Part 2, Chapter 8 Summary

Aldred's arrival in Hong Kong is precluded by the crash of a flight from Canton. For a short time, Peter believes that his friend had died. Eventually, Aldred and Peter are reunited, and they travel by ferry to Hong Kong. Memories are shared and comparisons made by each. Aldred mentions the time his mother took him to London to view a monument to the Great Fire. He also gets his first showing of Peter's housing arrangements and is introduced to Roy Rysom, Peter's roommate. Peter gives Aldred letters from Benedict and Helen, which have been sent to Aldred at Peter's address.

During his explorations in China, Aldred meets Audrey Fellowes, an unmarried woman who is in the country to visit her injured brother. In Kure, Helen celebrates her seventeenth birthday. Aldred tells Peter of his infatuation, though he offers no names...