Now on their own, Smith and Hayduke sit together on "the rimrock of the Fins" (385), looking towards Lizard Rock, the site of their cache. They see "a fresh and bigger helicopter" (384), a campfire, tents, and several bedrolls and men around the fire. It's dawn, and the sky holds "an unbroken mass of violet clouds, immanent with storm" (384). Smith says it's just "dumb luck" (384) their pursuers have camped right on top of their cache. He says they'll have to head to the other cache at Frenchy's Spring. Hayduke says they aren't heading that way; instead, they're going to the Maze. Smith says they probably shouldn't because it's hard to find "permanent water" (385) or game there. He thinks they should head north to Green River, to stay with one of his wives, Susan.

Hayduke says they'll arrest Smith if he tries to go home. Smith thinks Susan can handle Bishop Love but Hayduke reminds him it'll be the state police, FBI, and maybe even the CIA after them. Smith reflects and then says he thinks Hayduke could survive if he could reach the river in the Maze. Hayduke says if he can get a deer once a month, he'll survive.