As George grows to manhood, he exhibits traits of both parents. Like Tom Lea, he loves cockfighting and carousing; an accomplished trainer of gamecocks, he earns the nickname "Chicken George." He marries a preacher's daughter, Matilda, and fathers many children, though he struggles to keep his father from his self-destructive ways. From Kizzy, George inherits strong traditions of family and a desire to be free. He convinces himself that one day he will buy freedom for himself and his family. But when Tom Lea loses a reckless wager with an Englishman, he sells his son to save his farm. Chicken George is taken to England.