This Tender Land

A few hours later, Odie, Albert, Mose, and Emmy rest on the riverbank near a small town. While Albert goes to buy food, Odie reads some of the letters they found in the Brickmans’ safe. Most are from students’ parents and mention included money intended for the students, which the Brickmans kept. One is from Billy’s parents, who sent fare for him to return home.

They spend the next night near another small town. Albert buys food and a newspaper, which features a photo of Emmy on the front page. She agrees to dress and act like a boy. At her request, Odie tells a story about an orphaned girl escaping from her evil aunt by switching places with a girl in a mirror.

In the middle of the night, Emmy wakens Odie and tells him to hide $10 in his shoe, promising that he’ll know what it’s for “when the time comes” (102). He does so.

In another small town further down the river, Albert and Odie enter a department store to buy shoes. When Albert hesitates to present a convincing backstory, Odie takes over. His performance wins the sympathy of the woman who runs the store with her husband, and she gives them a significant discount on three pairs of boots.