Nathaniel, a horse-riding traveler in eighteenth century Europe, emerges from a vast forest to see a field of golden wheat. At the centre of the field is a large tree and, at its base, a man. Strangely, the man appears to be talking to the tree.<br><br>At the village inn, Nathaniel asks the barman about the man and tree. The barman refuses to tell him anything, so Nathaniel decides to visit the man himself. The following morning he rides back to the field, where he notices the man is still there, talking to the tree.<br><br>He introduces himself to the man, whose name is Adam. When questioned about why he sits beside the tree, talking to it, Adam reveals a story so amazing, it borders on being unbelievable. Nathaniel, too, has a similar tale, the conclusion of which is just as bizarre and shocking as Adam’s.

Man and Tree

“I should ask the pastor if I were you,” said Adam. “He’s the keeper of many secrets. Whether he’ll tell you or not is another thing.”


“That’s a splendid idea,” said Nathaniel. “And I shall do just that.”


They arrived at the farmhouse where Adam made them a simple meal of eggs and toast and tea, and then, as he’d promised, Nathaniel bid him good-bye.


“The best of luck,” Adam shouted after him. 6: The Witch


The pastor, a rotund man in a black cassock, was at first reluctant to reveal what he knew, and Nathaniel, sitting beside him on a front pew, could see he knew something.


“Kind sir, I’m not asking you to betray any confidences, but merely to impart information, information that will help a great many people.”


The pastor considered Nathaniel’s plea, then in a quiet, softly spoken voice, he said, “What would you do to this woman, this witch, even if you do find her?”


Chapter 13