Summary

In Chapter 27, Mrs. Ricci’s son Marco helps Rye acquire a job in a machine shop. The machinist who owns the story creates a wide variety of machine parts, especially ones used for mining. Rye finds that he enjoys the routine of working and earning a steady wage. Brand fulfills his promise to have Gig released from jail and have his charges dismissed. Rye is happy, but he is also discouraged by the realization that a small group of wealthy people essentially control American society. In Chapter 28, after being released from jail, Gig convalesces in the rented room in Mrs. Ricci’s house. Gig is weak and sick, as he and the other prisoners had gone on a hunger strike. To try to cheer up Gig, Rye checks out War and Peace from the library, but Gig’s demeanor is one of emotional resignation...