The Cartographers

At the Antiquarian Book Fair, Nell ignores a call from the police as she seeks Eve to ask her about the Sanborn map. Finding Eve, Nell mentions Romi and shows Eve the photograph from Francis. Eve reveals that the photo was taken by Wally, who always carried a camera. She also tells Nell that the membership of the enigmatic Cartographers consisted of Tam and her friends from the University of Wisconsin. Eve explains that compass rose symbol is their sigil. However, the Cartographers disbanded after Tam’s death, and the only one who still uses that name is Wally. Nell discovers that Wally is the NYPL burglar. Nell asks Eve about the Junk Box map. Eve panics, calling it “cursed” and “dangerous” (137), but reveals that Tam and Wally were the ones who found it.

In this section of the chapter, Eve relates her memories of the Cartographers to Nell. By the time the Cartographers graduated and received their PhDs in May 1990, Tam and Daniel were married, Nell was born, and Romi and Francis were dating. Upon their graduation, each received a congratulatory fountain pen. Tam carved the Cartographer compass rose on hers, intending to someday give it to Nell.

The summer after graduation, the Cartographers planned to “immerse themselves” (140) in their Dreamer’s Atlas project.