Chapter 19 Summary

Charlie wonders how he can protect his father from repeating the lie about the large block of ice he delivered to the Indians. He concludes that his Father will be saved only if something has gone wrong in Jeronimo. Like most wishes, he gets more than he bargained for. Jeronimo is strangely silent when they return. Although it is night, there are no lights on at the Maywits'. Mr. Struss, the missionary, has returned in a motorboat. In Father's absence, he accuses everyone of blasphemy and spreading the lies of science. He has taken the frightened Maywits away with him. When Charlie protests that their last name is Roper, not Maywit, Fox becomes infuriated. He insists the Maywits are coming back.

The Fox children still play at the Acre, although it's not as much fun without the Maywits. Since Fat Boy was built...