Chapter II and Chapter III, pages 35-51 Summary

Chapter II introduces Lester and Oriel Lamb, described as God-fearing people, and their six children. They're fishing for prawn where the river opens into the sea. Lester has become a policeman because the family farm is on its last legs. He wades into the water with his two oldest boys, Mason and Samson. Mason, age eleven, is nicknamed Quick, because he is slow-witted, like his dad. Samson, age nine, is called Fish, because of his quick wit and alertness. Everyone loves Fish. Oriel watches as Lester and the boys bring the netted catch onto the beach, dump the prawns, and head out again with the net. They're wading, looking to her like they're walking on water, when she suddenly is startled by a terrible feeling. Just then, Fish disappears underwater. Quick...