Song for Silas, A Read Online Free PDF

Grant over and was pleased to see him progressing so well. Between Amy and the doctor, Grant was able to eat at the kitchen table for the first time in nearly two weeks. Conversation was lighthearted for most of the meal and, having escaped the bed, Grant was in high spirits.
    Over coffee and dessert, Doc Schaefer asked a surprising question. “Had you heard? Carltons were robbed last night.”
    “Robbed?” Amy was incredulous. “What in the world was there to steal?” Amy’s question was valid. The Carltons had a very small farm and usually had a hard time making it from month to month.
    “Well, Harold must have told one too many people he was planning on taking some of that inheritance money from Ruth’s aunt for farm repairs.”
    “But Ruth said that money was in the bank.”
    “It was until yesterday and then was stolen last night.”
    The table was silent as Grant and Amy digested this bit of news. More coffee was served and the three talked on until it was evident Grant had overestimated his strength. The rain had not let up and so as soon as they had Grant settled back in bed, Doc took his leave.
    He and Amy talked for a bit but, with the rain continuing, Amy wanted to get out and check the stock one last time before settling in for the evening.
    “Amy,” Grant said as she was leaving, “take the shotgun out with you.” Amy’s eyebrows rose in surprise at this, and for a moment she hesitated. “Please, honey, it would make me feel better.”
    Amy nodded silently and headed for the door. She realized that until just then she hadn’t even thought of the thieves still being in the area.
    The gun felt cold against Amy’s side as she made her way across the yard for a final check on the animals. She tried to squelch the fear she felt as she stepped carefully around the puddles, but the desire to do double checks on the shadows was a temptation. Psalm 56:3 came to mind as she moved toward the barn: “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” After thinking of these words, Amy knew instant comfort.
    The rain was not a hard downpour, but a steady shower. The warmth and familiar smells of the barn were an added comfort as Amy stepped within. She leaned the gun against a post while lighting the lantern.
    The wind seemed to pick up as did the rain as she walked along the stalls. Amy was angry with herself for the fear she felt. She knew God was watching over her and once again claimed the verse in Psalms. Everything was in order and Amy had just blown out the lamp and picked up the gun, when the door was opened wide.
    Having just ridden in the dark, Silas was a few steps into the barn before his eyes made out a lone figure pointing a gun at him. He froze and felt his heartbeat accelerate. He had wondered how he would be greeted at the Nolan farm, but this was ridiculous.
    “State your business, mister, and do it quickly.” The voice speaking from behind the gun was high-pitched with fear, but Silas recognized it.
    “I’ll state my business, Amy Nolan! You’ve got exactly two seconds to get that gun pointed in another direction, or I’ll do it for you!” His voice was gruff with relief, and he was just a bit angry.
    The gun lowered slowly. “Silas?” The voice went up still another octave.
    “Silas?” Silas mimicked in a high imitation of her voice.
    With that the words came pouring out as she tried to light the lamp. “Oh, Silas! Oh no, I’m so sorry! I can’t believe I held a gun on you. You scared me and you see there was this robbery and well, I wasn’t expecting anyone to come in.” The words stopped as abruptly as they had started when the lamp was finally lit and turned high. Amy could only stare at the drenched man before her. Silas stared back. Amy watched the flash of white in his beard as a slow smile started.
    “Hi.” Silas’ voice was soft now, and deep.
    “You mean you’re speaking to me?” Amy asked, her tone dry. Silas’ laughter echoed in the barn, and he reached to