Chapters 11 and 12 Summary

The line to get to see the elephant stretches for miles. While standing in line, Peter hears the beggar mention the name Adele in one of the beggar's songs. Peter remembers promising his mother that he would take care of her. As all of the people view and touch the elephant, the elephant just wishes to die.

The countess hires a man to stand behind the elephant to collect her poop. The man used to be a stonecutter but was fired when he fell off the roof of the chapel, broke his back, and from that point on found everything to be funny.

It is Peter's turn to see the elephant. He asks about Adele, but can see in the elephant's eyes that she is heartbroken. Peter promises to get the elephant home. The elephant, for the first time, feels hope...