Summary

We see again the ingenious ability of Grimes to escape whatever restraints are placed on him. Having stated his determination to depart when it all became too much for him, one day he announces that he has had enough. He takes advantage of the thick fog during their work on the quarry, gets his hands on the warder’s horse, bids a brief adieu to Paul, and rides off towards the bog. The warders are not too perturbed, as no prisoner has ever managed to permanently escape, though many have tried. However, Grimes does not return, no body is recovered, and his hat floating on the most treacherous part of the bog is the only evidence of where he could have ended up.

Although mourned by the rest, Paul is convinced that Grimes is not dead, but has merely escaped his shackles again. He realizes...