This book is dedicated to the generations of McAllisters who believed that all men are created equal.My heart was pounding so loud in my chest that I was sure someone would hear. A trickle of sweat ran down my back because this was my first trek with runaways. I admit I was nervous, but I knew these woods better than most. People were counting on me. I knew I could do this even if I was only eight years old!

I looked at the three sets of eyes in the dark, and put my finger to my lips reminding them to be quiet. After listening carefully, all I heard was the soft wind tossing leaves to the ground. I waved for them to follow me. I hoped that would assure them that they were safe with me, but in my dim lantern light the look on their faces was pure terror.