Forest+Fear

When your mother's company sends her to France for the summer, her younger brother--you uncle Jason– invites you to stay with him. Jason lives in am abandoned ranger station in a forest in northeastern Maine. Ho bought the look-out years ago and supports himself by writing adventure novels. You still remember the fun you had when you were small, imaginative, easygoing Jason came to visit. You’re eager to go. You love to hike, you’re sure Jason will help you explore the best trails.  The day after school is out you board the bus for Maine. For the last fifty miles your seat mate is an old man named Isaac Cairns. You learn that Isaac lives about six miles from Jason. "Have you lived around here all your life?" you ask him "Yup," he replies. "All seventy years of it. Only the indians know these forests better’n Isaac Cairns. When I was your age, my best friend was a Penobscot Henry Madokawando and I grew up in the forest. My family homestead here." When you tell him where you’re going, he scowls.



Turn to page 2