Summary

As Chapter Sixteen begins, Charlie and Nostrils continue their run into Fitzroy. They are particularly careful, with Nostrils going on ahead to make sure the way is clear, and then waving Charlie on when it is safe. When they arrive at their destination, they are surprised to see how run-down it is, and even more surprised when they are told to leave the liquor on the front steps. They do as they are told, and then start the journey back to Richmond.

For a while, they are safe and even a bit playful, but then they are confronted by a gang of six boys, including Barlow. Nostrils speaks tauntingly, much to Charlie’s dismay, and Barlow and the others attack. Charlie tries to fend them off with the trolley, but is not successful. When Nostrils goes down, Charlie is faced with...