Summary

Chapter 9 (812-848)

Modern Times (812-815) — Watson returned to Chokoloskee with his family. Development had vamped up in the area, and Watson felt like he was far behind the times. The first thing Watson did when he got into to town was visit Carrie. When Watson, Kate, and the children appeared at her door, however, Carrie did not invite them in. Watson dejectedly turned and left his first daughter, assuming they “would never meet again” (814). On the boat to the Bend, Kate told Watson of her “dismal year” (814). She had been alone raising the children, and her Fort White neighbors had grown cold and hostile. At the Bend, Lucius was waiting for them. Watson felt a great wave of affection for his son.

Shark River Mikasuki (815-818) — Back at Chatham Bend, Watson put everyone to work. The family had very little money, and...