The Story’s Last Objects

Across the River and into the Trees

This flow follows the final objects associated with Cantwell—guns, the portrait, and the written order—as they connect hunting, love, and death.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Guns at the Blind The Guns at the Blind from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Guns at the Blind A practiced arrangement Cantwell sets his guns in the blind and prepares for the ducks.

The Guns at the Blind from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Guns at the Blind A practiced arrangement Cantwell sets his guns in the blind and prepares for the ducks.

The Guns at the Blind A practiced arrangement Cantwell sets his guns in the blind and prepares for the ducks. Their placement reflects a lifetime of skill and care. Work and recreation joined The weapons belong both to his military identity and to a peaceful sporting ritual. The hunt gives them a final role before they travel with him toward death.

The Dog’s Retrieval The Dog’s Retrieval from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Dog’s Retrieval A bird recovered The dog retrieves a wounded mallard from the grass. Cantwell takes it gently and checks whether it can survive.

The Dog’s Retrieval from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Dog’s Retrieval A bird recovered The dog retrieves a wounded mallard from the grass. Cantwell takes it gently and checks whether it can survive.

The Dog’s Retrieval A bird recovered The dog retrieves a wounded mallard from the grass. Cantwell takes it gently and checks whether it can survive. Care beyond the gun The moment interrupts the hunt’s rhythm of shooting and collecting. Cantwell’s decision to preserve the bird gives the day a humane counterpoint.

The Portrait in the Car The Portrait in the Car from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Portrait in the Car An image travels The wrapped portrait rides with the luggage in the car.

The Portrait in the Car from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Portrait in the Car An image travels The wrapped portrait rides with the luggage in the car.

The Portrait in the Car An image travels The wrapped portrait rides with the luggage in the car. Cantwell has carried it from the hotel after receiving it from Renata. A connection preserved The painting is a fragile reminder of the woman he has just left. Its physical journey continues after Cantwell’s emotional and bodily strength fail.

The Note and the Map Light The Note and the Map Light from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Note and the Map Light A paper instruction Cantwell gives Jackson an order blank and tells him when to act on it.

The Note and the Map Light from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Note and the Map Light A paper instruction Cantwell gives Jackson an order blank and tells him when to act on it.

The Note and the Map Light A paper instruction Cantwell gives Jackson an order blank and tells him when to act on it. After the Colonel dies, Jackson uses the map light to read the paper. Duty made legible The note turns a private wish into a clear instruction. Its ordinary wording outlasts the voice and authority that produced it.

The Unclaimed Future The Unclaimed Future from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Unclaimed Future The objects remain in transit The painting and guns are still in the car as Jackson drives toward Trieste.

The Unclaimed Future from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Unclaimed Future The objects remain in transit The painting and guns are still in the car as Jackson drives toward Trieste.

The Unclaimed Future The objects remain in transit The painting and guns are still in the car as Jackson drives toward Trieste. Their eventual return is promised by the order but not shown. An open ending The objects carry the last unresolved connection between Cantwell and Renata. Their future belongs to the living after the novel ends.

Before first light on the final hunt

Near the end of the final hunt

As Cantwell leaves the lodge after the hunt

During Cantwell’s final attack

The final paragraph of the novel