Imprisoned somewhere -- either a mental institution or a hospital, -- Malone has lived out many years already. He has taken, lately, to lying naked on his bed and writing. He writes about himself and his experiences as well as this character named Sapo. As he reveals, Malone has murdered six people, but he doesn't see a problem with any of it, especially the last one who was a stranger.
When Sapo grows into manhood, he is renamed Macmann. There are hints that Malone is identifying himself in this character because he often shifts between the first and third persons unexpectedly. One day Macmann passes out and is taken to St. John's of God, a psych ward. After meeting his intimidating nurse, Moll, he begins an affair with her. Tragically she dies one day, and Macmann only finds out in post when a new nurse, Lemuel, is assigned.
One day the Lady Pedal funds an outing for some of the prisoners, including Macmann. Lemuel takes five of them, Lady Pedal, and her two bodyguards on a boat ride to some Druid ruins. They are planning a picnic. As soon as Lady Pedal has left with one of her guards, Lemuel slices the other one in the back with a hatchet. When Ernest returns with his mistress, he too is killed. Horrified, Lady Pedal faints and breaks a bone in her fall. Then they all row home. Malone is convinced that Lemuel meant no harm to anyone and that everyone aboard the vessel would remain safe.
