Meanwhile, the expedition begins its trek. Reuel immediately distinguishes himself as a leader and a doctor. The work helps him bury regrets about leaving Dianthe. Despite his suffering, he soon feels at peace, realizing that he is not in control of his own fate. Thinking of Dianthe and his “soul-communion” with her soothes him. When the expedition arrives in Tripoli—their first stop in Africa—Reuel receives two letters from Dianthe.

Jim Titus has proved valuable as well. Although he is a Black man, he is a firm believer in the so-called superiority of white people. Occasionally, Reuel sees Jim watching him, but he assumes that Jim is simply following Aubrey’s orders to protect him. No further letters arrive from America during the month it takes to organize a caravan to cross the desert.

On the journey across the Sahara, the guides, including a driver named Ababdis, sing to break up the monotony, and Reuel thrills to the sound. Later, he explores a ruined castle with Jim, in spite of the risk of lions. Reuel is daydreaming about the riches he will bring home when he is cornered by a leopard on a high ledge. Knowing that he will be unable to escape on his own, he calls to Jim but gets no answer.