Summary

Xavier's narration continues as he notices that it is his and Niska's third full day on the river and that he will begin to recognize the surrounding countryside soon. It looks like there might be rain but Xavier is used to living in the rain. He looks at the last syringe of morphine as his stomach aches and his arm hurts from where a bullet entered it. Xavier tells Niska that this is his last syringe of morphine and he thinks that it is nice not to have to hide his habit anymore. As Niska paddles, Xavier begins to float above his body and he enjoys the sensation before he crashes back down to earth.

His floating leads him over a memory of Elijah and him standing at attention after they have been issued fresh uniforms. Elijah still talks to Xavier, even though...