Summary

This short chapter follows Captain Kidd's wanderings in downtown Dallas. First, he pays for two rooms in a hotel for his reading, and a bath for himself. “Seduced” (71) by the smell of ink, Captain Kidd then stops in Thurber’s News and Printing Establishment, and reads a sign on the wall declaring that the printing office is the “CROSSROADS OF CIVILIZATION” (72). He buys the latest editions of newspapers like the Chicago Tribune, collects news from the most recent AP wire, and posts bulletins throughout the town announcing his reading that night.

On his way back to the livery stable, the Captain picks up barbecue and bread for dinner. When Johanna attempts to toss the hot barbecue directly into her mouth with her hands, the Captain stops her and shows her how to use a fork instead. Johanna tries to use it, but eventually grows...