After leaving the owner and organ grinder, the man in the overcoat continues his journey through the city, walking by “another corner, and another” (10). Aside from the rain it is very quiet-so much so that the strange man imagines that “he can hear the whispering voices of people who have met their ends in this place” (10). The sounds unnerve him, giving off an aura “of rage and lament, of burden and cataclysm, of dissent and vengeance and grief” (10).

This description of the sounds that probably do not even exist is rich in detail and imagery. It conveys a feeling of darkness and dread within the man. It also implies that the man may not be in a clear state of mind, as he is clearly imagining these gruesome sounds.

Instead of directly describing what the man is thinking or feeling, Straka uses these hypothetical sounds to give the reader insight into the man’s head. This technique is unusual, and very purposeful. It sets the tone for how Straka delivers information-rarely straightforward and clear, but rather complex and multi-faceted.

In the margins, Eric and Jen begin to meet each other. Jen inquires into Eric’s life, asking him “Aren’t you a student?” and, upon hearing that he was “expunged,” inquired as to what Eric did.

After more conversation, Jen asks his name, and Eric responds with a definitive

ERIC HUSCH

in thick lettering. It’s interesting how Eric wrote his name, as if he were making a statement or trying to impress Jen.

Lower on the page, Eric and Jen discuss the “archaeological sensibility” (10) in Straka’s writing that implies the aid of someone who understood archaeology well. Eric acknowledges that though they may be on to something with regards to discovering Straka’s true identity, but they need to find proof that they are correct.

Finally, Jen and Eric note that FXC’s footnote on the page about how “Straka was attuned to the histories of places,” (10) “doesn’t seem as random as the others in Ch 1.” which implies that “FXC was a bit craftier than anyone thought.” (10)