Amerika: The Missing Person

Karl arrives at an inn. In his room, he finds two men already asleep. He tries to stay awake out of paranoia that the sleeping men will tamper with his suitcase. He briefly wakes the men and learns their names are Delamarche (a Frenchman) and Robinson (an Irishman).

Karl stares at the only photograph he has of his parents and contemplates writing them a letter. He is overcome with exhaustion and falls asleep. In the morning, he is awoken by Delamarche and the men formally introduce themselves. Delamarche and Robinson are pleased that Karl will be joining them on their journey to Butterford to seek employment. Convincing Karl that his suit is too refined and will make it difficult to find a job, Delamarche and Robinson sell it and keep most of the profit themselves. Carrying his suitcase with little help from the other men, Karl begins to feel annoyed by his companions. Delamarche complains about Jakob’s company after they encounter a car with a sign stating that Jakob is hiring dock workers. He says Jakob’s company is “notorious” and a “shameful swindle” (73). Karl is offended.

Delamarche takes Karl’s Verona salami and eats most of it. Trying to convince Karl that Butterford is an ideal destination, Robinson describes it as “far more beautiful than New York” (74) with plentiful employment opportunities.