives him a piece of gingerbread for free, telling him they are “family.” 

Hiram keeps walking. It occurs to him that if he wanted to, he could “abandon the Underground and disappear into the city.” He sits down to read the newspaper and keep eating the gingerbread, but as he takes a bite he is gripped by a sudden memory, transported all the way back to Lockless. He is in the kitchen in the house, and a woman asks him why he is always so quiet. She gives him a piece of gingerbread even though she is making it for Howell, explaining, “Family got to watch out for each other […] And furthermost, as I see it, all of this belongs to you anyway.” Hiram cannot remember who the woman is but can picture her smile with utmost clarity. The memory dissolves.