Summary

In Chapter 17, Pat takes the Alma to Mexico, and Berg, Uffa, and Alejandro sail to Bear's Landing to watch. The pass through which Pat must sail is notoriously dangerous, but he makes it through safely. Watching the Alma go, Berg remembers Alejandro saying that boats have spirits. Later on, Nell and Berg talk about Alejandro's family. Nell says his granddaughter Tess reminds her of herself as a child. Berg tells her he loves her.

In Chapter 18, the men begin a new sloop for JC. First, Berg and Alejandro go out in search of the right tree to use for the boat. While walking in the woods, Alejandro explains the importance of milling his own wood. Finally Berg locates the ideal pepperwood tree. Alejandro commends him and Berg thinks about all that will be loss when Alejandro dies. Resting for a moment, Alejandro tells...