Summary

In Chapter 35, “The Smoke Fires,” the party “reached the western outskirts” of Mount Royal (197). The “desert light” amplified Ransom’s disorientation (197). As they entered Mount Royal, they realized there was “no water” (199). Philip was convinced Quilter and everyone else was dead. Then Ransom saw the houseboat. The “cabin had been ransacked,” his personal effects filled with sand (201). Catherine was also overcome by “the ruins of her villa” (202).

In Chapter 36, “The Mirage,” although the group had “relied on one another” throughout their journey, upon reaching Hamilton, Ransom felt “that all his obligations to them had been discharged” (203). He wandered off, studying the ruined landscape and town. In the distance, he saw a mirage. A figure wearing “an immense feathered cap” took shape before him (206). He realized it was Quilter. Eventually Ransom caught up to him. The cap was made from a dead swan.

In...