The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

Cussy Mary runs into Devil John on the path. He tells her that his family is working well now and makes requests for books on their behalf: He wants her to bring a Bible and more Boy Scout magazines. He gives her moonshine in thanks. Cussy Mary goes to make her last stop of the day, at Timmy Flynn’s. Mrs. Flynn comes out to meet her, wanting another scrapbook. Stopping by the creek on the way home, Cussy Mary is upset about Henry’s situation and yells at God.

Cussy Mary finds a letter at the outpost from Queenie, who tells her that she has arrived in Pennsylvania, describing her new situation in Philadelphia, which is as good as she expected. She is now applying to library school.

Outside the Moffits’ house, Junia begins to spook. Cussy Mary finds a live baby in the dirt with a blue body hanging from a tree overhead. She calls to Angeline inside; something is clearly wrong, so Cussy Mary takes the baby inside to her. Angeline is very sick and tells her that Willie took the baby away when it was clear she was blue. Willie called her “colored” but has the gene himself.