Chapter 27 Summary

The second week that Ezra is at school, there is an early thaw. The road that leads to their farmhouse is muddy every afternoon. One afternoon, Ripley approaches Ezra, Nyle and Muncie. As usual, Ripley begins his taunting. This time Ripley directs his taunting at Ezra and Muncie. Nyle cannot take any more of Ripley's bad behavior and lunges toward him. Ripley overpowers her and takes Nyle down to the ground. Ripley sees Ezra approach, and he shoves Nyle out of the way. Immediately, Ripley goes after Ezra, takes him down and pummels him until he is nearly unconscious. Ezra lies there face down in the mud taking each punch. Nyle attacks Ripley, but he takes her attacks while he continues to assault Ezra. Finally, Nyle scratches his face, and she realizes she must have gotten his good eye because Ripley stops hitting...