The narrative depicts a grim discovery made by the characters as they venture to the other side of a mountain. They come across two young men who had previously abandoned their group, now found hanging upside down from a tree. This shocking scene emphasizes the brutality and consequences of their decisions in a harsh landscape.

The graphic description of the lads being skinned serves to highlight the violent realities of the world McCarthy portrays. It suggests that such cruelty leaves a lasting impact, not just on the bodies of the victims but also on the psyche of those who witness it. The stark image reinforces themes of mortality and the aftermath of choices made in desperate circumstances.