Ivan settles down for a few small moments of relaxation before the evening roll call and lights-out. He considers several ways that he can use the little piece of steel which he has smuggled in. Then he hides it in a safe place.
Fetyukov comes into the barracks crying. He has been beaten up by somebody, probably for scrounging, and although he dislikes the man, Ivan feels sorry for him because he is certain that Fetyukov will not survive the camps.
Caesar Markovich still has the contents of his package spread out on his bunk when he asks Ivan for his little illegal knife so that he can cut some meat. He doesn't share his food with Ivan, though; he shares his food with the Captain, the only man in the gang whom he considers his equal. This meal, however, is only a short reprieve for Buynovsky, who is led away shortly afterward to the punishment block.
When the signal for the evening roll call is given, Caesar does not know what to do with his package. It is certain that most of it will be stolen by a prisoner or a guard while he is outside in the lineup. In spite of the fact that Caesar has treated him condescendingly all through the day, Ivan feels sorry for him and shows him a way to protect his food.
After the tedious daily routine of the roll call, Ivan and the other prisoners return to their bunks, find a place to dry their boots, and settle down for the night. Ivan, however, does not feel like sleeping; he is too elated about the many good things which have happened to him during the day. He is grateful that he has not ended up in a cell like the Captain and that he can even enjoy sleeping on his sheetless, sawdust mattress.
