The morning after the boys first jump from the tree, Mr. Prud’homme, a substitute Master for the summer, scolds Gene and Finny for missing dinner. Finny tells Mr. Prud’homme that they were late because they were jumping out of the tree to prepare for military service—a far-fetched excuse he weaves into a long, funny explanation. Finny’s friendly chatter charms Mr. Prud’homme, and the Master lets the boys off without punishment.
That day Finny wears a very un-Devon bright pink shirt, and its unconventional color draws Gene’s attention. The shirt, Finny insists, is an “emblem”—a celebration of the first Allied bombing of Central Europe. Later, at a formal tea, Finny wins over the strict Mr. Patch-Withers with his “emblem.” Finny even gets an appreciative laugh from the faculty and their wives when they see that he has also used his Devon tie as a belt, a gesture of disrespect for which anyone else would have been punished.
After the tea, Gene and Finny walk across the playing fields talking. Finny declares that he does not believe the Allies bombed Central Europe, and Gene, surrounded by the peace and serenity of the elms, agrees. Bombs in Central Europe, Gene reflects, seem unreal to a boy at Devon.
As they approach the river, Finny dares Gene to jump out of the tree again. When Gene accepts, Finny offers to jump at the same time, to “cement” their “partnership.” They also decide to form the Super Suicide Society of the Summer Session, in which all members will have to jump from the tree.
On the limb, Gene turns to talk to Finny and suddenly loses his balance. Instantly, Finny grabs Gene’s arm, steadying him, and then both jump successfully into the river. Only later, after dinner, does Gene realize that Finny’s quick response may have saved his life.
