"Why—Ackerton."
The kitten miaouwed again and Bill Ellis took a backward step. "What's that?"
"Just a kitten that I'm bringing to Granny Wilson."
There was vast urgency in Bill Ellis' voice as he said, "Don't go there. Turn around and get out of the hills. Don't come back."
"Why?"
"Never mind why. Just go."
"I'm going to Granny's."
Bill Ellis' shrug was more sensed than seen. "You got a gun?"
"Why—no."
"Where is it?"