The Final Message in the Car

Across the River and into the Trees

This flow traces Cantwell’s last moments through the instructions, memories, and practical decisions that carry him from the shooting grounds toward death.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Turn from the Highway The Turn from the Highway from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Turn from the Highway A route chosen Cantwell orders Jackson to turn left, away from the usual road to Trieste.

The Turn from the Highway from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Turn from the Highway A route chosen Cantwell orders Jackson to turn left, away from the usual road to Trieste.

The Turn from the Highway A route chosen Cantwell orders Jackson to turn left, away from the usual road to Trieste. He wants to think and knows the roads from earlier years. A familiar landscape The road through the countryside brings back memories of military service. Cantwell remains in command of his direction even as his body begins to fail.

The Note Written The Note Written from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Note Written A contingency prepared Cantwell writes a brief instruction on an order blank with his injured hand.

The Note Written from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Note Written A contingency prepared Cantwell writes a brief instruction on an order blank with his injured hand.

The Note Written A contingency prepared Cantwell writes a brief instruction on an order blank with his injured hand. He tells Jackson to act if the stated circumstances occur. Concern for Renata The note concerns the portrait and guns, which must be returned to their rightful owner. Cantwell’s thoughts turn from himself to the protection of what Renata has given him.

The Fourth Blow The Fourth Blow from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Fourth Blow Recognition Cantwell feels another attack and thinks of the earlier ones.

The Fourth Blow from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Fourth Blow Recognition Cantwell feels another attack and thinks of the earlier ones.

The Fourth Blow Recognition Cantwell feels another attack and thinks of the earlier ones. He understands that he has received more than the three he believed he could survive. Acceptance without ceremony His thought is dry and controlled. The recognition does not make him panic, but it changes the next instructions he gives.

The Last Quotation The Last Quotation from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Last Quotation A remembered deathbed line Cantwell recalls the words attributed to Stonewall Jackson about crossing a river and resting under trees.

The Last Quotation from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Last Quotation A remembered deathbed line Cantwell recalls the words attributed to Stonewall Jackson about crossing a river and resting under trees.

The Last Quotation A remembered deathbed line Cantwell recalls the words attributed to Stonewall Jackson about crossing a river and resting under trees. He repeats them to Ronald Jackson as his own condition worsens. A final frame The quotation turns a medical crisis into a thought about rest and passage. Cantwell’s literary memory remains active even as speech and movement become difficult.

The Back Seat The Back Seat from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Back Seat The last movement Cantwell asks Jackson to pull over and turns on the parking lights. He gets into the back seat and carefully shuts the door.

The Back Seat from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Back Seat The last movement Cantwell asks Jackson to pull over and turns on the parking lights. He gets into the back seat and carefully shuts the door.

The Back Seat The last movement Cantwell asks Jackson to pull over and turns on the parking lights. He gets into the back seat and carefully shuts the door. Death and duty This is his final spoken instruction. Jackson later reads the note and continues the journey, carrying forward the order Cantwell could no longer complete.

Early evening after the hunt

During the first stretch of the final drive

A short time later on the road

During the final minutes before Cantwell stops the car

Immediately after the final attack