Kneeknock Rise

The storm clears, and the men look around the lower cliffside for Egan as Aunt Gertrude stays at home, worried for his safety. All around, people discuss the bravery of the men who are going up the hill to search for him.

Egan smells something odd in the distance and hears the sound of an animal. He thinks he must have found the Megrimum after all, until he steps through the mist and sees Uncle Ott, reunited with his dog. Egan is aghast at first but introduces himself and admits he came to find and kill the Megrimum. Uncle Ott admits he, too, came to find it as well, but instead, he discovered there was no Megrimum at all.

Uncle Ott takes Egan to the top of Kneeknock Rise, where a cave opens up into a sulphur spring, explaining the awful smell. When steam rises through the hole in the cave, it creates a wailing sound, which is more intense during rain. Egan feels smug, knowing he always suspected there was no Megrimum, and suggests going back to town to tell everyone.