Chapter 2, The Gastein Journal, Section 3 Summary

The guests gather in dining room of the hotel, weighed down by the disasters. The army major, Lionheart, announces that he would like to meet with everyone in the billiard room to discuss something urgent. Everyone gathers in the room, accompanied by the black cat, which was singed in the fire but survive.

Lionheart begins by telling them that death happens all the time, there are things happening at the hotel are not so common. He is challenged by the German lawyer, Vogel, to explain what he means, and Lionheart mentions the unusual brightness and number of falling stars. A watchmaker points out the elm trees' leaves have all turned red. While some of the guests acknowledge these strange things, others are nervous. The major excuses them to get drinks before continuing the discussion.

While...