Chapters 7 - 9 Summary

Chapter 7: With school starting the next day, Joseph gives no further thought to his encounter with Stas. However, a week or so later, the odd encounter and the strange light from the alchemist's loft returns to mind. Joseph is in the habit of accompanying his father to work each night then returning home to his mother. On one such occasion, he lingers in the dark courtyard upon returning home and considers his family's new life. What treasure does his father guard and why was the mysterious stranger so intent on finding it? A bright flash from the alchemist's loft interrupts his musings. Joseph hears someone cry out and sees Elzbietka emerge from her lodgings and descend the stairs.

Elzbietka tells Joseph that her uncle and Tring are in the loft. She fears something bad is going on between them and she...