Summary of Chapters 33-36
Will calls his father on the phone to tell him he and Jim are going into hiding and will not be coming home for a day or two because they are being searched for. He does not want to give details or the families could get involved and get hurt. He hangs up. Mr. Halloway puts on his coat and goes out.
The carnival band is marching past the wooden Indian at the United Cigar Store. Underneath a grille on the sidewalk the two boys are hiding. The parade breaks up, the freaks scatter, and Mr. Dark asks everyone if they have seen two boys. Meanwhile the Dwarf (Mr. Fury) sees something under the grate, and his camera eyes take pictures. Charles Halloway discovers where Will and Jim are hiding. They tell him not to give them away as the Illustrated Man comes up to Mr. Halloway and asks about two boys, showing their pictures on his palms. When he squeezes his palms, the boys feel pain. The Dust Witch approaches who can sniff out souls. Mr. Halloway defeats her by speaking loudly and lighting his cigar. Mr. Dark asks his name, and he tells the truth: he is Charles Halloway, works in the library, and invites Mr. Dark to drop by. Will looks up and thinks his father looks brave and tall. He tells the boys to stay hidden until dark and then come to the library at seven..
Commentary on Chapters 33-36
Now Charles Halloway becomes a hero and saves the boys. He stands up to Mr. Dark and seems to know intuitively how to combat these evil people. He now knows something about what is going on and will believe the boys. Will is amazed that his father does not try to disguise himself but invites Mr. Dark to seek him out. Mr. Halloway tells the boys to meet him at the library because he wants to do research. The library is symbolically the repository of human wisdom and can give him some clues.
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