Chapters 4 and 5 Summary

Chapter 4 - Laurie's narration describes how there is no confrontation with the Tripods after their return, how "The Trippy Show" remains on the air in spite of government efforts to jam it, how Andy's mother suddenly disappears and how Martha insists Pa fetch him to stay with them. Narration also describes the distant relationship Laurie and his family have with Aunt Caroline and Uncle Ian, Pa's arrogantly rich sister and brother-in-law, and their children Nathanael and Verity. While Pa is fetching Andy, Caroline calls to say that Nathanael has "tripped" (gone to join the Trippies) and that Ian has gone to look for him. After he returns with Andy, Pa reassures both Caroline and Andy, suggesting that the Tripods are using a kind of hypnosis on people and that it will soon fade away. That night, conversation with the thoughtful Andy...