Summary

In Chapter 23, once they “took to the water,” Rachel felt less in control “of their journey” (187). She studied the surrounding landscape. Each stroke of the paddle reminded her “of the river’s quiet strength” (187).

On their second day, the group encountered a crocodile. They stilled their boat and waited. After the crocodile attacked a “four-legged animal” and moved on, the group also continued (190). Nuno said he had once seen a crocodile leap “out of the water” and grab a baby off the riverbank (191). That night, Rachel dreamed that a crocodile ate baby Thomas Augustus.

Although the group “had not seen another person” since leaving Georgetown, Rachel “didn’t feel alone” (192). The landscape “was full of life” (192). Then one day, they had the feeling of “being watched” (193). An arrow shot out of the woods and struck Nobody. Nuno realized the shooter was...