The companions shelter for the night in the dry, second-floor apartment of Tru’s friend Della, who is out of town. Tru promises to reunite Zane with family the following day. Tru explains he is temporarily taking care of Malvina because her mom is in the hospital. Malvina gets angry when Zane asks what is wrong with her mom and angrier when Zane apologizes.

Zane shares his own story. Tru respects Miss Trissy, and when Zane mentions Gerald, Tru admits that he “knew of him” (67). Both Zane and Malvina were born after their fathers died. Malvina wonders if New Hampshire has “processions,” or jazz funerals. These parades, which celebrate the deceased, are led by a first line of family mourners, followed by a brass band, and then a second line of dancers. The procession is solemn on the way to the cemetery and joyful on the return. Tru plays trumpet in many processions. Zane thinks the concept of dancing at a funeral is weird. As night falls, Tru and Zane bring the canoe into the apartment for safety. Zane does not understand why until he hears gunfire outside.