Chapter 3 Summary

The McIvor family lets Gemmy stay at their farm, in a lean-to against their hut. He helps the father, Jock, around the farm. Gemmy wants to work, but has trouble focusing for long. He can't lift much in his physical state. He quickly establishes a bond with the children who found him, especially Lachlan. The three children feel that they have a "right" to Gemmy and Gemmy doesn't mind being in their care. He teaches the girls which native roots are edible and trained Lachlan how to track animals. Gemmy works hard to please them. He instinctively feels Lachlan has power and wants to keep him on friendly terms.

Gemmy feels a connection with the older girl, Janet. At times, he believes that she can see inside him, to what he really is thinking. Her openness does not frighten him, though. He remembers...