Chapters 7 and 8 Summary

Chapter 7

One morning, Mrs. Gantos told Jack to hurry and get dressed. She was going to take him out for some fresh air. They walked a quarter mile up to Dr. Mertz's office. She hadn't made an appointment but timed their arrival for the end of his work day. Mrs. Gantos asked if she could have a word with the doctor. She asked Dr. Mertz if he could cauterize the inside of Jack's nasal passages because he'd been bleeding a lot. Mrs. Gantos couldn't afford the cost and the doctor couldn't take the canned peaches or pickles she offered in exchange for the treatment.

On the way home, Mrs. Gantos told Jack how it used to be in Norvelt. People didn't need much cash. People traded goods and services for the goods and services they needed. She vowed to save enough...