Chapters 5 and 6 Summary

Garraty takes a "mental inventory of himself," finds his head "crazied up, but basically okay," - grainy eyes, a hungry gut that the concentrates can't satisfy, legs that are tired but essentially good, and two aching feet. He knows that his feet are carrying one hundred, sixty pounds, but that they're holding up well. He thinks of a hole in his sock and recalls Stebbin's story of the guy who won with his shoes and socks worn completely away. They pass a couple, asleep on a bench, who don't wake up for the procession. McVries produces a toothbrush from his backpack and brushes his teeth, prompting Garraty to think of all the polite things people do simply because they should. Then word comes back that a bridge is out and the walk will be temporarily halted. They look forward to the...