Chapter 17 Summary

Pat reflects that he has been out of jail for thirty-one days and has not accomplished much of anything. He feels guilty about taking public monies without performing any legitimate service, but realizes it's far preferable to being in prison. He spends a lot of time trying to think things through. He finally concludes that Hardesty, Doc, and Myrtle are all trying to use him for their own purposes - all of which are at odds. He realizes that Doc isn't really jealous and that all along Doc's apparent jealousy has been an act to manipulate Pat. He wonders if Lila is with one of the other people or if she is scheming on her own. He eventually decides he can fully trust Madeline, however, and goes to her often. One time at her apartment, however, he catches a glimpse of her with...