Part 2, Chapter 8 Summary

Mr. Hirsch explains how he ended up on the boat. He has fled from the rioting in town and is unable to travel to his home until the violence stops. Decoud and Nostromo worry that he will be a burden to them on their mission. Nostromo hears the sound of the steamship that is transporting Colonel Sotillo's troops from Esmeralda. Decoud thinks about the town leaders and is disappointed because he is sure that they will surrender.

Nostromo explains that he had argued against Decoud's presence on the boat, but that the Goulds insisted, despite the danger of the mission. Nostromo tells Decoud that he knows how to sink the boat if they need to, in order to keep the silver out of the hands of the soldiers.

Sotillo, the commander of the steamship, is headed for Sulaco with a plan...