Chapter 18 Summary

Now it is August, still sweltering, but not as busy as the previous months. The farm is producing well, and the Baxter hogs have returned home with a new brood sow that is clearly a peace offering from the Forresters. Rations are still not plentiful, but there is hope for an abundant fall after the first frost. Penny and Jody are doing all the chores side by side now. Flag is growing in size and intelligence, still a great source of pleasure for Jody. One late afternoon, near the end of August, Jody and Flag go to the sinkhole to fetch water and Jody actually sees a helmeted rider on a horse, the very Spaniard about which Fodder-wing had told him, and in the very place his friend had specified. After catching his breath and steadying his nerves, Jody investigates only to find...