Summary

Chapter 17: Snookum narrates this brief chapter, hiding out while the shootout is going on. The wounded Mapes makes Lou his new deputy and charges him with handling the situation.

Chapter 18: Horace “Sharp” Thompson, one of Will’s men, becomes narrator. explains how the Cajuns are overwhelmed by the strength of the old men. They are also forced to deal with an annoying injury suffered by Leroy, a young member of their group, whose cry for help is turned aside by Mapes. Will is determined to fight, and when he calls out to the other side, his pleas get redirected toward Charlie, who is prepared to put the man down. Will responds to the challenge by leaving his safe haven in search of Charlie.

Analysis

The return of young Snookum as the narrator of Chapter 17 adds to the childish and absurd tone of the comical climax...