Chapter 8 Summary

He walks to the train station and cleans his bloody face with snow. A woman begins talking to him and says that her son, Ernest Morrow, goes to Pencey. When she asks Holden's name, he lies and gives her the name of the school janitor. Holden knows the boy and does not like him, but he says nice things about him to Mrs. Morrow. The boy's mother says she has been worried about Ernest, because she fears he is too sensitive. Holden lies and says that everyone thinks Ernest is a great guy. He fabricates a story about how the other students wanted Ernest to run for class president, but he refused because he is so modest. The woman is surprised by the story, but seems to believe Holden. When she asks why Holden is going home, he tells her he has to...