Summary

At eight o’clock, the birds stop their persistent tapping, cracking, and slamming. Nat quickly begins removing the latest collection of bodies, knowing that he only has six hours to work. Nat kicks his way out of the house, hoping to collect as much food and firewood as he can carry. Outside, Nat is startled to see that the birds no longer gather in the sky or sea; they land on the lawn, watching and waiting. The birds make no movement to attack, as they are gorged with food. They merely watch Nat as he rushes up the lane to the Triggs’ farm, his family following behind.

As soon as Nat nears the Trigg farm, he senses that something is wrong. The sheep have knocked through the fence, and the cows low pitifully in the yard. There is no smoke coming from the chimney, and Nat...