Peace Like a River: Under the Gibbon Moon Summary & Analysis

Reuben explains that the reader might find the picnic basket in the middle of winter confusing, and rightly so. Roxanna, however, knows that the middle of winter in the Badlands is a wonderful time for a picnic. She and the Lands pile into the Plymouth. Roxanna gives directions and Dad drives. Reuben wishes he could erase Davy out of Dad's mind, and thinks that if he'd been able to write the scene, Roxanna would've taken Dad's hand.

Roxanna tells Dad to park and then leads them up a hill. When they look down from the top, they see steam, heat, and flames coming from cracks in the earth. Reuben thinks it looks like a beautiful Hell. Roxanna explains that this is a vein of exposed lignite (a kind of coal). She instructs Dad to set out the picnic blanket on a warm rock, and everyone is warm enough to unbutton their coats. Dad and Roxanna sit down, while Swede and Reuben run off to explore. When they return to the picnic, it's obvious that Dad and Roxanna have been talking in a way not meant for children, which Swede and Reuben find infuriating.

As Roxanna dishes up food out of her Dutch oven, Dad points out that Martin Andreeson is approaching. Andreeson refuses Dad's dinner invitation, introduces himself to Roxanna, and sits down on a rock to smoke a cigarette. Swede mysteriously disappears from the gathering. Andreeson tells Dad that they're getting close to Davy, and it's getting more dangerous for Davy as time goes on. He asks Dad for his help finding Davy, and says that a local farmer has seen Davy stealing pigs.

Roxanna remains silent through all of this. Reuben tells the reader that judging by the look on her face, she'd raised Davy herself. Andreeson asks Dad if he'd help by driving around with him, suggesting that he might be able to help "calibrate" the search. Dad is offended, but Andreeson explains that several years ago, they were able to find a kidnapped girl by driving around with the victim's sister, who, though very upset, was somehow miraculously able to lead Andreeson to her sister.

Reuben feels sick and scared of Andreeson. Dad refuses Andreeson's request and tells Andreeson he's suggesting "spookism." Andreeson says that Mr. Holgren believes Dad has access to a higher power, and Dad promptly shuts down the conversation. Dad and Andreeson exchange cards and Andreeson leaves.

Later that night, Swede and Reuben wonder why Andreeson didn't arrest them and what exactly "spookism" is. Reuben wonders why Andreeson is hoping to employ such measures if he's so close to Davy. Swede is thrilled that there's been a sighting of Davy.