Chapters 3 - 4, Beauteous are My Cakes Indeed, Your Toughened Heart Summary

Chapter 3 has the Land family return to their house to find that the bullies have covered their front door in tar; Reuben's breathing because halted because of the thick, warm air, and Jeremiah helps dissolve the particles in his lungs. During this process, Jeremiah explains to Reuben what happened in the locker room. The boys had followed Dolly in and she tried to defend herself, but when she struck Israel, Tommy grabbed her and they started beating her. Then Jeremiah came in and beat them up. Right after that, Israel threatens Jeremiah, telling him that he and Tommy are watching his entire family.

The family goes back to their routines, and Swede and Reuben relax and become interested in poetry. By Wednesday, Davy and Swede...