After a humorous few weeks of burning the second floor wall for the cooking fire, the family is evicted and homeless. At her mother's suggestion, Angela and her children move in with her bachelor cousin, Laman Griffin. Laman is a petty tyrant not pleasant company. Frank endures this treatment until the day after his schooling ends in June and he is promised the loan of Laman's bicycle to join his friends; Laman reneges on his promise. Added to this disappointment, Laman's deal to provide housing includes a sexual relationship with Angela. Frankie fights with Laman and is thrown out of the house. Shortly after, Malachy Jr leaves Laman Griffin's to join the English military as a bugle boy.