In Penang, 1921, Robert and Willie are carried up Penang Hill in dhoolies by Tamil bearers, a journey through dense jungle to the cooler summit. Lesley has stayed behind, encouraging the old friends to spend time together. They arrive at the quiet Crag Hotel, where they enjoy a hearty breakfast on a viewing platform overlooking George Town and the mainland mountains.

Over tea, Willie presses Robert about what he had murmured the previous night regarding the terrible things Ethel Proudlock's husband and father had done to her. Robert claims to have no memory of saying it, though Willie suspects he may be lying. Robert deflects by pointing out neighbouring residences and an unfinished pagoda near the Temple of Supreme Joy, remarking he will not live to see it completed nor ride the future funicular.

Robert acknowledges that Lesley has told Willie about his plan to move to the Karoo in South Africa for his health, expecting Willie to think him mad. Willie recounts a story from Hong Kong about an English doctor who, betrayed by his unfaithful wife, took her to a cholera-stricken Chinese village to punish her, only to die there himself. Willie alters the ending, claiming the widow stayed in the village rather than returning to her lover, perhaps softening the tale for Robert.

Robert speaks of his dread of the coming monsoon, feeling as though he is drowning, and insists the move to the Karoo is his only option. Willie expresses gladness at being invited and promises to visit him there. The two friends sit together in quiet melancholy, watching cloud shadows pass over the land below.