Chapter 7 and Epilogue Summary

In chapter 7, Joe and Ruth rush to the Catlins to help John take Marian to the hospital. Ruth goes inside to take charge of Debby while Joe prepares John's station wagon. John and the nurse bring Marion outside and carefully lay her in the backseat with John and the nurse on either side of her. Joe drives. When they reach the bridge, Joe finds that David Weld, Julie, Peck, and another young man are blocking the road, clearly arguing about David's decision to talk to the cops about the activities in Peck's camp. Joe honks his horn. Almost simultaneously Peck loses control of his idling motorcycle and Julie's horse spooks. Julie's horse backs onto the bridge and his legs fall through the missing slats. Joe gets out and can instantly see that Julie's horse is mortally wounded. Joe hesitates...