Chapters 7-8 Summary

As they near Louisiana, Flashy packs his wardrobe, including a fine plum broadcloth coat and antiques inherited from grandfather Paget, which he hopes not to have to pawn. Rowed ashore to the teeming Algiers wharf, he promptly vanishes, decides against boarding a departing ship immediately, so hires a rower to cross the Mississippi to the vibrant Vieux Carré (French Quarter). There he outfits himself in Southern style, has business cards printed in the name of Count Rudi von Starnberg, and following the advice of the Italian soldier of fortune Avitabile, whom he meets in Peshawar, prepares to wheedle free room and board from one of the city's many madames. His cover story is that he is seeking to return his lost and fallen sister home.

After four false starts, Flashy meets painted and bejeweled Susie Willinck, who he seduces within 45 minutes...