Chapters 15-16 Summary

Drunks expelled from Lotte's can totter to the kapia or go to Zarije's where the rules are less strict and those addicted to plum brandy can await joy or death. Novice drunks, mostly sons of worthies, are talkative, and few choose alcohol over life in the long run. Musicians play, helping patrons to reflect on their moods. Sumbo the Gypsy, Franz Furlan, Salko Ćorkan, and Šaha the Gypsy entertain patrons as singers, jesters, and buffoons. Salko is the most notorious, washed out and old before his time, living on the food and drink given by the bored people that he entertains. One rainy night, a sullen guest recalls Salko's lost lover, a circus dancer to whom he still writes three years later. Salko holds back his anger but is finally, with rum, his new drink of choice, drawn into the conversation...