October Summary

In "October", for several weeks on Wednesday afternoons, Holling is left in the classroom to clean erasers, wipe down blackboards, and straighten the room while his classmates attend religious studies. Holling doesn't event complain as he is asked to clean out the coat closet, where Doug Swieteck's collection of rotting food—to be used in attempts to torment teachers—is held, because he knows his father is counting on him. One Tuesday, Doug Swieteck's brother was scheduled to return to school, but used chalk from erasers in other classrooms to chalk his face and pretend to be insane. He was given more time for observation, and on the following Wednesday, Holling feels Mrs. Baker somehow blames him for the event. He explains this to Meryl Lee, who calls him paranoid.

Following recess, Mrs. Baker sends Holling down to retrieve trays of...