The three children are on the riverbank. They put their little boat into the water. They are running away from home. They put extra provisions in the little boat. For two weeks, they have been taking little things down to the river as a precaution. Estha fears that the Orangedrink Lemondrink man will come to get him.
The twins remember Ammu's angry words when she sent them away. They contemplate whether they would return home if Ammu came after them and asked them to. They decide that she would have to beg. Sophie Mol has convinced Estha and Rahel to let her come along with them.
The three get into the boat and start crossing the river. In the middle of the river, the boat runs into a log and turns.....
