I was afraid he might look at me and see that everything wasn't all right.

I was afraid he might see something in my eyes--you know.

So I walked away, and besides, anyway, I wanted to think and I just felt I wanted to be alone by myself.
Just as I was going away one of the fellows said, "Here you go, kiddo," and chucked a book up at me.

"You take care of it; it was in his pocket," he said.

I guessed it was the book Westy had got out of the library and I was pretty glad because when you're all alone and haven't got any friends and everybody goes back on you, kind of, it's dandy to read a book.
Because, anyway, books never go back on you, that's one sure thing, and they don't take--anyway they're good friends.