Chapters 17-20 Summary

In Chapter 17, Sam runs out of the shelter, and decides that he will go back to Heidy. He follows the path home. However, once he gets there, he finds Cassius standing guard. Cassius is cruel to Sam, telling him that he is no longer wanted, and that Heidy no longer loves him. Furthermore, he tells Sam that he is now a "flawed dog." He walks Sam backwards into an open beaver trap, which crushes Sam's foot, causing him immense pain.

Everyone at McCloud's estate is upset the next day, lost in their own thoughts. Cassius goes to Heidy, who uses him for comfort, though he is not like Sam. Meanwhile, down on the estate, several men find Sam trapped in the metal device, and free him, to take him to a new place. There, they hand him over to a group...