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This is one of the few chapters that deals almost exclusively with
only one theme. Here the theme is mysticism- knowledge gained by
extraordinary, subjective means. It\'s been hinted at several times
before, beginning with Pilar\'s reading of Jordan\'s palm.
The occasion of the theme is Kashkin, the demolition expert who
preceded Jordan. Pilar claims she could foresee his impending doom.
Jordan maintains that Kashkin simply lost his nerve and was afraid,
and that it showed on his face.
Pilar then goes beyond appearances and says her gypsy nature could
smell the death that was about to happen to Kashkin. Notice the
components that Pilar says make up the smell of death. Her list is
morbid and repugnant.
Jordan is distantly respectful of her lore. Comments from members of
the band, however, suggest that this is a bit too much for them to
accept, and Pilar seems to feel insulted.
There\'s nothing mystic about the danger to El Sordo, which Robert
Jordan notes at the end of this chapter. The snow has stopped. But
it\'s cold; the snow will stay on the ground. If El Sordo and his men
have been out stealing horses for the retreat, they\'ll be easy to
track down.
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