The next morning, Patty waits until her mother and father are at work to get out of bed. Thinking of Anton in her hideout, Patty asks Ruth to make her some extra breakfast (although she does not tell Ruth why). Patty brings the food to Anton and they talk. Anton tells Patty stories about his hometown, his parents and how he escaped from the prison camp. Anton then asks Patty why she is hiding him; Patty does not tell him the true reason. She tells Anton that she is Jewish and they have a laugh.

Notes

In this chapter we are assured that Patty is housing Anton, the escaped prisoner. We again see how self-conscience Patty is about her looks. When Patty brings Anton the food his eyes meet with hers and she quickly looks away saying to herself, I'm not much to look at (89).

Also, in this chapter, we see why Anton had purchased the pin from Patty, in the beginning of the story: He purchased the pin because the glass diamonds would give him the appearance of being wealthy. He used the pin, of fake diamonds, to bribe one of the prison guards to let him out. He paid only a dollar for the pin and claimed it to be worth about five thousand dollars.

CHAPTER 9

Summary

The people of Jenkinsville are apprehensive because Anton has been reported missing. Members of the FBI came into the Bergen's store to questions Patty's father. Patty's father told the FBI that he had a recollection of Anton but he did not remember too much about him. When Sister Parker looked at the picture, she remembered that Anton was the boy who had been talking with Patty. The FBI began questioning Patty and she got very nervous and started to cry. Patty's father scolded the FBI telling them that they had made Patty nervous and upset. Patty told the FBI what she remembered about her conversation with Anton. However, instead of telling them that Anton had purchased the pin, she told them he purchased a straw hat like the rest of the prisoners.

Charlene Madlee, a reporter for the Commercial Appeal appeared looking for the Sheriff. Patty offered to show her to the Sheriff's office. Patty asked Charlene how she became a reporter; they began discussing their shared love for words.

They arrive to the prison camp and Charlene invites Patty to come in with her and act as a reporter. Patty and Charlene took notes as Charlene interviewed Major Wroper. After talking with the Major they proceeded to the infirmary and questioned Captain Robinson. He reported that he did not think Anton was escaping to cause any trouble; he merely wanted his freedom. Captain Robinson noted that most prisoners are former members of the S.S. and are arrogant and belligerent men; he said that Anton's personality did not match that of the other prisoners.

Notes

Jenkinsville is now buzzing with the news about Anton's escape. The FBI questions Harry about the prisoners that had been in his store. Sister Parker mentions Patty's talk with Anton and the agents suspiciously question Patty. Patty only tells the FBI half-truths before bursting into tears.

In this chapter, Patty befriends Charlene Madlee, the reporter for the Memphis Commercial Appeal. Charlene gives off a genuine, friendly vibe and we know that she will be a good friend and mentor to Patty.

When Charlene interviews a doctor who had treated Anton, he says that he is not a Nazi, a saboteur or a spy. Patty remembers how the doctor described Anton as a decent man; her internal conflict over sheltering Anton begins to be resolved.