Chapter Eighteen
THERE WAS A TIME BEFORE sundown when the trees of the forest grew stark against the twilight sky. They separated and stood a little taller, looming above the forest like great dark gods.
Lucas stole from the cabin and made for the forest. He did not hurry. There was no room for haste in this dangerous game he undertook. He wore a blanket wrapped about him in a manner that he hoped would resemble a dress.
He was sure Duvall was watching from the woods. Hopefully he had only see what would look to be Tamsen moving across the clearing, perhaps to relieve herself, perhaps for some fresh air.
In addition to the robe, Lucas brought his pipe, his axe, the boy’s clasp knife, a sack full of raw potatoes and a skin full of water, as well as the noose and rope slung neatly over h
