The Plot Against America

Philip reveals that on October 12, Seldon had made a collect call to the Roths. He says his mother hasn’t come home from a trip to Louisville and he is worried that she is dead. The next day, they will learn that she was beaten, robbed, and killed during the initial rioting. After hanging up with Seldon, Mrs. Roth calls Mr. Mawhinney, who agrees to go get Seldon. On October 19, Sandy and Herman go to pick him up and bring him to Newark. 

On the October 15, the day of Bengelsdorf’s arrest, Evelyn had shown up at the Roth’s door, saying that “they’re after me!” (338) and that she will be tortured because she “knows the truth” (338). Bess tells her that she can’t stay there, and to turn to her friend von Ribbtrop for help, before slamming the door. Then Bess cries, asking herself how she could have turned her sister away. 

Philip decides he will run away. He wants to go find a man named Mr. Kuenze, a famous pretzel maker. He hopes he will teach him the trade. He goes into the cellar and whispers, “That was a mistake. I’m not really who’s responsible. I didn’t mean to make Seldon the target” (350).