Chapters Sixteen through Twenty Summary and Analysis

In chapter sixteen, the Palmers' piano arrives by train and Hereward asks Robin to help him get it home. It is a dangerous endeavor in that there are rivers to cross and steep hills and creek banks. The piano eventually arrives safely and everyone is mesmerized by her playing. At one point there is a discussion about the use of bribery and Hereward is very angry about the subject. Robin breaks the tension somewhat by saying that he cannot quite figure out the difference between a bribe and a tip, prompting Ian to say that it has to do with timing.

In chapter seventeen, the Palmers' house is complete and most of the cannibals leave, though a few settle with their wives in the region. One night a leopard takes one of Lettice's dogs from...