Chapter 4, The Rock, pg. 130-145 Summary

From Henri's cramped cell atop "the rock," overlooking the lagoon of Venice, Henri is haunted by memories of Bonaparte. The emperor has since divorced Josephine, was defeated and subsequently imprisoned. Henri often imagines visits from Napoleon's ghost, who forever seeks an affirmation of Henri's one-time affection for him. Henri occasionally trades a friendly wave with Villanelle, who sails by in the lagoon far below his unbarred window.

Henri recalls the night that he and Villanelle killed the cook. After hiding the body in a passage choked with garbage, they retreat to the home of Villanelle's family. For five days Henri and Villanelle live it up and enjoy each other's company. On the sixth day, the authorities catch up with them. Refusing to betray Villanelle, Henri confesses to murder. Though flush with a widow's inheritance, Villanelle...