Part 1, pages 24-47 Summary

Amanda and John Paul are smitten with one another. As they walk together, John Paul avows to her that he does not wander, but is perpetually returning to "the source." He reads aloud several pages of his journal. They have the ring of a poetic, Africanized spirituality. Amanda responds with her own words of gypsy-dom. John Paul plays his flute while Amanda sings. The narrator recalls that Amanda once tricked woodpeckers into a pecking away at a hollow tree by hiding a ticking clock within - an experiment which Amanda understands as a metaphor for capitalism, communism and Christianity.

Later, John and Amanda sit as guests of honor in a celebration of their newfound love. John meets the band with whom he will play, as well as Amanda's son, and announces his engagement to Amanda. John Paul plays with...