Chapter 3 Summary

Lucius is collecting the freight bills the following Saturday when Boon enters the Farmer's Supply quickly, telling Lucius they have to hurry if "they" are to make the twenty-three train. Lucius, confused, asks Boon who needs to take the train, and Boon informs him that his grandfather has passed away in "Jackson or Mobile or wherever it is." When Lucius questions Boon's knowledge of towns, Boon states that wherever it is, be it Jackson, Mobile, or New Orleans, his parents have to make the train. Lucius reflects he should have known Boon had ideas, since he mentioned New Orleans, but did not think anything at the time.

When Lucius arrives at home, he discovers that his mother, father, grandfather, and grandmother are all going to the funeral. As a result, Lucius and his three siblings will stay with the Edmond's outside of town...