Chapters 23 and 24 Summary

In Chapter 23, Sasha and Vovka are told to wait while the principal speaks with Miss Petrovna. Sasha tells Vovka that he's sorry about his father but Vovka doesn't respond. Sasha had once been best friends with Vovka. He had been at his apartment hundreds of times. His father was a good man and a devoted Communist. Sasha recalls that his father often said that if there is smoke there is fire. If someone is arrested and executed, there must be a good reason. Sasha is totally confused.

Just before the principal calls them in, Vovka tells Sasha that he's going to turn him in. Inside the principal's office, Vovka was asked why he attacked the teacher. He replies that the teacher is scum. The principal tells Sasha that his father was arrested and taken to Lubyanka. Sasha leans against the wall...