Chapter 9 Summary

In the past, Mugo is arrested and brought to detention camp. He's moved to remote, desolate Rira, which houses the worst detainees who have sworn never to cooperate. Thompson is put in charge. He stops some of the torture, like leaving men buried up to their heads in the sand. He improves conditions and talks to the men about their homes and families, trying to get them to confess. Then he starts interviewing each man separately, but they don't say a word. Mugo speaks, but only denies ever taking an oath. Thompson goes after Mugo specially, whipping and beating him. Mugo feels he deserves these beatings and endures them. The men, admiring Mugo's stoic behavior, go on hunger strike. One day, they start throwing stones at the guards bringing food, and the guards retaliate, beating the men mercilessly. Eleven prisoners die.

In the...