Part 2, Chapters 7, 8 and 9 Summary

The visit in New Orleans is nearing its end and Sal notices that Old Bull is really only good in the mornings because fatigue and heroin use have him worn out by the afternoon. Nevertheless Old Bull takes Sal to the racetrack where Sal has a feeling to bet on a horse named Old Pops because the name reminds Sal of his father. Old Bull thinks it is a sign from Sal's dead father when Old Pops wins the race.

Soon after, Sal, Marylou, and Dean head west again and find themselves in Texas, stuck in the mud after being driven off the road by another crazy driver one night. Wet and muddy after releasing the car from its muddy trap, Sal and Dean return to the car and continue the drive with their patience wearing as thin as...