Chapter 7 (Six): Summary, Analysis & Key Themes
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
The chapter opens with the social worker and sheriff finally driving away from Devil John's property. Honey's fear is so overwhelming that her hands shake violently and she drops Junia's reins. Pearl, who has stayed by her side, slides off her horse and hands the reins back, reassuring Honey that the law is leaving. The group leads the horses and mule to the springhouse in silence, the only sound being the tires of the departing automobiles slapping through the snowy slush.
Once they are out of earshot, Devil John shares the news he has gathered. Evan Faust, a neighbor, has taken Honey's father's horse to tend to it, and Bob Morgan has been assigned by the courts as Honey's lawyer. Morgan, who knew Honey had been sent to Troublesome, sent word that the law intended to take her to the House of Reform—a children's prison where she would face hard labor. Devil John explains that he had tried to reach Honey earlier: he checked the fire tower, went to Loretta's house, and even visited her grandfather Elijah's cabin, but the snowstorm forced him to take shelter before he could find her.
Devil John had brought his son Carson along as backup, and Carson hid behind the trees to listen to the conversation between the law and Honey. Carson reported everything he heard, and Devil John notes with satisfaction that the sheriff has never been to his holler, so he has no idea about the rest of Devil John's family or how to find his place. Honey thanks Devil John and Carson, promising Carson a basket of clean laundry for his help.
Devil John reassures Honey that Bob Morgan will file a custody order in Knott County for her to stay with Loretta, which was her parents' wish. Until that guardianship is granted, Honey needs to stay somewhere safe. Honey plans to take Pearl to her grandparents' cabin first, then head to Retta's (Loretta's) the next morning. Pearl offers to protect Honey, joking that if she can look after the whole forest, she can certainly protect Honey and her mule. Devil John also reports that the ranger station has arranged for welders to fix the fire tower stairs, so Pearl's appointment as lookout will continue.
As the conversation winds down, Pearl calls Honey a sister, a gesture that lifts the cloak of sorrow and loneliness Honey has carried for years. Honey, who has never had a close friend her age except Devil John's children, feels her heart nearly burst with hope. Devil John's final words—