Chapters 5-6 Summary

Henry receives a Letter of Warning from the Post Office Department informing him that his 12 March 1969 arrest for drunk driving, while a relatively minor charge, fits into Section 744.12 of the Postal Manual, allowing the disciplining of personnel who fail to reflect favorably on the service. Henry's next memo gives advanced notice of a proposed three-day suspension for being absent without leave 13-15 May 1969. Henry learns his fate in a Notice of Decision, declaring that he is suspended 17-19 Nov. 1969.

Henry sits beside a plump young girl who does not know her scheme well and makes suggestions about throwing envelopes. A supervisor is making time with her. When Henry finishes his tray, the supervisor tells him he has taken 28 minutes. Henry enters Counselor Eddie Beaver's office and takes a seat. When "Skinny Beaver" notes it has taken him 28 minutes to throw a...