How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"Where did you live before you came here?" asked the woman.
But not one of the four children would tell her. (1.26-1.27)
Though the Alden children are extremely polite, they're not going to tell anyone where they came from. Not even us.
Quote #2
"You may have some water when it gets dark. There is a pump near the farmhouse. But if we leave the haystack now, someone will see us." (2.26)
Not only are the Alden kids on the run, they're also in hiding. Through the first part of the book, they live a nocturnal existence to avoid prying eyes.
Quote #3
"If we hear anyone," said Jessie, "we must hide behind the bushes." (2.31)
Good timing, Jessie. Right after these words are out of her mouth, the baker and his wife appear, and the Aldens dive into the bushes as planned. Phew—that was close.
Quote #4
"This is a good place," said Jessie, as they walked along. "It is far away from people. You can tell that by the grass in the road." (2.58)
The Boxcar Children make their happy home in the woods, isolating themselves from the rest of society. Totally normal … right?
Quote #5
"What do you think it was?" asked Jessie. "Do you think it was a rabbit?"
"I don't know," said Henry. "But I think someone was in the woods. I am glad we weren't hurt." (7.2-7.3)
To be clear, being isolated in the woods does have its downsides. When Jessie and Henry are spooked by an intruder, they don't have any way to ask for help.
Quote #6
"If Grandfather is looking for us, it would be easier to see four than one."
"Yes, that's so," answered Henry. "But we can go down the hill and through the streets two by two." (9.3-9.4)
The kids go to some considerable lengths to avoid discovery, which helps us understand how afraid they must be of their grandfather. These kids really prefer to stick together.
Quote #7
"The four children are living in a boxcar, but I shall not tell Mr. Alden that they are his grandchildren," he said. (9.41)
Dr. Moore is awfully sneaky. First, he spies on Henry and his family, and then, when he learns their secret, he keeps it to himself.
Quote #8
"We don't want her to go to a hospital if we can help it. We should have to tell her name." (11.29)
When you're a runaway orphan, it really pays to have befriended a doctor. Dr. Moore to the rescue.
Quote #9
"They have changed their name," said the doctor. He looked at the man in a queer way. "The big boy changed his name on Field Day. You saw him then." (11.66)
On Field Day, Henry tells a lie of omission by not giving Mr. Alden his last name. You'd think Mr. A. might have noticed that Henry has the same first and middle name as his grandson, but alas, he does not.