Volume 2, Chapter 55
Though the castle is only a mile or so away, Sancho decides to turn off the road to find someplace to rest and sleep on this warm summer night only to fall into a pit between two old buildings. He and his donkey fall down twenty feet with Sancho still upon the donkey's back. The donkey whimpers a bit from the fall. Unable to see a way out, Sancho begins to think they are going to die there. He imagines that someday when his bones are found people might know they belonged to Sancho Panza since he and his donkey were inseparable. At daylight, he sees an opening in the wall and makes it larger till he and his donkey can enter a cavern through it. While walking a long way, Sancho's thoughts turn to Don Quijote and how this adventure would be just his cup of tea.
Topic Tracking: Donkey Imagery 11
Back to Don Quijote. That same morning, he sets out with Rocinante to began practicing tactical moves. Coincidences of coincidences he and his horse almost land in in the same pit but stop short of the edge. He soon hears and then recognizes Sancho's voice (who has started yelling for help again) and believes his squire to be in purgatory. Don Quijote pledges to assist in his penance and ransom to get him out. Sancho yells that he is not dead and the donkey's brays convince Don Quijote that he is dealing with a live squire rather than a dead one. He tells Sancho that he will go get help; but, before he leaves he tells Sancho that his being trapped in a pit is a punishment for his sins!
Topic Tracking: Grandiosity 28
Don Quijote, returns with help and Sancho and donkey are pulled out of the pit. A student comments that it is a fit punishment for a bad governor. Sancho says he dosen't feel he deserves this punishment since he never got any money out of the deal -- only starvation and broken bones. But, that God knows the truth of the matter and Sancho is content with that.
Sancho, (after taking care of his poor donkey), presents himself to the Duke and Duchess. He tells them that he left without any profit and as to whether he ruled well or not, they should speak with those he ruled. He speaks of the sadistic doctor and the attack of the island and how he never wants to be a governor again. The Duke promises to give Sancho a less difficult post on his estate; the Duchess gives orders for him to be wined and dined after his ordeal.
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