Chapter 13 Summary

Ellen hears bumps against the wall of the hut, which wake her. Jock goes out and is confused by the sight of a shadowy group moving away in a huddle. Janet wakes and Jock tells her that nothing is wrong, then pursues the group down the hill. Janet walks outside to join her mother in the yard. She feels calm and realizes suddenly that Lachlan is still asleep. They watch silently as Jock comes up the hill supporting Gemmy.

The group fled when Jock neared the creek. He is happy about that cowardly act, which spares him seeing the actual culprits. Jock assists the terrified Gemmy up the slope and back towards the hut. He is furious and does something he could not have imagined doing a mere hour before. He crawls into the lean-to with Gemmy and comforts him until Gemmy sleeps...