Chapter 8 Summary

As David continues his journey through spring in Switzerland, he is inspired by its beauty, particularly by a tree covered with blossoms that reminds him of Maria. He writes and posts a letter to Carlo, apologizing for his rejection and asking him to thank his parents for placing the ad in the paper. Feeling uncomfortable with the seemingly unfriendly Swiss, he continues along his way, working as he goes to make some money to feed both himself and King who, as David accepts rides from Swiss drivers, including one who gets them into Germany, learns to sit quietly at his feet and do as he is quietly told. Narration describes David's contemplations of the dog's power and courage and affection (see "Quotes," p. 180), and his simultaneous belief that King could never fully protect him from THEM. He soon has an experience, however, that...