Summary

The sixth chapter of the novel, “The Interpretation of Hoses,” describes the events of the rest of the evening following the 2006 Kentucky Derby. At the huge victors’ press conference following the race, Henry finally appears, leaving Lou to temporarily care for Samuel. Henry proceeds to announce that he is immediately withdrawing Hellsmouth from horse racing, which angers Mack and leaves Allmon astonished. As he tells Allmon to load up Hellsmouth, Allmon lays eyes on Samuel for the first time, and realizes that it is his child. Henry leaves the track with Hellsmouth, leaving Allmon with the keys to Henry’s personal car. Hours later, as the track has cleared away, Reuben sees Allmon alone in the stables, and gives Allmon a speech that motivates him to play dirty with Henry. Reuben also undercuts the self-important history that Kentuckians have...