Several hot dogs later, Nat and Woody joined the evening crowds to watch the rest of the bands. In between the music, fire-eaters, jugglers, and contortionists performed — all of them exotic, wild-looking people. There were shouts and cheers as the band with the red-haired singer Nat had noticed earlier came back onstage. Nat checked the program. The band was called “Crescent and the Howlers.”

“She’s soooo brilliant!” said Nat, pulling Woody to the front of the crowd. Crescent’s hair glinted fire in the evening sun as she whirled around, belting out song after song to the audience, who was dancing and singing to the music.

Suddenly Crescent stopped singing. She announced there was to be a five-minute break and left the stage abruptly. Nat was astonished to see her make a beeline for Woody.

Woody pulled at Nat’s sleeve; he was worried she had recognized the stolen morris dancer’s outfit and wanted it back. But Nat stood firm.

She was even more beautiful close up, thought Nat. The sort of girl Apple would describe as “good-lookin’ and she knows it.”

Crescent made as if to say something, then looked around furtively, gesturing to the boys to follow her. When they had reached the back of a large truck, she turned to face them.

“Why aren’t you with the others?” she asked in hushed tones. Woody stared at the girl, who was, Nat now realized, only about sixteen.

“Oh, no, he’s not really a morris dancer,” said Nat, trying not to be tongue-tied in the company of such beauty.

The girl ignored him completely. “It’s not safe,” she continued. “You’re barely disguised.”

Poor Woody looked bewildered. “Who are you?”

The girl shook her red hair impatiently. “I’m Crescent. I’m a sister.”

Woody looked delighted. “My sister?” He launched himself at her, nostrils flaring, rubbing his shaggy head against hers. To Nat’s surprise the girl seemed to take all this attention in stride. That is, until Woody licked her face.

“Eeuw!” she yelled. “Wolf breath!” She pushed Woody away impatiently. “I’m not your sister, silly, I’m a sister,” she said, wiping Woody’s saliva off her face. “Are you going to travel with us or not?”

“I’m confused …,” said Woody.

The girl frowned and turned to Nat. “I know what he is,” she said, pointing at Woody. “And you should be keeping a closer eye on him,” she added bossily. “He shouldn’t be out — not like this, in public.” She quickly looked behind her. “If you’re seen, it could be very dangerous,” she said in a hushed voice. “Don’t you know anything?”

Nat caught his breath. “What d’you know?” he challenged.

“I know that people have been asking around, in our circles, anyway,” she said, turning back to Woody. “It won’t be long before they find out you’re not dead, you know.”