Chapters 1-6 Summary

Chapter 1 begins with Popeye meeting Benbow at a stream somewhere in rural Mississippi. It is May. Popeye stands on one side of the stream staring at Benbow, who at this point is a stranger. Benbow drinks from the spring. Neither man says anything. The men spend the next two hours staring at each other with little conversation. Eventually the men begin to speak. Benbow introduces himself as a lawyer from Kinston. Benbow's only goal is to get to Jefferson by dark. Benbow tells Popeye that he cannot keep him by the spring with no way out as he is not a criminal. Benbow says perhaps he will make a break for it and run. Popeye advises against it.

Popeye is curious about the book Benbow carries in his pocket.

As the men walk, they hear invisible cars drive by and the...