Part 2, Chapters 22 and 23 Summary

The following morning Nicholas wakes late, is fed breakfast by the silent Maria and is told that Conchis has already eaten and is upstairs. After a fruitless exploratory search through the grounds, Nicholas goes to the beach to swim. A short time later Conchis invites Nicholas to go fishing. As they're heading towards Conchis' boat, Nicholas comments on the voices he heard the night before and is surprised when Conchis says he heard nothing. Nicholas says he believes Conchis somehow made hearing the voices possible, but Conchis denies it, almost huffily. Nicholas apologizes, but Conchis tells him he's not offended, asking Nicholas to simply believe what he experiences - or if he can't, to pretend to believe. Nicholas resolves to not be fooled. Soon they arrive at the site where Conchis plans to fish. He sets bait, patiently lures...