Book 2, Part 3 Summary

The next morning William discovers that Katchen has gone out shopping and the city is on holiday to celebrate the end of the rainy season. William ventures into town to discover that a Swedish reporter has been dispatched to a remote part of the country, down river, to cover a cholera outbreak.

Katchen returns from shopping and tells William she has news that President Jackson has been locked in his bedroom by the Foreign Affairs Minister, and that a mysterious Russian and two black men recently arrived from America. Katchen has talked to the Jackson family governess who is concerned that something is seriously wrong. William is encouraged by the prospect of being able to provide some substantive news; however, Katchen is in the mood for a drive.

William promises Katchen that they can enjoy themselves as soon as he sends...