Secrets Sealed
A Sequel to "Secrets"
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
The Voyage
Billy gave the boat a shove out into the stream as he climbed into the dugout. Rufe took his place on the bow, placed his torch in a holder drilled in the front, then took up his paddle. Thad lay on his stomach across the boat right behind Billy with his paddle. As the strange little vessel was paddled toward the middle of the stream, Billy could feel it catch the current and float lazily along by itself.
Soon it felt like they were drifting along in a tunnel. The torches reflected off the water, creating circles of light around the little craft.
"Look, Bill," whispered Rufe. Look down into the water."
Bill looked and when his eyes grew accustomed to the flickering light, he could see fish swimming around the boat.
"Wow", Billy breathed softly. "This is awesome! Just look at those little fish. They look white."
"Yeah," whispered Thad. "They are ''most all white. They call ''em ''cave fish''. They ain''t never seen light."
"Look at that one swimming sideways." Billy''s voice rose with excitement. "I don''t see any eyes on him."
Rufe said, "I''ve heard some of ''em don''t have eyes. They''ve lived in these dark streams under the ground so long they don''t have no need for eyes. And that pale color comes from never being in the sunlight."
"That''s weird!" said Bill. "Do you suppose if we lived deep in a cave and never came out, we''d be that way, too?"
"Prob''ly would!" Thad was thinking hard. "After all, the sun makes our skin darker........you know......suntan. Without it, I guess we''d be purty pale."
Billy thought about that as the boat drifted along in the peaceful current.
"Ain''t this nice," Rufe spoke softly from the front of
"Yeah!" answered Thad from the back. "We kin jist sit back and enjoy the ride."
Silence took over as the boys relaxed. Soon, Billy wondered how long they had been drifting. It seemed like it had been a long time.
"Hey, look!" called Rufe. "The cave walls are gettin'' closer.
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About the Book
This book is a sequel to “Secrets”. It begins where “Secrets” ended, telling the story of Billy and his school mates. But, most of all, it tells of Billy’s adventures with his two friends, Rufe and Thad, of the little Hillfolk Clan. These are the friends who have introduced him to the wonders of the Ozark Hills, their features and folklore. But, as much as Billy would love to tell about their wonderful adventures, there are secrets he must keep.
About the Author
Most of the children and adults in the four-states area of the Ozarks know Jo Pearcy. Although retired from teaching, she is still in demand as a story-teller at schools in both southwest
So, to all those who have been looking forward to more Ozarks folklore and fun, here it is. Happy reading!