Chapter IV, Pages 333 through 363 Summary

Billy crosses the border into the United States at Columbus, New Mexico. He stops to talk to the border guard who tells Billy that he can join the military now that the United States has become involved in the war. Billy rides toward Deming and the people he encounters on the road seem interested in him but give him plenty of room. Billy's clothes are ragged and he's wrapped in a blanket. He arrives in Deming at midnight and spends the night in the bus station. He goes into a café to ask where he can join the army and a woman tells him the recruiting office won't yet be open. She asks if he wants coffee but Billy tells her he has no money. She sets coffee and then a breakfast of eggs, bacon and toast...