Chapter 2 Summary

Cardinal Bem returns to his residence. There Father Krystof Malik, who reports to the cardinal that Archbishop Krasnoy of Gneisk is planning to give an incendiary address at the Rywald celebrations the following week, meets him. The speech seems designed to call the faithful to rise in demonstration against the government. Father Malik tells Cardinal Bem that he believes the government Security Police are behind the attempt on his life because they may think he agrees with Archbishop Krasnoy. Cardinal Bem immediately telephones Krasnoy and tells him he will not be giving the incendiary speech under any circumstances. Krasnoy argues, saying that most of the other clergy share his opinion, but backs down in the face of the cardinal's authority. Cardinal Bem says a prayer for the souls of Joseph and the unnamed driver who died that night.

Chapter 2 Analysis

Krystof Malik is...