Chapter 3, The Dull Lake Summary

The night air stinks with the "Mist of Misery." Buttoo has hired Rashid to tell happy, praising stories to get people to vote for him. A harsh, hot wind clears the mist and the lake grows choppy. Haroun declares the lake is like "Moody Land," where nature magically responds to people's moods. Buttoo is angry at the idea of telling a sad story. The wind responds to Buttoo's outburst and the mist returns. As waves rise and the oarsmen panic, Haroun orders dead silence. It works. Haroun tells him it is only a story. Buttoo calls Rashid gullible.

The houseboat is named Arabian Nights Plus One. In their assigned bedrooms, Rashid finds the bed shaped like a peacock, while Haroun's is a turtle. Buttoo departs, warning Rashid to be good on stage. Haroun finds it hard to...