Part 1, Chapter 4 Summary

Bessie and Tom make their escape after it becomes very dark and the stars begin to shine. Bessie keeps to the ancient ways of movement without leaving a trace. Bessie makes only a one-person trail, with Tom following behind her; they move in a different direction from the one George took. Bessie follows old paths that were once used for firewood gathering and goat herding. Bessie notices the movement of the stars and the changes in the night and she contrasts them to the sharp square-ness of houses and streets.

Moving silently, they continue until they reach a spot where Tom sleeps while Bessie fishes and cooks a meal for them in the 'old way.' Later, they bathe and Bessie sings one of the old songs about the sun rising and washing oneself in the morning. Bessie is beginning to...