Eighth Notebook, The Return to Royale Summary and Analysis

In "The Buffaloes," Papillion says it seems like a miracle that he is returned to Royale after only nineteen months of his eight year sentence. Carbonieri is acquitted of his role in Papillion's escape attempt and is still at Royale when Papillion arrives. The warden, Prouillet, sends for Papillion soon after the release and tells him that he is to work with the buffaloes. He also tells Papillion that he must not attempt an escape for the next month as Prouillet is leaving in just three weeks. Papillion's new job is to lead a buffalo named Brutus to the sea, fill a large barrel with water, and return it to the top of the hill to be used in washing the sewage down a sluice.

In "Revolt At Saint-Joseph," Papillion notes...