Prologue Summary

Providence, Rhode Island - November 1848: In a tenement on Ann Street, a boy and his sister wait in a drafty room for their aunt to return. Edmund watches his sister, who he calls Sis, as she reads a book of fairy tales. Their aunt went to look for their mother two days ago and has still not returned. The children are hungry, and Sis convinces Edmund to take their last nickel and buy some food. Edmund is afraid to leave Sis alone, for their aunt has warned them that the neighborhood is dangerous and that they should not leave the room. Since she has not returned, Edmund realizes it is up to him to get food. Reluctantly, he leaves his sister and runs down the street to the saloon on Wickenden Street, where he purchases some bread from the man behind the counter...