"Oh, why was it so hard to know what to do? Because I'm young, Edmund answered himself. Grownups know what's right. Then he thought, If only I were older and a real man!" Prologue, pg. 7

"'And you're sure you want my help?' Dupin went on.

"Once again Edmund became aware of the man's eyes. They seemed so fierce, so penetrating. He was reminded of Aunty Pru's constant warning: he and Sis must be very cautious in their dealings with strangers in Providence. But...

"'I do want your help, sir,' he finally said. 'I've no one else.'

"'I know,' Dupin said darkly." Part 1, Chapter 1, pp. 19-20

"The act of writing eased his tension. He read over what he had done. The words gave him a sharp pang of pain. Why must death always be certain? Could he never escape it? Never think of another ending...