1. Vandals painted hurtful words on the walls of Hannah's family tavern. Mrs. Hansen asks the class to sign a card expressing regret, but the bullies Abner, Harry, Blanche, and Peggy warn the others not to sign. 2. Only Richard defies the bullies and signs the card. He takes the card from Mrs. Hansen to deliver to Hannah. On the way, Abner and Harry fight Richard, but he is able to get away. 3. Richard writes a message in the card for Hannah. When he sees the painted words "DIRTY HUNS" on the wall, he gives Hannah the card, though she takes it reluctantly