Pages 171-210 Summary

The brandy casks within the burning inn cause it to explode. Bill Door emerges from the flames carrying the little girl, who is unscathed but unconscious. Everyone is amazed. Bill Door makes several demands. Everyone must leave. Someone must fetch the apothecary. There must be no magic. No one must remove anything from the girl. Bill explains to Miss Flitworth that the girl is living on borrowed time.

Later, Miss Flitworth finds Bill sharpening a scythe and, putting her hand on his arm, suddenly realizes that it is actually bone. She sees Bill for who he is: Death. Bill explains that the small timer that the girl grasps is lifetime that he has lent the girl. Bill confesses that he is destined to die and is afraid to do so. He intends to fight back, and so he must sharpen his...