Chapter 9 Summary

Clyde confronts Ignatius over complaints from the Board of Health. Ignatius defends himself and then tries to turn to conversation to the cart he received or the grueling musical he saw last night. Clyde remains focused: did Ignatius pick a cat out of the gutter as reported? What was he doing so far from their routes? No wonder he sells nothing. Ignatius feels unappreciated. He comes to work only for fear of his vicious mother. Clyde offers him one last chance, a better route, and some merchandising gimmicks. Clyde orders Ignatius into the French Quarter. After deducting the cost of the hot dogs Ignatius has eaten, Clyde hands him $1.25 and threatens to fire him unless he shows up early tomorrow.

Irene falls on her knees and asks why the Lord has given her such a terrible cross to bear. Ignatius is getting worse...