It's Bill that's spent the money on his cussed booze and gambling. Way of the Lawless Max Brand The gambling houses can do it, and so keep on breaking the law.
When Winnie tries to drink, Jesse stops her. Then Mae and Miles appear. Alarmed at Winnie's discovery of the spring, they kidnap her. Winnie learns that the music she heard comes from Mae's music box. She also learns the Tucks' secret: the water in the spring is magic and has made them ageless.
Parents' guide to what's in this book. An eloquent lesson on mortality wrapped tightly in lyrical prose. Winnie disobeys her parents when she sneaks out of the house on two occasions, but she is still a good character. One character threatens the Tucks and is killed by a blow to the head with a rifle butt. The Tucks kidnap Winifred. Mae Tuck is threatened with hanging.