Nicholas, meanwhile, longs to spend a whole night in Alisoun's arms rather than just the few moments they get together during John's absences. With Alisoun, he hatches a scheme that will enable him to do this. He tells John that he has foreseen a terrible event in a vision from God. The next Monday, God is going to send a massive flood twice as great as the one he sent in Noah's time. He says that God told him they could save themselves by hanging three large tubs, each loaded with provisions and an ax, from the ceiling of the barn. Once the waters rose, they would cut the ropes, hack through the roof, and float until the waters subsides. John believes him and on Monday night, they ascend by ladder into the hanging tubs. As soon as John is asleep, Nicholas and Alisoun climb down, run back to the house, and sleep together in John's bed.