Chapter 17 Summary

Rooster Jim brings Hattie her mail, and over chess they discuss the latest way in which the war will cost them. June 28th has been declared National War Savings Day, and everyone is encouraged to purchase war savings stamps. The fact that war bonds have already been purchased does not count and further contribution is expected. On that day, Hattie pledges everything she can, and is told that the minimum allowable pledge is one hundred dollars. Even with a good crop, Hattie will not be able to pay her bills with that large a pledge. When she voices her concern, she is threatened with a trip in front of a judge to review her patriotism. Trying not to cry, she rewrites her pledge to reflect the minimum. She tells Leafie afterward that she doesn't know how she will make it. Leafie invites her...