Summary

Chapter 16 is titled “Two Miracles and a Mercy.” The chapter opens with Russell's observation that “By nine o'clock a miracle had taken place” (171). All the students pitch in to clean and repair all the damage. Though Glenn tries to take the blame, Tansy accuses Russell of trying to blow the school “off the face of the earth” (171). That attitude continues for years afterward. Glenn and Russell clean up in the frigid well water. They evaluate each other, confirming that neither has any eyebrows remaining. All the students are present an in their seats at nine o'clock when Aunt Fanny arrives. She knows the school officials are due to arrive today, and feels the school needs an American flag. She hands over a flag, saying her husband carried it into battle during the Civil War. The flag is tattered, which Tansy says is better...