Amaro avoids slavery by joining the navy, where he becomes known as Bom-Crioulo for his strength and good character. He befriends a young cabin-boy, Aleixo, and their friendship develops into a homosexual affair. When their ship returns to Rio de Janeiro, Bom-Crioulo rents a small room from Dona Carolina where the two live together. But when Bom-Crioulo has to return to sea separately from Aleixo, Dona Carolina seduces him, and the two become lovers until Bom-Crioulo, hospitalized after his return from the sea, discovers the affair.