Chapter 2 Summary

Bud arrives at the family of the Amos's, and is happy to learn that one boy, Todd, is near his age--two years difference. This happiness is quickly dissipated, however, when he realizes that the family is keeping him there for the money they receive as a foster family. He has a difficult time getting along with the son, who excels at acting "good" in front of his parents, then when they walk away he becomes aggressive and cruel to Bud. The first evidence of Todd's dishonesty is when he fakes an asthma attack when he is caught fighting with Bud on the floor in their bedroom.

The mother, who is obviously under the "spell" of Todd's manipulative actions, gets angry with Bud for taking advantage of her and her family's good efforts to help him during this difficult time, the Depression. Todd's supposed...