Free The Revelation of Louisa May by Michaela MacColl

leather gloves and even his floppy straw hat, a gift to Bronson from Henry Thoreau. Even if Finch were stupid, which he wasn’t, George was just asking to be noticed.
    Louisa carefully scanned the fields and relaxed ever so slightly when she didn’t see any curious eyes. Quickly, she drew close and called out, “Hello, George.”
    He turned quickly, holding the axe with both hands across his body, ready to strike. “Miss Louisa—I’m sorry.” He lowered the weapon. “I didn’t hear you come up behind me.”
    â€œNo, George, it is I who is sorry—I shouldn’t have sneaked up on you,” she reassured him. “But you can’t be out here, George. It’s not safe.”
    â€œI asked your father if there was anything I could do. He suggested this.” He indicated a pile of branches, all grotesquely twisted and bent. Louisa realized the wood wasn’t for firewood at all. “He wants them for a building project,” 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. “My father was mistaken. You have to go back to the barn. Now.”
    George opened his mouth to say something, then saw her face and remained silent. He collected the axe. Louisa said, “Wait here. I’ll make sure the road is empty before you come closer.” 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.
    â€œYou must stay hidden,” she said as she opened the secret door to his hidden room.
    â€œAnything you say, Miss Louisa,” he said.
    â€œI haven’t forgotten my promise to bring you a book. I think you’ll like
Robinson Crusoe
.” She grinned. “What we Alcotts lack in material wealth, we make up for in books.”
    George hesitated, then asked, “Have you any news of my family?” He didn’t try to hide his worry.
    â€œThe Conductor says four or five days. That’s all I know.”
    He closed his eyes and his lips moved in silent prayer.
    â€œSo you must keep yourself safe until they come.” Louisa paused, then continued in a whisper. “The man you warned me about—he’s here. His name is Finch and he suspects us of being part of the Railroad.”
    â€œI saw a man watching your house this morning,” he said. “Very early. I had gone out to . . . relieve myself . . .”
    On pins and needles, Louisa asked, “Did he see you?”
    He shook his head. “No, he was watching the house, not the barn. I told Mr. Alcott first thing this morning.”
    â€œHe didn’t think to mention it to me,” 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.
    â€œIf this Finch thinks you’re hiding me, it’s not safe for any of us.” George’s eyes were full of concern. “I don’t want to bring trouble to your house.”
    â€œHe thinks I may know something. He’ll 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.” Louisa placed her hand on his arm. “Rest easy; we won’t give you away.”
    â€œOf course not, Miss Louisa. I have faith in you.” His simple words warmed her heart as much as Marmee’s had. “Besides, I’ve come too far to be caught now.”
    â€œBut mind that you be careful. Don’t show yourself.” She paused. “Even if Father says it is safe.”
    Bidding George farewell, Louisa left the barn. Her home glowed