Chapter 38 Summary

Michael is outraged at his humiliation, and challenges Farfrae to a wrestling match. The two meet in the loft where Michael almost pushed Farfrae through a trap door. Michael realizes he is much stronger than Farfrae, son to even the match he ties one hand behind his back. Michael thinks of the match as a fight to the death, while Farfrae is surprised to have to be fighting him. In spite of being handicapped, Michael easily dominates the smaller Farfrae. He finds that he cannot go through with his plan to kill the Scot. He lets him go, and leaves the corn-shed.

He returns later to apologize to Farfrae, only to find that he has left town. Michael then remembers that he had heard Farfrae say he was going to Weatherbury. Michael heads for the stone bridge outside town and, lost in his...