Part Two, Chapters 7-9: Summary

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Sal discovers Bull and Dean removing nails from a decayed wooden plank upon waking up. Bull intends to repurpose these nails to construct a durable, everlasting shelf. He has a strong conviction in creating sturdy structures. Bull proudly presents a table he crafted, a section of fencing, and an "orgone accumulator," a device engineered to amass orgones from the surroundings. Sal observes that Bull is most efficient during the morning hours, before exhaustion and the impact of his drug consumption prompt him to retreat to his corner chair.

In the afternoon, Sal and Bull attend the horse races. Sal mentions to Bull that the horse called "Big Pop" reminds him of his dad. After Big Pop emerges victorious in the race, Bull is convinced that Sal must have experienced a premonition.

When they reach Bull's residence, Dean is discovered deeply involved in a basketball match, showcasing his talents in shooting, sprinting, and leaping. Sal is amazed by Dean's extraordinary aptitude for athletics. Subsequently, when Dean and Sal participate in a running competition, Dean effortlessly claims victory.

The group ventures into the city center, where Dean gives them a tour of the nearby train yard and discusses his previous employment in San Francisco. He then exhibits the correct method for hopping onto and off a moving cargo train. After spending some time discovering the town, Dean, Sal, and Marylou resolve to depart for California, while Ed and Galatea choose to remain in New Orleans for a bit longer to work

Sal, Dean, and Marylou journey westward across Louisiana in Dean's beat-up Hudson. Their path leads them through a shadowy marsh before entering Texas. Dean reminisces about his wild adventures in Houston back in 1947. As Dean and Marylou rest, Sal accidentally drives off the road, causing the car to become trapped in mud. In the midst of heavy rain, Dean and Sal find themselves soaked and muddy as they struggle to push the car back onto the road.

In Clint, Texas, Dean fondly recalls his days in reform school and jail, during which he would tune in to the town's local radio station. Upon reaching El Paso, they find themselves short on cash and uncertain about how to afford fuel.

Marylou confides in Sal, expressing her desire to remain with him upon their arrival in San Francisco. She is discontent with Dean, finding his erratic behavior unbearable. Sal harbors some reservations about fully trusting Marylou.

While driving through Texas, they encounter Alfred, a young hitchhiker with a disabled leg. He promises to obtain money for gas from his aunt in Tulare, California. In order to reach Tucson, Sal hocks his watch and meets his buddy, Hal Hingham, who happily gives Dean five dollars. After leaving Tucson, they come across an Okie hitchhiker, a naked country singer who has misplaced his clothes and guitar. The Okie contributes gas money, and they arrive in Bakersfield where Dean reminisces about his past exploits.

Upon reaching Tulare, Alfred learns that his aunt's shop is shut down due to her arrest for shooting her spouse. Alfred then ventures solo, hitchhiking his way to Oregon. Meanwhile, Sal, Dean, and Marylou set out towards San Francisco. Upon their arrival, Dean leaves Sal and Marylou on the street with all their belongings and drives away to locate Camille, abandoning them without any money.

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Part Two, Chapters 4-6: Summary

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Part Three: Chapters 1-3: Summary

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