Chapter 21 Summary

Nels cross-examines Susan Marie and presses her as to whether Carl gave Kabuo an absolute "no" on the land sale. Susan Marie says that she does not think so, but she did not actually hear any of their conversation to know for sure. Nels completes his questions and dismisses Susan Marie. Then, just as she leaves the stand, the power goes out in the courtroom.

Chapter 21 Analysis

The tree that knocks out the power at the end of the chapter foreshadows the severe damage wrought by the storm. As well, the fact that the snow led to the power being knocked out shows that accidents are taking a firmer hold on the island, the courtroom and, symbolically, on Kabuo's case.