Chapter 33 Summary

Jody never looks back at his dead Flag. He picks himself up and begins to walk, committed to reaching Jacksonville and then, by steamer, to go to Boston where he will join Oliver at sea and forget his treacherous act. He hails a fisherman for a ride down the creek, planning to rescue Nellie Ginright's tattered boat, stuff the holes with pieces of his shirt, and float down to Lake George. He keeps his eyes downcast until they reach the half-sunk boat. The fisherman gives him a piece of paddle and moves on without him.

Jody works to patch the boat and then puts it in the water. He has had nothing to eat in two days except a few bites of meat, and he is weak and lifeless. A circling buzzard reminds him of Flag and he suffers a wave of nausea...