Cold Mountain

Inman continues to travel with Veasey, though the men are clearly not alike. Along their journey, they find an abandoned saw. Inman believes that it has been left momentarily by the owner. Veasey takes the saw. Some time later, they meet a man in a stream, trying to move a dead bull that is blocking the water. Veasey suggests a harebrained scheme, contrasting with Inman’s practical, sensible approach.

Inman and the stranger shift the bull by cutting it into pieces. To thank them for the help, the stranger invites Inman and Veasey to dine with him. Inman accepts, offering the saw to the man as a payment in kind. As they walk to the man’s house, they stop. He has hidden a bottle of liquor inside a tree. The man—who introduces himself as Junior—tries to impress the two others with stories about his strength and manliness. Though he speaks about his large family, his manner suggests that he is actually a debauched and disreputable figure.

At Junior’s house, the three men drink. Junior talks more about his debauchery. Veasey drinks until he is unconscious. Lila, Junior’s wife, seems to share her husband’s debauchery, as do his sisters.