In this chapter, the narrator explains that he has come to the conclusion that it would be better to enter into an agreement with the owner of the restaurant where he is staying. He wants to work for the owner to pay off his debt. The owner agrees to the following conditions: he will not allow the lodger to explore "restricted zones" in the restaurant, nor will he allow any guests to "reception" without permission. He will also not allow him to "touch of personal items" belonging to the owner. The lodger is to sign a letter of commitment. He is to call himself "Mr. Stinky Fox" and to kneel on the floor if he breaks any of these conditions. He explains that this is an "indenture" on selling himself and that he can choose to live "in the forest" or not to sign the agreement. He says that he is just thinking that his passport and violin are in his aunt's house. He has checked the town to see if the rich man's men still live there. They have to wait for them to leave. He asks the owner why he is bringing the piano into the room, and the owner replies that it will "get broken" if it is not played for long enough. The narrator says he is not talking about playing the piano, he is talking about the snail. He thinks the snail is just like him, always trying to be laughed at, but he doesn't think it matters. He plans to climb up and watch the snail's face.