Part 1, Chapters 2-5 Summary

Frankie introduces Morgan to Mr. Sing, a smartly dressed "Chink" who speaks like an Englishman. Sing asks to charter Morgan's boat. Morgan says he can accommodate a dozen of Sing's "unfortunate compatriots" on a trip to Tortugas, where a schooner is to meet them. Sing offers $50, $75, and $100 a head and claims Morgan risks prison only if caught at the pick-up. After that, everything is his discretion. Sing will signal with two lights from shore. The passengers are forbidden baggage and weapons. When Sing leaves, Frankie tells Morgan that Sing has been operating for two years; the previous captain is killed. There are 100,000 Chinese males in Cuba to three women. Frankie warns Morgan that crossing alone is dangerous. .

While Morgan is eating lunch, Frankie delivers a rolled up paper containing a photo of a black man slit ear-to-ear with the...