In this chapter, Vasily, an aggrieved railway trackwalker, decides to leave his post to complain to the higher authorities about the ill-treatment he's receiving from the local Chief. His neighbour and fellow track-walker, Semyon, tries to dissuade him, emphasizing the stability of their current lives, but Vasily is adamant. He feels that his rights have been violated and seeks justice. After an altercation with the Chief that leaves him with a face injury, Vasily departs for Moscow.
Meanwhile, Semyon continues ...