- Tom and Polly Ann set off from their place, instructing Cissie-Mae and Ellie to say that Tom took Polly Ann to the doctor if anyone should stop by looking for them.
- They drive in total darkness to be as stealthy as possible, and in the few places where there are lights from buildings or intersections that others might be driving along, they just depend on luck that they won't be noticed.
- Luckily, they don't pass anyone or seem to draw attention.
- As they get to the remote Irish Settlement road, Tom notices that it smells like old bathrooms ("privies" back then), and Polly Ann recalls how poor the people in the area are.
- As she describes the people and the place, it's clear to Tom that Polly Ann considers the Dolans to be better off than they used to be. That gives Tom even more determination.