Hugh Priest’s Last Hope

This flow traces Hugh Priest’s chance to imagine sobriety, his renewed dependence on drink, and Gaunt’s redirection of his longing into murder.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Future in the Window

A Future in the Window A remembered youth After a night of drinking, Hugh Priest sees a fox-tail in Gaunt’s window and recalls a happier day from his youth, before alcohol dominated his life. A brief possibility For a moment he imagines buying the fox-tail, attending an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, and beginning again. The thought gives him a glimpse of a future he has not allowed himself for years.

The Fox-Tail Bargain

The Fox-Tail Bargain An object becomes essential Gaunt sells Hugh the fox-tail for his spare change and a prank on Nettle Cobb. The object attaches itself to Hugh’s memories and desire for renewal. A compromised choice Hugh accepts the task without fully understanding it. He leaves with the fox-tail but soon keeps it locked away, letting fear of loss defeat the hopeful plan it first represented.

The Death of Raider

The Death of Raider Gaunt’s order Gaunt’s influence drives Hugh to enter Nettle Cobb’s home. He kills Raider with a corkscrew and leaves a note accusing Nettle of attacking Wilma’s laundry. Immediate denial Hugh feels horror and guilt, but these feelings are soon displaced by fear that someone has stolen his fox-tail. He returns to the object instead of facing what he has done.

A Retaliatory Spiral

A Retaliatory Spiral Misplaced blame Nettle believes Wilma killed Raider. Wilma believes Nettle destroyed her house. Their errors give each woman a reason to retaliate. Hugh’s own grievance After Norris Ridgewick slashes his Buick, Hugh believes Henry Beaufort is responsible and arms himself. Gaunt has replaced Hugh’s hope of recovery with an escalating chain of resentment.

The End at the Tiger

The End at the Tiger A violent arrival Hugh reaches The Mellow Tiger and shoots William Tupper and Henry Beaufort, fixated on his fox-tail and the harm he believes Henry caused. A fatal exchange Henry fires back with a shotgun, killing Hugh. The fox-tail catches fire, ending Hugh’s life and the last visible link to his brief hope of choosing sobriety.

Night of October 9, 1991

Night of October 9, 1991

Morning of October 13, 1991

October 13–15, 1991

October 15, evening