In this chapter, we are introduced to a number of characters, including Peter Gridram, a member of the General Trade Company's staff. He is one of the few members of the company who does not participate in all the company's business activities. He has come to the company retreat to watch the 5,000-meter food endurance battle, an event in which competitors compete to eat the maximum amount of food in the shortest amount of time possible. The competitors are divided into five groups, each with a goal of eating five kilograms of food. The first group consists of the Mexican representative, Spain's Antonio martin, Greece's matheodore, and the American emily foster. The second group is composed of the Brazilian carlos gilbert, the Indian carlos gilding, the American foster, and finally the Japanese spirit. The third group is made up of the attendants, who are bringing the food to the competitors. The food is described in great detail.