This Tender Land: Chapter 13 Summary & Analysis

Odie and Albert go into town to buy shoes. Odie worries people will be suspicious that they have so much money. In a small department store, they encounter another customer Odie calls the “one-eyed pig scarer” (One-eyed Jack) because of his eye patch and mean demeanor. A saleswoman asks what they are looking for, and Albert clams up. Odie realizes his brother cannot lie, and so he speaks up on Albert’s behalf, claiming Albert has a speech impediment. He tells the woman their father sent them to buy new shoes and groceries for the week. A salesman joins the conversation, trying to sell the boys expensive boots. He seems less trusting than his coworker, questioning Odie about his father and the $15.

Odie continues to lie, saying their father recently found a job in town and their mother is dead. Playing on the saleswoman’s sympathy, he shows them his worn-down shoes. Eventually, Odie wheedles enough that the man gives them a discount on three pairs of boots, socks, and a sewing kit. Albert dislikes how easy it is for Odie to lie, and he’s worried Odie will turn out like Brickman or DiMarco. Odie’s anger at this assessment turns to fear when a police car drives by. He and Albert return to the river, but Mose and Emmy are gone, along with the canoe.