Going After Cacciato: Chapter 21 Summary & Analysis

It is 2 AM, December 1968, and Paul Berlin is sitting on a train, the Delhi Express, traveling away from Mandalay to Chittagong. The only other soldier who is awake is Lieutenant Corson. Corson confesses to Berlin that he sometimes feels like he’s in the middle of a dream. He tells Berlin that Berlin is a “good lad.” Then, unexpectedly, Corson adds, “We’ve been kidnapped.” At first, Berlin laughs, thinking Corson is joking. Then he realizes that his lieutenant is being serious. Corson begins to giggle. He asks Berlin if he’s ever seen Bob Hope’s “Road” movies.

The next morning, the soldiers are preparing to search their train. Stink will stand in the aisle, waiting for Cacciato to run away, while the other soldiers search the cars. Berlin proceeds through the train, asking people for identification. Most of the passengers comply, but they look at Berlin with a mixture of fear and hatred. After searching and finding nothing, Berlin goes to meet with Oscar and Eddie. Neither has found Cacciato, but they come across Cacciato’s bag, which is now empty.