Mysterious Signal Read Online Free PDF

away.”

CHAPTER 4
Libby’s Red Hair

    A s she read Caleb’s words, Libby’s stomach turned over. She knew where this was heading, all right. Now Caleb signed
Dexter
, then wrote on the slate as he talked to Libby. “He’ll take one look at you and figure that wherever you are, Peter and Jordan will be close by. He still wants to find both of them.”
    Swallowing hard, Libby tried to push down the panic she was starting to feel. More than once, what Caleb said had proved to be right. In southeastern Iowa and northeastern Missouri, where Caleb was known as an Underground Railroad conductor, slave catchers always took a second look at him. Then they started hunting for whatever slave he might be helping.
    Libby also knew that people noticed her because of the color of her hair. While living in Chicago, Libby had liked that feeling. When she walked down the street, heads turned, giving her the attention she wanted.
    My hair is part of who I am
, Libby thought.
People like my hair. Seeing it, they like me
.
    But now Caleb pointed to Libby’s hair. Making the sign for Dexter, he drew his finger across his throat, then pointed to Peter.
    As Peter’s eyes widened, Libby got the message. Caleb was sure she would put Peter in danger. As much as Libby wanted to believe Caleb was wrong, she knew he was right.
    In a small voice she asked, “What should I do, Caleb?”
    Caleb started writing. He showed the words to Peter, then said to Libby, “You’d better dress like a boy.”
    Peter grinned, as though the idea struck him funny, but Libby made a face at Caleb. “I don’t want to look like a boy. I like being a girl.”
    “But for Peter’s sake you’ll do it,” Caleb answered calmly.
    Libby stared at him. “This isn’t a joke, Caleb.”
    “I agree.”
    “Then stop playing with my life. I’m
not
going to dress like a boy.”
    “I’ve got an extra shirt you could wear.” Caleb bent down to pick up his knapsack. He pulled out a wrinkled-looking shirt.
    Libby wouldn’t even think about it. “So now I’m supposed to look lumpy and messy and at least ten pounds heavier!” Instead of taking the shirt, Libby moved as far away from Caleb as the seat allowed.
    But Peter was also digging in his knapsack. “I’ve got an extra pair of overalls you could use. You’re skinny enough to wear them.”
    “Peter!” Libby exclaimed. Then she remembered to write on the slate. “You’re just as bad as Caleb. I don’t want to wear your old overalls. I don’t want to look like a boy!” For good measure she underlined
don’t
three times.
    Paying no attention, Caleb reached into his knapsack again and pulled out a straw hat. Crushed and bent out of shape, it wasn’t even clean. Libby hated the look of it.
    “You can cut your hair and wear this,” Caleb said.
    “Cut my hair?” Libby couldn’t believe his words. Frantically she reached up with both hands. Grabbing the long strands on either side of her head, she hung on for dear life. “Caleb, you can’t be serious!”
    When she looked into Caleb’s eyes, she knew he was. He only nodded, moving his head up and down three times to make sure neither Peter nor Libby missed what he was saying.
    With every passing moment Libby felt more desperate. “What about Peter?” Libby pointed to him and used the sign for
Run away from someone!
Holding out her left hand, she swished her right hand against her left palm with a swift upward motion. “Peter is the one who needs to hide. How will he do it?”
    Peter knew exactly what Libby was asking. “I’ll watch for Dexter every minute. I’ve done it before. I can do it again.”
    Libby shuddered. Looking into Peter’s eyes, she guessed more deeply than ever before how difficult Peter’s life had been. No wonder he wanted to live with Pa on the
Christina
. No wonder Pa had told Libby, “Watch out for Peter.” But the last thing Peter wanted was to have someone treat him like a baby. He had already told Libby so.
    Now,