Chapter 5, Dowser & Chapter 6, Masquerade Summary

Three years have passed, and Alvin is fourteen years old, three years into his apprenticeship with Makepeace. Alvin is well-known for his skill in shoeing horses, and never hurting them. Makepeace claims that Alvin still needs training in forgework, but Alvin suspects that Makepeace is jealous of his apprentice's growing talent. Also, as long as Alvin is still training there, he brings in business, since farmers have heard about his skill at shoeing. One day, Hank Dowser brings in his nag to be shoed, and he is shocked when Alvin corrects Makepeace about how to nail the shoe in place. To Hank's surprise, Makepeace allows the interruption, and even allows Alvin to put the shoe on all by himself. Alvin does a great job. While Alvin works, he is watched by little Arthur Stuart, the little boy...