As Philip goes to an interview with the Governor, he plots his defense. He intends to say that he knows he should have turned Rosa over to the authorities, but pity stopped him. When he arrives, Everell and Hope treat him coldly before leaving, Jennet emerges and says that she has overheard them talking. She tells Philip what was said, although it is not revealed to the reader. Philip leaves a note for the Governor and leaves the house for what he hopes is the last time. 

A bedraggled sailor arrives at the Winthrop mansion. He speaks no English, but knows Italian. Governor Winthrop charitably feeds him and gives him a place to sleep for the night. Afterwards, Hope convinces Craddock to come with her to visit Magawisca in jail. They convince Barnaby to let them spend ten minutes with her, even though they have no permit. Once they are inside, Magawisca and Craddock switch clothes. In disguise, Hope is able to get her out of jail. 

Jennet had overheard Everell and Hope plotting to free Magawisca, and then related their plan to Sir Philip. Sir Philip is revealed to be in league with the desperado Chaddock, whom he has hired to apprehend Hope during her escape with Magawisca.