Chapter 26
I crossed paths with Lodge Pole one day, giving me my first good look at the man who displayed the same grotesque form, bony features, and lumbering gait of a freak I’d seen in a sideshow during my Moorehouse days. The circus billed the man as Sampson the Invincible. But I perceived he was afflicted with something called gigantism…a weakness, not a strength.
Lodge Pole continued on his way without speaking, but he examined me obliquely, with a fierceness that was disconcerting. This was one—as my father used to say—to watch his waters, that is, a person who bears close scrutiny.
Later, when we were alone, I pressed Cut for more information on this strange man. Cut eyed me for a moment before answering.
“He has no quarrel with you,” he assured me, “but if he can use you to cause me trouble, he will do so.”
“Another little detail you neglected to mention,” I said. “Why does he wish you ill?”
“He’s ambitious. He covets my father’s place.”