PART 7
As they approached Plumfield, Dan could see that someone was standing on the front steps. Drawing closer, he saw that it was Jo and she was talking to someone. He was finally able to recognize who the other person was. Much to his surprise, it was Nick. The two appeared to be having a serious conversation.
At the sound of the boys' footsteps, Nick immediately turned around. "I'm glad you kids made it home safely," he said. "There's word goin' around town about some escaped prisoner on the loose. The sheriff's roundin' up some men for a search party. I was just about to come and get you..."
Before Nick could say another word, Nat cut in. "He's got Nan!"
Jo turned away quickly so the boys would not catch the shocked expression on her face.
"It's Will. I know him," Dan explained. "He said he'd been hidin' out in this area the past couple of days. Was plannin' on shootin' you, Nick, because you helped capture Jasper."
Nick's face showed no reaction. "What can you tell me about this Will?"
"Nothin' anymore," said Dan. "Ain't the same fellow I knew in Boston. Somethin' must have changed him."
Nick paused as though he was thinking about something, then nodded. "Spendin' time in jail can do things to a man. Lotsa times they end up worse than they were before," he said. "I know 'cause I've seen it happen."
"We gotta tell the sheriff he's got Nan with him," Nat said anxiously.
"Yeah," replied Nick. "I'll hafta make it into town somehow without bein' seen. Who knows what he might do to Nan if I crossed paths with him."
"I'll go with you," Nat volunteered. "Me, too," echoed Dan, then Emil, and finally, Tommy.
"No," Nick warned. "This is much too dangerous. You kids stay with Mrs. Jo."
Dan and the other boys did not question Nick's orders, but filed somberly into the house.
"Do be careful," Jo shouted to Nick, who was hurrying toward the stables. She watched after him for a moment, then turned to go back into the house.
She found all but one of the boys sitting in the parlor, faces downcast. Bess had come in to learn what had happened and to offer comfort.
"Where's Nat?" Jo asked.
"Think he went upstairs," Emil responded, his voice a monotone.
She found Nat in his bedroom, facing the window with his head bowed. Not wishing to disturb him, she began to quietly back out the door. Abruptly, Nat turned to her. "It's all right, Mrs. Jo," he spoke softly. "Please come in."
"I did not want to interrupt you," Jo said apologetically. "It looked as though you were praying."
"I was," replied Nat.
"We all are," said Jo as she lovingly placed her arm around the boy's shoulder.
"Why did Will have to take Nan?" he asked, fighting back tears. "I would have gladly taken her place."
Mrs. Bhaer stroked Nat's hair. "Yes, I know you would have," she said. "You have grown very fond of her.
Nat said nothing, but only nodded.
"The Lord is watching over Nan," she continued, "and we pray that He will provide her with a way out of this perilous situation."
PART 8
