Great Expectations

Chapter 5 was really confusing for me because I didn't understand where Pip and Joe were going with the sergent and his men. I re-read the passage and I think they are hunting for the escaped convicts in the marshes, but I am not sure. I also didn't understand what they were talking about before they left. Pip states, "The sergent took a polite leave of the ladies, and parted from Mr. Pumblechook as from a comrade; though I doubt if he were quite as a fully sensible of that gentleman's merits under arid conditions, as when something moist was going." This stiflingly formal diction is hard to process and I did not understand what Pip meant when he said this. Please answer my question and help me better understand this passage.

Dishonesty in TIOBE

Hey Rachel and McKenzie! I am so sorry this blog is so late, I have been at a swim meet all day and just arrived home. I have been having some trouble thinking of a way to transition from our first paragraph to our second. I think it should be unique and interesting. This would help the essay flow nicely and make it interesting to read. I have also been working on my commentary for my body paragraph. My goal is to elaborate on the concrete detail without stating the obvious.
Questions:
How should we transition from the first paragraph to the second (small lies to identity lies)?
Should we connect our intro and conclusion with the hook (mother's wanring) or should we use something different?
Should we stay in the same format as the 5 part paragraphs (transition, detail, two commentary etc.) or should we just write the paragraphs and check to see if we have everything?