Joey believed begging was his role, and he never complained about their situations. Evidently, since Joey was younger, and he received more compassion than Josh, he was the main narrator when the two went from door to door asking for food. Begging proved to be tremendously more effective than resorting to the rubbish heaps, but a terrible guilt rose in Josh because he was hiding as a coward while his younger brother took action to provide them meals. Though Josh hated begging, he began doing his share. One night, a girl came to the kitchen door where Josh knocked and gave him a little cardboard box containing wonderful smelling food. Shamefully, Josh could …show more content…
not even look her in the eyes, or thank her for the food she had given because he was overwhelmed with the fact that he had resorted to begging.
Many times, Josh felt as if he and Joey should give up and let the cold finish them off, notwithstanding, something always happened that restored their vigor to proceed.
When in Nebraska, the boys knocked on the door of a small farmhouse that was occupied by an old lady. Instantly, she invited them in and prepared a piping hot supper for them. Kindheartedly, she even offered the boys shelter for the night, hot baths, and breakfast the next morning. After eating breakfast, the old lady advised Josh to write a letter home, letting his parents know he and Joey were still alive. Josh refused to write, but Joey wrote a letter telling their parents they were alive and
safe.
Not even four miles up the road, a huge truck passed, and as the driver passed the boys, he threw up his hands. Both gave the driver the hitchhiker gesture, and were surprised when the truck slowed to a halt. After briefly discussing their background, and the boys learning where the load was going, the driver allowed them to ride to New Orleans with him. They traveled continuously, only stopping for pit stops, food, and when the driver needed rest. One particular stop was in front of a small cafe on the side of the road.