He responds with baffled politeness and walks on. I walk on. In a clearing off Nicholson Street behind the cabinetmaker's shop, some slaves are gathered, talking about what they should do in response to Lord Dunmore's stunning proposal. Now's the time to plunge that dagger. This is happening as about 50 of us observe.
Feelings are high.
He moves out, then stops and looks back. And folks, welcome to the 21st Century. We are jolted by the sudden change. Most of us nod, raise hands, clap. There are questions and answers, and then the crowd scatters.