Summary

This chapter returns to Xavier's first person narration as he smiles at Niska's story from the chapter before. Xavier remembers the nun and he can still see the look on her face after Niska struck her with the paddle. Xavier thinks that his aunt is a good and crazy woman. Xavier then describes how the sun is warm and he does not feel guilty for not paddling any longer since they are flowing with the current. Xavier lies back and feels the nub of his leg with his hand. He remembers when he first realized he had lost his leg, he had stared at the wound for days. He thinks that is when he decided to die and he knows that is when he discovered why Elijah loved morphine. Xavier struggles to stay awake in the canoe and it's rocking reminds him of...