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Cora and Jem blamed Abby, how Jem's sister Emmaline had set her cap for Lucy's beautrail boss Arlen Danziger. |
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Abby saw Mike hesitate as he raised a bite of fish to his mouth, his gray eyes capturing hers. He said, "So my ancestor not only made a mean stew, he was a ladies' man, too." |
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Abby smiled briefly. "Not really. He iswasvery nice, and everyone, man and woman, recognized it. I will bet that the fourth journal tells of his marriage to my sister, but that I do not know. I can't usually choose my prognostications." She flushed. "But I stand by my belief that something bad awaits you, Mike. I feel . . . frightened." She glared at him boldly, then looked down at the broiled chicken on her plate. |
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When no one else spoke, she continued her story. She described how the usually calm Daniel Flagg led the defectors from the wagon train while Arlen and the Indian guide Hunwet searched for water. |
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When she was through, Hannah asked Mike, "You were with Abby when she found the journals?" |
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"And you don't think she had a chance to read what was in them?" Hannah continued her catechism. |
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Mike shook his head. "No. And if what you're driving at is that, if her stories are there, then I have no choice but to believe herwell, I suppose you're right!" He threw down his napkin and stalked from the room. |
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