Chapters 21 through 24 of Part I Summary

In Chapter 21, Chiko's reading lessons draw a lot of attention. Eventually Bindu joins Chiko and Tai. He wants to learn how to read, too. The captain comes one night. He doesn't like Chiko's salute, and threatens to put him in solitary unless he wants Tai to do his time again. Tai volunteers but the captain changes his mind. He gives Chiko the choice of either sending Tai to solitary or beating him with a bamboo stick. Chiko rejects both but Tai's signals with a certain expression that tells Chiko what to do. He takes the bamboo stick as the other recruits gather around him. He strikes at Tai but at the last minute he pulls back and at the same time Tai slaps his leg and yowls, pretending to be in pain. Chiko "hits" Tai...