The Outsider by Ann H. Gabhart Page A

his shoulders. He’d fight against the elder’s refusal.
    But the man didn’t refuse. “Of course,” he said. “You have been instrumental in our young brother’s recovery, and we are grateful. The Eternal Father uses many means to perform his miracles.”
    Brice hurried out his next words before the elder could turn away. “I’d also like to speak with the young sister, Gabrielle. I have a message for her from her father.”
    The elder showed no surprise even as he said, “Sister Gabrielle has no father in the world.”
    “But she does. He came to me and asked me to give her a message from him.”
    “You don’t understand our ways, Dr. Scott.” Elder Caleb’s eyes were patient. “Sister Gabrielle believes her father to be dead, and even if that is not so, he remains the same as dead to her now. We’ve shut out the world. A father as you speak of in the worldly way means nothing to us.”
    “Then what could it hurt for her to know her father lives?” Brice insisted.
    “Sister Gabrielle is not yet old enough to be a full covenant member, so perhaps you are right. Perhaps she should be told. I will consider it.” The elder pursed his lips and stared at Brice. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “Meanwhile your presence in our village has been a disturbance to the peace of our family.”
    “I’m sorry that you think so.”
    “I feel you are a good man, Dr. Scott. Misguided, but with a good heart. If you were to become a Believer, your presence would be a benefit to our society.”
    “That could never be, Elder.”
    “Nay, I thought not. Ye are not ready to give up the world. Not yet anyway.” Elder Caleb rubbed his chin. “As things stand I fear I must ask you to allow one of the brothers to accompany you at all times while you are in our village.”
    “I wish none of you harm. Especially not the young sister. I only desired to speak to her in order to deliver the message from her father.”
    “You must realize, Dr. Scott, that Sister Gabrielle has been with us a long time. She and her mother came together with those who formed this society over five years ago. She was hardly more than a child then, but the spirit has always been strong over her. It is our duty as her family to protect her.”
    “I told you I intend her no harm.”
    “So you say, and I believe you are sincere when you say you would not intend to harm our young sister, Dr. Scott. But just as the Eternal Father can use many means for his miracles, so can the devil for his wickedness.”
    “You’re saying I’m God’s workman and the devil’s as well at the same time?” Brice frowned at the elder, whose face stayed impassive.
    “As we all are or have been in the past. Except now we here at Harmony Hill have shut out the devil from our lives. We must use diligence to keep him out.”
    It would have been easier if Brice could have disliked the elder, but instead he respected the man and his community of Believers for the way they lived their beliefs. He stared at the man a moment before he said, “I will abide by whatever you say, Elder Caleb. But I do need to see to the boy a few more times until he’s able to come to my cabin for treatment.” He had little choice. And he had little chance of catching even a glimpse of the young sister now. Not with them guarding her against him.
    Elder Caleb allowed a bit of relief to show in his eyes. “Of course. I will go with you to his room now. He is much improved although he continues to have a great deal of pain.”
    The boy was better but quiet. With Elder Caleb in the room, he seemed afraid to talk as he usually did when Brice examined him.
    “Well, Bates,” Brice said as he put his things back in his black bag, “you’re doing even better than I thought you would. I might as well be on my way. There are sick people out there who really need doctoring.”
    Nathan glanced at the elder and then back at Brice. Puzzlement was mixed with concern on his face. “Am I really better,