Conway is quite content to remain indefinitely, and a change is also taking effect in his companions: Barnard develops plans for a full-scale irrigation system for the Valley, Gloria's health begins to improve, and Lovett (now called 'Lovey') proposes teaching classes in geology to the community's children.
The only malcontent
is Conway's brother George.
He is determined to find a way back to civilization ("Are you so certain
you are away from it?" Chang inquires gently). George tries to locate porters
to act as guides back through the dangerous mountains, he runs amok with a loaded
gun - even his affair with Maria (Margo) does nothing to quell his impatience.