After the dance, John decides to sleep in the loft. While outside, he sees a mysterious, possibly female figure by the gate and pursues it, but does not find the person in the dark. He is also curious about his Uncle’s unusually timed visit and where he goes during the day, but he refuses to lower himself to stalking Uncle Ben to find out. Annie, Eliza, and Ruth are more curious and convince John Fry to follow him and discover where he goes.

Fry follows the trail of Uncle Reuben across moors, through barrows, and down perilous slopes to Wizard’s Slough. Eventually, he sees Annie’s pony, Dolly, tied up by a fallen tree laying over a hole. Out of the hole emerges a man in a white conical cap, just like those worn at executions by hanging. Fry runs away in fear, believing that witchcraft has resurrected a criminal. John tells them to speak no more of it, but he mentions that he has an idea of what has happened. Looking at the girls, he decides that Ruth is the best potential secret keeper.