Summary

In Chapter 17, Alex is grounded for two weeks. Bertha walks her to and from school and supplies her with an endless list of chores, including practicing tying knots. On the first day that Alex can walk home alone, she goes to Sonja's house. She finds the bright colors painted by Sonja's grandparents have been covered with white paint. The “for lease” sign the yard features the logo of George's bank.

The next section is a transcript from the “Testimony of Dr. H.N. Gantz before the House Committee on Un-American Activities, March 12, 1960.” The officials question Dr. Gantz about his effort to obtain a passport to attend a medical conference in “Communist Prague.” Dr. Gantz argues that his rights as an American citizen have been violated. He is interrupted when he mentions dragoning. He is fined for indecency for writing “Nice try, assholes” on...