“Noxon is trying to learn how,” said Umbo. “And Rigg and Noxon have facemasks. So maybe they can do it, but I can’t. And I think they can’t, either, because Rigg has always gone into the past by connecting with somebody’s path, and the paths are only in the past.”

“So we can’t go?” asked Leaky.

“I think we can,” said Loaf. “I think Umbo just doesn’t know all that he can do yet. I think where his time-shifting is concerned, he’s like a baby who’s become really good at crawling, but he still hasn’t tried to get up on his hind legs and walk.”

“I wish you were right,” said Umbo.

“I think you should try it,” said Loaf. “Go into the past, and then come right back to now, while now is still fresh in your mind. I’m not talking about going a year into the past or even a day. Go a minute into the past, then take two steps away and try to pop right back.”

“Then there’d be two of me,” said Umbo.

“Only for a minute,” said Loaf.

“But even if you couldn’t jump back to the present, you’d only have a minute to wait,” said Leaky. “It makes so much sense.”

“I have a better idea,” said Umbo. “I have an errand to run that’s only a few weeks ago. I’ll go do that, and then either I’ll live through those weeks and come back, or I’ll jump back, but no matter how much time I spend, I’ll be back before you know it.”

Loaf looked at him suspiciously. “What errand? You’re not going to go dig up the jewels again, are you?”

“It’s not a prank. But I have some unfinished business back in Fall Ford.” The moment he mentioned his hometown, he knew it was a mistake.

“If you’re planning to settle accounts with your father,” said Loaf. “He’s still bigger than you are. Well, maybe not. But leave well enough alone.”

“Loaf,” said Leaky. “He isn’t going back to get even.”

Umbo didn’t want to discuss this anymore. “See you within a few hours.”

As he said this, he heard Leaky finish her thought. “He’s going back to save his brother’s life after all.”

Then Umbo was gone, so he didn’t have to hear Loaf shout at him about how dangerous it was to try to do that. He knew it was dangerous. But he had to try.