Three young men who have spent the night in the Dakar Union office awake and discuss their legendary leader, Bakayoko, debating his efficacy on behalf of the union. Beaugosse, a principled man, is troubled by the fact that his compatriots encourage a young Portuguese girl who is enamored of him to supply the group with coffee and meals. Deune puzzles over the fact that, “You have Europeans who have come […] to break the strike, and then other Europeans who send us money to go on with it” (38).

Meanwhile, Ramatoulaye, the matriarch of her family compound, N’Diayene, seeks food for the twenty of “God’s bits of wood” (40) who reside in her home. When visiting Hadrame the Moor’s General Store, she demands ten pounds of rice, which the merchant refuses. He explains that if he sells food or gives credit to the striker’s families, his supplies will be cut off. While conflicted, Hadrame is steadfast in his refusal. He advises her to encourage the men to return to work or “you will all die of hunger” (42).

Subsequently, Ramatoulaye meets her brother Mabigue, an anti-strike district leader, accompanied by his pet ram.