Chapter 39 Summary

In spite of his apprehensions, Palmer wakes the next morning and walks toward the soccer field where the Pigeon Shoot is being held. The crowd is already huge and it parts to let Palmer pass thinking that he is a wringer who is arriving late. Palmer can see the line of shooters waiting to take their turns and witnesses the pigeons being released into the air. Some of the birds do not understand the nature of the event and simply walk out of the box onto the field until some wringer grabs the birds and throws them up into the sky and their violent demise. Palmer can see Beans, Mutto, and Henry zealously pursuing their wringer duties and notices the big gold pigeon trophy waiting to be presented later to the best shooter.

Dorothy quietly moves up to Palmer, grabs his little finger...