Chapters 37-41 Summary

In Chapter 37, Red manages to get Marlowe onto the Montecito. From the lower decks, the two wend their way through halls and ventilator shafts and the ship's hold before they part company. Red refuses to accept Marlowe's money for bringing him this far. It is obvious the younger man is extremely concerned for Marlowe's safety and Red asks more than once if he may accompany Marlowe. As usual, Marlowe thanks Red for the offer, but says that he prefers to do this alone. Red gives Marlowe some final pointers before returning to his own boat leaving Marlowe on the Montecito to fend for himself.

Marlowe finally reaches topside as Chapter 38 begins. He is cold and worried. After climbing out of the ventilator, he sees two men smoking, standing near a machine gun. The men cordially ask Marlowe to leave the boat...