Chapters 22 and 23 Summary

Maxwell's death causes a profound shock to everyone in Kyauktada and, indeed, the entire region. Only U Po Kyin is pleased—the event, not of his making, will certainly be to his advantage because it makes the threat of rebellion seem more serious than ever. After the graveside service, the English are quiet and introspective. Given Maxwell's fate, Flory's outburst seems to them all the more monstrous. Elizabeth ignores him. Ellis and Westfield talk of making reprisals against the native populace, hoping for a general bloodbath. The afternoon after the service, Ellis walks from his office to the club and passes by four adolescents. They are smiling and he shouts at them. They respond with guarded insolence and Ellis lunges at them, striking one of them in the eyes with his cane. The other three engage him in a scuffle...