Summary

Chapter 9 is titled “The Grasshopper.” Styx leads Bobby Gene and Caleb to Neville's hardware store in town, where he shows them a moped. They agree it is the “prize to end all prizes” (52). It is painted like a grasshopper with “Red, gold, and violet flames (that) shot out from the side of the engine” (52). Bobby Gene asks what they could possibly do with that moped, and Styx says they would “Ride like the wind” (52). The go inside the store to look more closely. Bobby Gene wants to know where they could possibly get the 499 dollars and 95 cents the moped costs. Styx assures them they can trade up to get the moped, and adds that he has a drivers license. Caleb says they are “shell shocked” as they walk back toward home.

Chapter 10 is titled “Candy Cigarettes.” Styx gives Bobby Gene and Caleb each...