The Sacrifice Poles Summary

The protagonist, sixteen-year-old Frank Cauldhame, is checking the Sacrifice Poles located around the island he lives on off the coast of Scotland. Each pole has the head of a dead animal affixed atop it, designed to scare off unwanted visitors. He hides in a bunker as he spots police officer Diggs ringing the door bell of his house. His father lets the cop in while Frank keeps a close watch. He fears his brother must have escaped. After he is sure the cop has left, Frank decides to go back home but leaves his bag of heads and bodies in the bunker for safekeeping.

Frank's father is putting out his cigar just as Frank enters. The room is full of smoke as his father tells him the news. His half-brother Eric has escaped from the hospital. Frank would like...