The Nomes find a safe place at a department store, where they encounter several tribes of Nomes. Their story of being from the 'Outside' angers the Duke De Haberdasheri.

When the Abbott is alone with Masklin, he says that he has a number of concerns about the future of the Store. Many years ago, the different departments fought for control of the Store. It was only when the Sationeri asserted that Arnold Bros. wanted the departments to live in peace that the wars ended. If the Stationeri is proved wrong about the existence of 'Outside', the other departments may start fighting again. Therefore, the Abbott must pretend that everything is normal to keep the peace.

The Duke thinks Masklin's plan is foolish, and refuses to participate, but the other clans agree to work together, with the Stationeri (reluctantly) teaching many Nomes to read.

Angalo recounts how he escaped, and also that he learned how to drive a lorry. Vinto brings 'Gulliver's Travels' to Masklin, hoping to convince him to kidnap a human to help them, but Masklin instead sees the ropes holding Gulliver down; he believes they can use ropes to operate the lorry. Vinto discovers that, instead of the fortnight they thought they had, demolition has already started.