Chapter 9 Summary

Meg hurts herself running to her father, and Charles laughs. Again, Meg realizes that although Charles looks the same, an evil force is controlling him. Meg can see her father, in the room, but Mr. Murry can't see her. Meg thinks that her father looks older, as though he's been enduring for a long time. Charles doesn't seem to care that they've found Mr. Murry. Meg tries to tackle Charles again, but he anticipates her move, and punches her.

Calvin almost gets Charles out of his trance by using his communication gifts and talking to Charles about getting out of the cloven pine trap. Unfortunately, the words don't work, and Calvin is too exhausted to try to communicate with Mr. Murry.

Meg is frantic to get to her father, and remembers Mrs. Who's glasses. Meg puts them on and runs into the column...