Part 3, Chapter 37 Summary

The night rodeo show at Madison Square Garden is underway and Tom is getting ready for his ride. Tom has drawn a big roan and listens to the announcer call his number: "Some call him the Killer, some call him Black Death - he has a whole string of names like that. And he's earned every one of them!" The chute opens and Tom begins his ride with a wild fury of control.

Partway through the ride, Tom's right knee and ankle go numb with pain. The bronco fights harder and in the battle, the horse falls over, with a crash, on top of Tom. It is a crushing blow that sends him to the hospital, barely hanging onto life.

Part 3, Chapter 37 Analysis

Tom has been crushed by his legend. Tom's maniacal drive has backfired on him and he is about...