William Ford came into the room and Johnny shrank against Allison. The little boy had only been with the Fords for a short time, but he had learned to recognize the danger signs. That stiff-legged walk and dark scowl, the way Ford's eyes darted around looking for something to find fault with...Johnny wasn't afraid on his own account. Ford had never so much as raised his voice to the boy, but he was a violent man whose wife bore the constant marks of his displeasure. Johnny would have done almost anything to avoid seeing Ford hit his wife or hear her sobbing afterwards, softly, so as not to draw any further wrath down on her head.

Ford saw them and beckoned. "Come here, son."

Johnny hated when Ford called him "son" but he walked over to the man and stood in front of him. "Yes, sir?"

"I told you to call me 'Father.'" Ford considered the little boy's stubborn expression, then sighed. "What can you tell me about your Uncle Earl Bantry?"

"I don't have an Uncle Earl." Johnny looked bewildered.

"Are you sure? I heard he came to town today to see your...to see Mrs Palmer. He said he was her brother."

"My mother never told me about him."

Ford pointed at his trembling wife. "That is your mother."

Johnny's jaw tightened but he said nothing. For a five-year-old he had remarkable willpower and now he just stared at Ford. The man stared back, his fists clenching, and Allison said nervously, "Maybe Ellie never talked about her brother because he's an outlaw."

Ford's attention turned to his wife and she cringed, but he was thinking over what she said. Finally he nodded. "Once in a great while you do say something that is not completely idiotic. I'm going to town to see about this. Have supper ready when I return."

Allison asked faintly, "What time do you think you'll be back?"

He eyed her and the color drained from her face. "It doesn't matter what time I'm back," he said softly. "You will have my supper on the table. Do you understand?"

She nodded and watched him leave, then covered her face with her hands. Johnny patted her awkwardly on the shoulder. "Don't cry, Mrs Ford. My ma says something always turns up."

Allison shuddered, then lowered her hands. "Johnny, tell me the truth. Did your mother never speak of her brother?"

"No, ma'am. Is he really an outlaw?"

"I've heard of him." The woman's eyes darkened. "And I hope what I've heard is all true!"