J. leaves Pigeonville in 1935 and decides to try his luck in Lexington. He leaves on foot with all his belongings in a box. A farmer named Sam Hanks gives him a ride. J. realizes he knows Sam is from Goforth and works in Port William. Sam used to patronize Othy’s shop. J. does not reveal his identity to Sam, though it is clear Sam knows him. J. respects Sam because he is proud and independent. J. thinks about John T. McCallum, the only man with whom Sam came into conflict. They disagreed over politics, and both later became patrons of J. Sam asks J. about his family and his plans in Lexington. J. fibs, telling him his mother is sick and he is the only child. Sam gives him advice about where to look for work and slips him a five-dollar bill as J. is leaving. J. feels guilty for receiving money by way of a lie. He goes to the racetrack where Sam said he could find work. J. decides to live on his earnings alone and never touch his savings unless it is an emergency. J. is enchanted by the expensive horses at the track and the opulence of the sport in such desperate times.