Chapter 16 Summary

Zorba returns, and the narrator breaks the news that he is now expected to propose to Dame Hortense. Zorba is angry at his boss for pulling such a cruel joke on his "Bouboulina" but does not object for his own sake - he appears ready to fall into the "trap." Zorba dispenses gifts from his travels, and then tells the narrator they'd better make haste on the timber rail project. Never mind that Zorba's the one who left for 15 days and spent all their money. While away, Zorba dyed his gray hair black, and he believes the new, youthful appearance has made him stronger and healthier. In the evening he plays the santuri, and all their cares melt away. The next night, after Zorba's first day back in the mines, the narrator speaks of the power of a mind concentrated upon one thing...