In this chapter, Gaston tells the story of the conquest of Bastefort by the Union of the Freedmen. Gaston says that the people of this country are suffering because of the self-centeredness of the tyrant, and that the liberation army has been formed to bring down the tyrant. The two men agree that they can easily defeat two members of the Ten Commandments, but they are not strong enough to do so. They suggest that they stay for the night, but Gaston suggests that they leave the fortress by dawn