Part Four (to page 245), Summary and Analysis

The day spent at Hotel Espasol is unpleasant for Henriqueta and Ernie. They are intimidated by the activity and the traffic on the street. Being afraid to venture outside, they stay in the hotel all day. Dinner is served, and they marvel again at the eating habits of Americans.

Josy and Gustavo arrive later in the day. Together, the four walk to a house nearby. Mrs. Dodson, the landlady, greets them. The family's new apartment is on the first floor of Mrs. Dodson's building. It consists of a large room, a kitchen, and a bathroom that has been converted to a bedroom for Ernie. All of the first floor tenants share a bathroom located down the hall. Ernie refers to the apartment by the address, 418 L, and it becomes the family's safe place in the...