Elephant Run

Nick is exhausted working in the garden, and Sonji notices. Nick has spent the last few nights navigating the underground tunnels, familiarizing himself with the new routes. Sonji reveals the airfield is finished, claiming the Colonel is happy. But to Nick, the Colonel looks particularly morose: “The Colonel's son had fallen seriously ill in the internment camp. ‘If his son dies,’ Hilltop had said, ‘I’m not sure what Colonel Nagayoshi’s reaction will be’” (165). Nick cleans the koi pond, and Sonji notices a cut on his leg. Sonji insists Nick see a doctor, and after treating the cut, the doctor informs the Colonel and Sonji that Nick is suffering from exhaustion. Nick is sent to bed for the rest of the day and immediately falls asleep. He is awoken in the middle of the night by Mya, who reveals the plan for leaving the plantation. Nick will leave his window grate open, Mya will plan a similar ruse, and the pair will hide in the tunnels until their search party is called off. After that, they will make their escape. Mya then sits down to tell Nick all she learned about the plantation and beyond in the 10 months since the Japanese invasion of Burma. She also tells Nick to look for an elephant carving in the natshin—this will indicate the day for their escape. 

The next morning, Bukong does not come for Nick as usual, and no one brings him breakfast. Nick is frantic, wondering if today is the day that Hilltop will place the elephant carving in the natshin. He won't see it if he can't go outside. Nick spends his time reflecting on the information Mya shared with him the night before: “It was clear the Burmese were not going to be given their independence. Apparently, the Japanese slogan Asia for Asians meant, Asia for Asians of Japanese descent [...] There was talk among the mahouts of joining the British and American armies [...]” (172-73). Finally, the Colonel, Sonji, and Bukong come to Nick's room. They are wearing dress clothes. The Colonel invites Nick to the Airfield to witness the first landing of Japanese planes. Sonji reveals that the Colonel's son has recovered from his illness, and Nick will act as a stand-in son. Nick watches the proceedings, and Sonji leads him back to the house later that night. On the way home, Nick spies the elephant carving in the natshin.