Chapters 25 - 26 Summary

With Tom McHone shot and Bird's-Eye Taylor and Nathan O'Teale loose from jail, Christy is concerned. They had initially been told that Tom was shot during the raid on the still, with the implication that it had been the marshal doing the shooting. Christy observes Dr. MacNeill closely, and believes she knows what troubles him. She requests time alone with him to talk and they go to the empty schoolhouse. There Christy accuses Dr. MacNeill of knowing that Tom was shot by Bird's-Eye because Tom had decided to change sides because of Dr. MacNeill's visit to the McHones. Dr. MacNeill does not admit this; rather, he tells Christy that he has loved the McHones and the mountain people longer than she has been alive. He then challenges her and her purpose and the mission's purpose. Christy's words tumble over one another...