Chapters 4 and 5 Summary

Elijah comes to the realization that the Preacher is not a good or honest man. Elijah recalls a day at school when the children were excused and escorted home, which had been a sure sign that something was wrong.

Outside, the men of the town are armed. They are prepared for slave catchers who have been seen asking directions to Buxton. The Preachers went south to look for them, and nothing else happened. Curious, Elijah sneaks out at night and sees a huge white riderless stallion that has blood on its flank. Three days later the Preacher shows up with a fancy holster and the mystery pistol, saying he found them in the woods, but the people are suspicious and begin making up stories about what really happened. Elijah thinks the Preacher found the two men, but does not understand why...