As the winter melts into spring, it brings with it a series of misfortunes and illness. The air is rank with the odor of rotting horseflesh. Gideon collapses from his cough and is rushed away for treatment, leaving Curzon to do both their work. Bellingham, meanwhile, has prospered, and is made assistant quartermaster general, a position that will enable him to easily enrich himself. Curzon accompanies Bellingham back to camp, where he observes the men in training, under the guidance of Baron von Steuben, a Prussian general brought over to drill the soldiers into a proper military force.

Eben comes careening up to Curzon, Bellingham, and the generals. One of the generals, upon learning that Curzon has served in the military, allows him to visit with his friends. Eben takes Curzon through the camp, and tells him how Burns died of smallpox not long after Bellingham took Curzon back. Sylvanus, too, has died, and was buried beside Caleb. Eben then explains to Curzon his plan to free him.

Eben returns Curzon his belongings, the compass included, and tells him how, after his abduction, he and all the men of his company (except Burns) signed a petition to have Curzon released.