Chapters 5 and 6 Summary

In chapter five, the dog moves toward the canoe, head down, and tail wagging in an obvious gesture of friendship. Brian examines the wound in the dog's side by moonlight and sees that it stretches a foot and a half but is fairly superficial, only breaking the skin and pulling it back somewhat. Brian builds a fire so he can see the wound better. Brian knows the skin will have to be pulled back over the exposed meat and muscle. He has a sewing kit but knows the thread won't be heavy enough for the job. He uses fishing line to thread the needle and wonders if the dog will let him sew her up. He talks soothingly to the dog, hoping to calm her before he begins his work.

He uses water to wash off the exposed muscle. Brian is...