The morning progresses with people coming in and out of TIM's office asking questions and bringing information. One person who enters his office is Brother Westrum, who earlier had criticized TIM's first speech as backward and reactionary. Wondering what Westrum wants, TIM offers him a seat. Brother Westrum is displeased with the link lying on the desk. He sees it as a symbol of the black man's cause and not the Brotherhood's. Westrum is afraid that the Brotherhood will see the link as "dramatizing differences"(392) instead of concentrating on what the blacks and whites have in common. Westrum's meddling and underlining threats cause TIM to wonder if it could have been he who sent the anonymous note. Westrum talks about the need for a flag or a pin for the Brotherhood so that when a member meets a member they can recognize each other. As they are talking about it, TIM's phone rings, and a reporter is on the other end asking to do an interview with him. TIM tells the reporter to interview Tod Clifton instead, but Westrum tells TIM to do it because he is the first of the Brothers to attract attention. TIM reluctantly agrees under Westrum's insistence but two weeks later is haunted by his decision.

Two weeks pass and TIM attends a committee meeting where allegations are brought forward that he is trying to further his own ambitions. The accuser is none other than Brother Westrum. Brother Jack informs him of the charges and tries to settle Westrum down. Brother Westrum brings forth as evidence the magazine article, which he himself insisted that TIM do. The committee sends TIM out of the meeting while they read the article. When he reenters the room, Brother Jack tells him that he has been found innocent on the charges concerning the article, but other charges would have to be investigated. In the meantime, TIM would have to abandon his Harlem activities. Not understanding what has happened, TIM accepts the role given to him as the new spokesman on the Women Question. The chapter ends with TIM walking outside thinking about at his new job and the chance to see how much of the change in Harlem was due to him.

Characters
TIM: Narrator who has joined the Brotherhood and had his identity changed again by those around him.

Brother Tarp: Reminder of the past who assures TIM that the members of the Brotherhood support him. A fighter who worships Frederick Douglass who also escaped from a form of unjust containment.

Brother Westrum: A meddlesome member who strikes out against anyone not working strictly for the Brotherhood. He accuses TIM in a meeting and is the reason TIM is sent downtown to speak about the Women Question.

Quotations

"Individuals don't count for much; it's what the group wants, what the group does. Everyone here submerges his personal ambitions for the common achievement" (397).

"I said no to a man who wanted to take something from me; that's what it cost me for saying no, and even now the debt ain't fully paid and will never be paid in their terms" (387).

"I simply slipped my papers into my brief case and left as though going downtown for a meeting"(408).

Setting
TIM's office and meeting room for the Brotherhood.

Themes
Betrayal: Betrayed by Westrum.

Sacrifice - TIM sacrifices his work in Harlem for the good of the institution.

Disintegration - His time with the Brotherhood is coming to an end.

Symbols
Chain link: Link to the past and a reminder of what TIM is working for.

Motifs
Brotherhood
Song from the past
Skin Color