Chapter 7 Summary

Jock McIvor tries continually to ease his neighbors' suspicions about his new guest. His closest neighbor, Barney Mason is not pleased to have the "white black man" living nearby. In the five months since Gemmy has joined them, he still has some unease himself about the newcomer. He is shamed that he still feels repulsed by Gemmy, as he had been on the first day. When Jock tries to assuage Barney's fears, he knows he still has some fears himself. It is important, however, to stay on friendly terms with the only neighbor within eyesight of his house. He tries his best to reassure Barney but still, Barney paces his property line, looking for incriminating signs of trespass. Ned Corcoran joins in the conversation, saying he won't feel safe with Gemmy at his house. A young man named Hec Gosper, secretly happy at...