Bishop looked at him solemnly. “Die Youngie are our community’s treasure. And for three hundred years, Rumschpringe has worked for the vast majority of our sons and daughters. The boys, ’specially, tend to push the boundaries a bit—which they have the choice to do, just as you and I had a choice back when—and then they’re usually willing to come forward and join church. Without that time of independence, they might wonder what they missed out on for the rest of their lives.”

“But what if even one of our sons is lost because of this freedom?” Lyle asked respectfully.

Bishop’s eyes were downcast for a moment. “That’s the concern of every parent’s heart, that their children might stray and not choose Gott after their running-round years.” He ran his hand over his face. “He hears the cries of His People, Lyle. I’m not giving up on Evan.”

“Neither will I.”

“Under that hardened veneer, I believe Evan’s heart is still soft toward the Lord.” Bishop went on to mention that Evan had replied to two of his letters. “A gut sign, jah?”

“Well, but he’s decided not to come home for his leave before goin’ to war. So that’s a different sign, and not a gut one.” Lyle disliked contradicting the bishop, but he wanted him to know what he and Elisabeth and the family were up against.

“As you know, Lyle, Evan has the free will to make wise choices or poor ones, just as we do daily.”

“And God is sovereign,” Lyle said, assuming that was likely the next thing the bishop would state. Even so, the man had heard him out, and Lyle had only come to voice his objection to the practice. “I appreciate ya keepin’ in touch with Evan.”

Bishop folded his hands as he leaned forward. “I was ordained to be the shepherd of this little flock. And searching out the one who is lost is my responsibility under Gott.”

Moved by that, Lyle rose and thanked him for his time, glad to have gotten this off his chest. He walked through the house to the utility room with Bishop close behind.

“I’ll continue prayin’ for Evan,” Bishop told him as Lyle donned his outer clothing. “And for you and Elisabeth, too. I caused my parents a fair amount of heartache when I was seventeen, but their prayers made a difference in my choice to turn back to the faith of my childhood.”

“I’ll definitely share that with my wife.” Lyle thanked him again and headed out to his horse and carriage.

The following Saturday morning, after filling the coal stove in the front room, Lyle and his father headed off to purchase three wheelbarrows from a farm auction west of them, in East Lampeter. While mingling with other Amish farmers, they overheard the local bishop telling about a barn that had burned nearby—arson, according to the police.