leather gloves and even his floppy straw hat, a gift to Bronson from Henry Thoreau. Even if Finch were stupid, which he wasnât, George was just asking to be noticed.
Louisa carefully scanned the fields and relaxed ever so slightly when she didnât see any curious eyes. Quickly, she drew close and called out, âHello, George.â
He turned quickly, holding the axe with both hands across his body, ready to strike. âMiss LouisaâIâm sorry.â He lowered the weapon. âI didnât hear you come up behind me.â
âNo, George, it is I who is sorryâI shouldnât have sneaked up on you,â she reassured him. âBut you canât be out here, George. Itâs not safe.â
âI asked your father if there was anything I could do. He suggested this.â He indicated a pile of branches, all grotesquely twisted and bent. Louisa realized the wood wasnât for firewood at all. âHe wants them for a building project,â George went on.
Louisa pushed down a surge of anger. How could her father be so stupid? Even disguised, George was working out in the open, where any passerby might notice him chopping wood on the Alcott land. âMy father was mistaken. You have to go back to the barn. Now.â
George opened his mouth to say something, then saw her face and remained silent. He collected the axe. Louisa said, âWait here. Iâll make sure the road is empty before you come closer.â She ran to the stone wall that set off their orchard from the road and checked in both directions. There was a solitary man heading her way, but he was too far to see themclearly. They had enough time. She waved an arm, and George loped across the road to their garden and into the barn.
âYou must stay hidden,â she said as she opened the secret door to his hidden room.
âAnything you say, Miss Louisa,â he said.
âI havenât forgotten my promise to bring you a book. I think youâll like
Robinson Crusoe
.â She grinned. âWhat we Alcotts lack in material wealth, we make up for in books.â
George hesitated, then asked, âHave you any news of my family?â He didnât try to hide his worry.
âThe Conductor says four or five days. Thatâs all I know.â
He closed his eyes and his lips moved in silent prayer.
âSo you must keep yourself safe until they come.â Louisa paused, then continued in a whisper. âThe man you warned me aboutâheâs here. His name is Finch and he suspects us of being part of the Railroad.â
âI saw a man watching your house this morning,â he said. âVery early. I had gone out to . . . relieve myself . . .â
On pins and needles, Louisa asked, âDid he see you?â
He shook his head. âNo, he was watching the house, not the barn. I told Mr. Alcott first thing this morning.â
âHe didnât think to mention it to me,â Louisa said, barely containing her bitterness. Father was going to have to learn to trust her, or George might pay with his freedom. And maybe the Alcotts, too.
âIf this Finch thinks youâre hiding me, itâs not safe for any of us.â Georgeâs eyes were full of concern. âI donât want to bring trouble to your house.â
âHe thinks I may know something. Heâll be watching me. So from now on, I will lead him on a chase away from the barn. My sister Beth will take care of your meals.â Louisa placed her hand on his arm. âRest easy; we wonât give you away.â
âOf course not, Miss Louisa. I have faith in you.â His simple words warmed her heart as much as Marmeeâs had. âBesides, Iâve come too far to be caught now.â
âBut mind that you be careful. Donât show yourself.â She paused. âEven if Father says it is safe.â
Bidding George farewell, Louisa left the barn. Her home glowed