In Chapter 39, we learn that Cassy has been storing provisions as well as clothes for Emmeline and herself in the garret of Legree's house, which is reputedly haunted by the ghost of a slave woman who had died there after being locked up by Legree. Cassy has also arranged some things in the garret to make odd noises when the wind comes through openings. Legree, who is very superstitious, becomes more and more uneasy about the garret, and Cassy continues to encourage this. When Cassy and Emmeline finally make their escape into the swamp, pursued by Legree and others, the two circle back to the house and hide in the garret. There they plan to stay until Legree has exhausted the search for them in the surrounding country.
Legree's hunt, naturally, is unsuccessful and, believing that Tom knows where the women went, sends Quimbo to drag Tom to him. Tom, although he knows that he is facing death, refuses to tell what he knows about the escape. At Legree's command, Sambo and Quimbo beat Tom until he is nearly dead. Weakly, he says that he forgives Legree; then he faints. After Legree leaves, the two overseers are finally sorry for what they have done. When Tom regains consciousness, he tells them weakly that he forgives them, too, and they both break down and weep.
Chapter 41 sees the arrival of young George Shelby at Legree's estate. He has arrived to buy Tom back, but he has come too late: Tom is dying. George begs Tom to live, but Tom says the Lord is taking him home — and Heaven is better than Kentucky — and he makes George promise not to tell Chloe how he has died. Then, secure in the love of Christ, Tom dies.
