Part Three, The Wilderness: Chapters 22-24 Summary

The old man leads Sean to Nova Sofala where the sentry takes Sean to the Commandant. Sean tells him his problem, and finds there are three Jesuit priests in the fort—all eager for employment. He meets the missionaries at dinner, and chooses the youngest because he likes the sound of Father Alphonso's name. They drink, toasting everything and everyone, and swear a mutual oath of friendship and loyalty. Sean leaves early the next morning with the old man and the priest, and two days later they are back in the old man's village. Sean gives him a hunting knife in payment but never even dismounts. Hlubi has trouble disengaging himself from the three native girls who believe he married them.

Nine days from Nova Sofala they encounter the Sabi river again...