In this chapter, we are introduced to Tanterview, a young man who has just returned from a trip to Europe. He is a member of the Underground Railroad, a group of men who have been underground for a long time and who have often been arrested for crimes they have committed. He has recently been released from prison, and he is eager to return to his former life. He tells us that he was offered a job as a writer, but he turned it down because he did not want to be a burden to his family and friends. He also says that he does not like the idea of sleeping on a couch all night.