The Eyes and the Impossible

The day after his rescue from Twisty’s clutches, Johannes reflects on his brief captivity, filled with an even greater appreciation for liberty, and comes suddenly to the conclusion that the bison must be free. The dog wants to share his plan with Bertrand, and he finds the gull in the archers’ field. The bird exults in flying between the archers and their targets as if “daring the arrows–fate itself!–to strike him down” (69). Johannes pleads with Bertrand not to take such needless risks and can’t bear to watch as the gull attempts the daring stunt. Afterwards, Bertrand approves of Johannes’s plan, and the dog goes to the bison to share his “unimprovable scheme to set them free” (71).

Johannes goes into the bison’s enclosure. He feels safe and at home with Freya, who reassures him, “You won’t see those travelers again [...] You must forget them” (73). The dog shares his plan to free the bison. Freya and Samuel are amused by the suggestion and point out that they are free to do as they please. Meredith, on the other hand, contends that she would like more room to run around even though she never runs.