Water for Elephants

Marlena has been missing since her accident. August, who is distant and says little to Jacob, has tamed Rosie with the bull hook enough to parade her around for patrons but hasn’t attempted another performance with her in the ring. Earl summons Jacob to check on Camel, who’s experiencing paralysis in parts of his body. Although Jacob has no experience treating human patients, he agrees to examine Camel, as Earl says Camel’s too old and not valuable enough to the circus to waste time and money on a doctor. Jacob tries to comfort Camel but has little to offer. He wants to stay with Camel, but Earl won’t let him. Walter tells Jacob that Camel has “jake leg,” a form of paralysis from drinking poisoned extract. Jacob considers using some of his wages to pay for a doctor, but Walter says there’s no cure for the paralysis—and on payday, many workers walk away empty-handed. Walter tells Jacob that Al is holding back pay because he’s short on money. However, the performers always get paid. Walter tells Jacob that Al will red-light the workers he doesn’t pay to prevent an uprising. Jacob fears that Camel will be red-lighted but finds that Grady and the others have hidden him.