Summary

Chapter 1: The first chapter is told from the perspective of George Eliot, Jr., aka Snookum. His grandmother Aunt Glo is summoned by Candy, who soon calls him, visibly upset, to inform Rufe, Corrine, and Reverend Jameson that they are needed at Mathu’s house. She also sends him to tell Janey to call Miss Merle and Lou.

While on his errand, he discovers an abandoned but still-running tractor as well as the body of Beau Boutan, lying near Mathu’s house. Snookum tells Mathu about his mission to gather everyone and is told by the man to stay away from the body. Snookum delivers his first three messages. When he finally calls for Janey at the main house, he is scolded by her for being too loud and not using proper honorifics to address Lou and Merle. Snookum informs Janey about the situation, and after...