Chapter 34

In Which Jemma Gives Me Clues to Find the Maple Tree

December 17, 1860

Dear Nell,

Does it snow there? We had a blizzard last night that will keep us locked inside until Christmas. I don’t know what I’ll do to keep the little ones happy. All they want to do is play blindman’s buff and ghost-in-the-graveyard, but that’s hard to do inside our tiny house.

I can hardly get a moment to myself these days, so I’m tucked under a blanket trying to write to you by moonlight. I’ll make it fast, lest Mama or the little ones catch me and start to holler.

Mama told me something the other night once the babies were asleep, and I need to tell it to you quick. She said the Pickled Onion didn’t know about the Underground Railroad back when she lived there, and neither did her husband. It was secret, even though our families were friends. I believe the Maple Tree is the only one who could explain about it, if only you could see him.

I know sometimes the Pickled Onion takes you traveling with her. If you get to visiting Phil O’Dell again, call on the Maple Tree. Mama doesn’t know it, but I’ve been told where to find him. He lives at the corner where two streets meet. One street is a number—the age your brother was when he died of scarlet fever. The other is something I used to put in your hair to scare you.

No matter who else might be reading our letters, you’re the only one who can figure out this cipher. Just use that smart head of yours.

Your friend forever and ever,

Jemma