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later, but it was twenty-four hours later that she decided what she saw might actually be worth a closer look.
     
    ***
     
    Duncan double-checked to see that he had logged the list of verses Pea had given him correctly. When he was satisfied, he closed the Bible and put his fingers to his eyes. He had been holed up for hours interpreting the word of God. It was a laborious task – and one he was blessed to do – but it was a pity it must be done in secret, in this cold little room. Still, order must be preserved. His followers believed that his divine interpretations were as mystical as Pea's prophesies, so the concealed room and secret Bible were a necessary invention. If they got it into their heads that anyone could interpret the Book, the community would crumble.
    Of course, Duncan was grateful for the help he got from his radio, too. That was almost as important to his flock's wellbeing as the holy book. Now that radio was spitting and spatting and wanting his attention, so Duncan took up the headphones and adjusted them over his ears.
    He tuned it to the proper channel, and jotted down the pertinent information he heard between the bush pilot and the State Troopers' office near Denali. It was a short conversation, but he heard enough to know there was an opportunity to be had. Scavenging in God's name wasn't scavenging at all. It was a chance for folks to earn a few blessings by sharing what they had. If there were loggers out there making a 'hole in the universe', it was a sure bet they had brought along some fine supplies. Not that things were dire in their little community, but every little bit helped.
    Setting aside the earphones, he left his work, and went to look for Robert. There might be time to catch him and share this bit of news before he cast off. Taking care to bend so that he didn't hit his head on the low ceiling, Duncan left his private room, went out the back that was almost hidden by the overgrowth of brush, climbed over the rock wall, and walked down the path toward the dock. The only sound was that of Glenn's ax hitting wood; the only smell, besides that of the great outdoors, was the faint scent of something cooking in the main house.
    Everything was ordered, as it should be. Duncan's soul was at peace as, he was sure, was everyone else's. He turned onto the path that led to the river and smiled. As usual, his timing was perfect.
    "Robert," Duncan called out. "A minute of your time."
    Robert turned at the sound of his name. He blinked, wiped his sleeve across his nose, and waited for Duncan to come to him. When the tall, slender man was onboard the boat, he put his arm around Robert and said:
    "I have received a message just for you."
     

CHAPTER 3
    God spoke to Robert just as Duncan said He would. He had expected it sooner, but God had been quiet for the two days he had spent in town buying and begging supplies. He had been just as quiet when Robert started home, so he was surprised when the good lord finally made himself known.
    It was so surprising, in fact, that Robert nearly fell over the side of the boat and into the great Yukon River. Had he done that, he would have been in trouble because he was positive God did not know how to work a powerboat. God also wouldn't know how to stock the store with all the supplies even if He did manage to get the boat back where it belonged. Not to mention the fact that it would be bad for Robert if he fell in the river since he couldn't swim. All in all, it was a good thing he didn't fall over.
    At first, Robert thought he was imagining things, but Duncan had assured him that would not be the case. He would know the voice of God in the same way he knew Duncan's voice and he knew that pretty darn well. Everything Duncan said was true or wise or both, so Robert kept his ears out for God.
    Now, here he was driving the boat and it was like God was sitting on the cargo, picking at his nails, having a little conversation pretty as you please. A couple of times