Chapters 4-6 Summary

Chapter four finds Ray in financial difficulty. Because he is unable to get his savings bonds cashed in Mexico, Ray makes a deal with Dr. Symes. He will drive, and Symes will pay all of the expenses. When they get to Belize, Ray will wire home for some money. Reo Symes is an interesting companion for Ray. At first quiet and complaining, he gradually relaxes and tells his story. He no longer practices medicine, perhaps due to a major lawsuit, and has spent the past several years selling a wide variety of strange products. He also picked up money showing veterans how to fake heart attacks and receive a free one-week stay in a VA hospital. His arrest record includes charges of impersonating a soldier and disturbing the peace at a church service, when he was asked to leave the choir...