Asa is accosted by a man who claims that he has ruined his life. Even though Asa denies the accusation and does not know anything about the man, he cannot escape from him or stop thinking about how he could have possibly ruined another person's life.
Joseph, having resigned his job in anticipation of being drafted into the army in 1942, finds himself wandering the streets of Chicago with nothing but time on his hands when his induction is delayed.
Charlie Citrine has failed to live up to his potential, until Humboldt's gift arrives, a mocking gift from the grave that sends Charlie groping towards redemption.
