Part Three, Chapters One through Four Summary

Chapter One begins with an unprecedented and uncontrollable blight that destroys much of the world's grain crops, fruits, poultry, and fish. Prime Minister Robert Starling lies awake at night, distressed by the famine that stalks the globe, and tries to discuss the problem with his unwitting young boyfriend, Abdul Wahab. The Prime Minister is left to think about horrible recent reports of starvation and cannibalism. In Chapter Two, Tristram has grown a beard in prison and has become very angry, especially in his vengeful thoughts about Derek. He makes his last of many attempts to convince his cellmate, who will soon be released, to go kill Derek, but is rebuffed again. The man is released, and his place in the cell is taken by the priest that Tristram saw beaten up in the...