The boy burst through the wagons as the gaffers raised the stage, shouting up hell about some constable or eight. Given his history, I took it for a tall tale, like as not, but soon his trembling made the lot man hesitate.

"Leave the canvas up," said Eli, "but load the other cargo in. We'll come back for all the trappings when it's clear." Meanwhile, my thoughts had turned to Jennilee, out walking in the woods. If there were any more decrees, they missed my ears. "I will not chance you being left behind, my dear."

I reached the clearing as the caravan was starting to decamp. Our newfound knife-thrower was practicing his craft, while Nell and Jennilee took turns playing the target for his act. The latter pierced my heart with a greeting and a laugh. Then through the trees appeared the sergeant and his band.

The men shuffle their feet and mop their brows. Stare at the painted signboards of the Hollow Hearts. The women peering through the fences scowl, restless and waiting for a show that never starts.

The policemen drew their pistols, with their leader at the fore. He said, "What luck! Our villains welcome us themselves!" Quick as a breath, the target-girl drew a revolver of her own. Her vicious stranger's eyes held nothing of our Nell. Amid the standoff, the lawman cast about for help.

“You there, don't aid these fugitives,” he said. “Son, you owe nothing to this company of sin." Still I stood fixed between my comrades and the law. The copper roared, "Do you know who your showmates are? I found Collins' doxy — she was in the family way. Your master Briggs and what he did to his poor father's ruined face. The murdered families left in yonder couple's wake... You've joined a pack of devils, boy, make no mistake."

Off to the side, nearly forgotten, Jack made ready with his knives. The throw he made put all his past displays to shame. The detective's search concluded, buried there among the leaves. I reached for Jennilee just as the gunshot rang, but as for who was first to fall, I couldn't say.