Chapter 5 The City of the Ancients Summary

Beanpole tells Will and Henry that he is an orphan being raised by relatives. His relatives are not particularly affectionate and Beanpole has no attachment to them or the area. He explains that he has always been interested in scientific investigation and is fascinated by the prospects of developing steam power. He tells him he once broke his leg while inventing a pogo stick. Beanpole has observed that the process of being Capped ruins the intellect and converts people into complacent automatons, uninterested in the world around them and without curiosity. For this reason, he does not want to be Capped. Beanpole rapidly gains the trust of Will and Henry, and they escape from the town at night and head south.

Beanpole leads Will and Henry off the course indicated by the map...