Summary

Chapter 31 is titled “The Best-Prepared Hobos in the Midwest.” Cory is going to cover for Bobby Gene and Caleb when they do not show up at his house for chores, and the brothers told Angie they were going for a picnic afterward to cover up their absence. They have peanut butter sandwiches, fruit, nuts, and cheese crackers for this “picnic.” Styx wraps up the food in a bandanna, then ties it onto a sturdy stick like a hobo might carry. They go to the train tracks and climb aboard a box car. Bobby Gene asks how they are going to get home, and Styx asks why they would want to. Stys hangs onto the door, letting his body arch outward, and Caleb follows suit. Bobby Gene is obviously afraid of this entire situation and Caleb realizes that they are growing apart because of...