As Minidoka is at a high altitude, Mitsi’s ears ring. She also hears the family, the Sudas, on the other side of her (there are nine of them). Altogether, 20 people fill six small “apartments” in a narrow building—noise is the status quo. The camp is smaller than Camp Harmony, but there’s no running water, nor is there coal for the stove.

Debbie and Mitsi make a tiny hole in the wall to pass notes. Debbie’s mom is unwell, and Mrs. Suda complains about school not starting till October 1st.

Debbie and Mitsi help Mr. Hirari make a “beautiful” garden-like design from rocks and tumbleweed. Mrs. Tokuda then stops them and asks them to babysit Davy. She pays them, though the girls say it’s not necessary. They go to the post office and then get ice cream for them and a grape drink for Mr. Hirai.

Ted, Pudge, and Lefty show up, and Lefty bullies them. Neither Mitsi nor Debbie fathom why Ted hangs out with Pudge and Lefty. Mitsi thinks she sees Ted put a candy bar in his pocket. Mitsi feels sick and blames General DeWitt for corrupting her family.