During band practice, Mrs. Hamilton drills the boys on discipline before having them play a scale together. Robert follows her instructions closely and stands out for his natural ability on the trumpet, especially as a beginner. When Mrs. Hamilton praises Robert and says that, God willing, he will be home before he could ever become first chair, the compliment encourages Robert because the Funhouse has made him doubt he will leave the Reformatory safely.

The mood shifts when Warden Haddock appears in the doorway and watches the class. Mrs. Hamilton remains outwardly composed, but Robert senses her tension and sees that Haddock is specifically interested in him. After making polite remarks about the band performing before the town on parade day, Haddock leans close and whispers something to Mrs. Hamilton, then leaves with a grin after she reluctantly agrees to whatever he has asked.

For the rest of practice, Robert worries about Haddock’s visit and grows increasingly preoccupied. Mrs. Hamilton’s kindness and attention make Robert feel protected and valued, but his thoughts keep returning to Haddock and to the ugliness of the Reformatory. When the other boys leave, Mrs. Hamilton tells Robert that Haddock wants to see him. Robert immediately fears that he is being called in for trouble despite his efforts to stay obedient and unnoticed.

As Mrs. Hamilton questions him, Robert realizes the summons may concern Blue’s secret conversation with him in the cornfield. Mrs. Hamilton, recognizing that Robert is hiding something to protect someone else, warns him that Haddock never asks questions unless he already knows the answer and orders Robert to tell the truth. She offers to walk Robert to Haddock’s office and back to the schoolhouse, tells him to be strong like his father, and reassures him that honesty will help him. But as Robert goes with her, Redbone slips close and whispers a final warning: Robert had better not say anything about Blue.