How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
All old houses have ghost legends, and they are all poppycock! (2.32)
Mr. Small obviously doesn't believe in ghosts. This sets up one of the major questions of the story: do the ghosts exist, or not? Why do you think Mr. Small gets so mad when Thomas brings up ghosts?
Quote #5
"Pesty, how many times must I tell you not to get too close to Mr. Pluto? He's going to make you disappear one of these times, and then how will I ever get you home for supper?" (4.13)
Mac is using the rumors that Mr. Pluto is a supernatural creature to try to scare Pesty into being careful, and to scare Thomas, the new kid. Notice how rumors of the supernatural are so flexible. Anybody with an imagination can add something.