Summary

In 1933, while Jack is working for Willie, he visits his mother and her new husband (whom he calls the “Young Executive”) in Burden’s Landing, a town founded by his ancestors. He also reminisces about his childhood friends Adam and Anne Stanton. In the present, he and his mother are at a dinner party hosted by Judge Irwin. Jack is accosted because of his political aligning with Willie. His mother also tries to set him up with a rich young girl; his mother is unsatisfied with Jack’s life, so she wants him to find a real job rather than working for Willie.

When Jack returns to Willie and his camp, Willie is in a fight with the state auditor, who was caught in a corrupt moneymaking scheme with the former governor. Willie made a deal with the man, though. Willie was about to have impeachment...