First their cousin Addy develops a cough that won't go away. Fred's father, a doctor, is worried that Addy might have tuberculosis. She may need to move to a sanatorium, and could even die. Then the stock market crashes on what people call "Black Tuesday." Alice and Fred don't understand the fuss, but it's obvious their parents are worried. People are losing their jobs, and some of the richest children at school are forced to move out of their beautiful homes. What can Alice and Fred do to help Addy and their friends? And will the financial problems make them homeless, too?