The Sweetness of Water

Caleb was made prisoner, exchanged, and then paroled and instructed to obey Union rule and return home. Isabelle and George prod Caleb for information on his capture, but he changes the subject. During the interrogation, Caleb notices his parents have aged significantly and that there is a lack of warmth, eye contact, and conversation between them. George notices Caleb’s pistol and tells him he will place it with his grandfather’s rifles in the cellar.

The next morning, George explains the brothers’ role in developing the peanut farm. Caleb recalls George’s failed past endeavors, such as making moonshine and cabinet making. Caleb leaves for town, and George tells him he wants to know more about the marks on his face when he returns.

The narrator reveals that Caleb and August did not serve on the front lines like many soldiers from Old Ox. Instead, because of August’s father’s influence, they were tasked with guarding the railways a distance from the battle. Most of their time was spent playing pranks and enjoying each other’s company. Caleb’s facial scars came from Union soldiers beating him with the butt of a rifle after learning he had deserted the Confederate army. Caleb does not feel that his desertion was shameful but rather an attempt to survive.