Part 2, Chapter 3 Summary and Analysis

"The Slave Caravans" describes the red cattle cars and barges that expedite carrying prisoners the final distance to camp. First, they must be prepared to transport prisoners—not necessarily swept clean, calked, and heated, but the floors, walls, and ceilings must be tested for strength and checked for faults, the windows barred, secure drains cut in the floor and access to the roof, and platforms installed for machine-gunners. Supplies of long-handled wooden mallets are laid in. Heated passenger cars are hooked on for staff. Finally, the sides of the red cars are chalked "Special Equipment" or "Perishable Goods.".

Loading involves a military-like process that conceals the operation from ordinary citizens, and terrorizes the prisoners. The prisoners climb into the cattle cars and onto splintery bunks, where they fall prey to the thieves who have claimed the upper bunks...