Book 3, Part 1 Summary

Lord Copper is happy that William is returning to London and discusses a banquet with Mr. Salter to celebrate and recognize William's achievements. The two men discuss William's next assignment to cover an all-women expedition to Antarctica. Lord Copper and Mr. Salter want to capitalize on William's popularity from the Ishmaelian coverage and especially do not want William to sign on with The Brute, a competitor of The Daily Beast. Lord Copper decides that William's recognition should also include a knighthood bestowed by the King and the Prime Minister of England.

The office of the Prime Minister receives the knighthood request and although they are not familiar with any writer named Boot, determines to proceed with a knighthood out of deference to Lord Copper. The Prime Minister's secretary sends a letter to the only Boot he knows is an author, John...