Summary

Everywhere Tristan and John Henry look, there is the flash of metal. The fetterlings are attacking them. Even John Henry is afraid. Suddenly, the bank on the tree roots under their feet begin to twist and swirl. Brer appears. John Henry tells that iron monsters have broken into the Thicket. Brer tries to send a message to the Thicket, but isn't "talking" to him (173). Brer tells John Henry they'll have to hold them off while he goes to get help and to not let them reach the tunnels. John Henry reaches into his overalls and tosses Tristan a pair of simple fingerless brown leather gloves, "like the sort a rail worker might wear" and tells Tristan to put them on. John Henry whispers to his hammer to give him strength. John Henry has Tristan hold out his hands and endows Tristan's gloves with...