Stepping on the Cracks

Elizabeth proudly shows Margaret the blackmail letter she writes to Gordy, warning that two “anonamus” people know about Stuart and may expose him. The girls go to Gordy’s worn, shabby, depressing house and stealthily deliver their threat. Margaret worries about Gordy retaliating, but he leaves them alone.

Elizabeth cannot let the matter go. She and Margaret return to the boys’ hut. Gordy and Doug surprise the girls and drag them inside the hut. Stuart orders Gordy to release the girls. Elizabeth, upset at being dismissed as a girl, retorts that he is a “dirty deserter.” Gordy warns them not to tell anyone about Stuart because Stuart could be jailed, shot, or sent to the front. Elizabeth does not care, but Margaret is conflicted and does not want anyone to die. Stuart explains why he believes the war is wrong, arguing that enemy soldiers are just like them and have families and friends. Elizabeth rejects Stuart’s rationale, and Margaret realizes Gordy also disagrees with Stuart. Margaret suddenly wonders how Jimmy could kill people and if Jimmy even wanted to go to war.