Chapter 7 Summary

Father Prisbek and Cardinal Bem decide to go for a walk after lunch. Cardinal Bem wonders if he can trust Father Prisbek or if he is a "Patriotic Clergy," more loyal to the state than the church. Father Prisbek angrily denies being a patriotic clergy.

Cardinal Bem discusses with Father Prisbek whether they ought to make a run for it. Father Prisbek warns that although there are no guards watching them, he has been warned that there is no use in trying to escape since there is nowhere to go. Cardinal Bem points out that he has seen low-flying aircraft, which means there is a large city nearby and so it is worth a try. He heads into the forest and across a field to a road in the distance. Father Prisbek falls back saying he twisted his knee, and Cardinal Bem goes...