The girls told her about their encounter with Father Damien.

Win was thoughtful for a while. 'It seems to me Father Damien has been behaving very strange. Just because he's a priest doesn't exclude him from being a suspect.'

Ellie walked in as Win was speaking. 'What's this about Father Damien?'

They told her what happened at Dawn's.

'Really? What a b.l.o.o.d.y cheek...'

'Yes, and the way he pops up at the fires as well,' Win reminded them. 'In my opinion, he's got a lot to answer for!'

'Are you suggesting he may have something to do with the fires? Seriously?' Ellie asked her.

'Well, don't you think it's a possibility? He's been at every fire. He lied under oath at the court that was obvious and, from what the girls said, he's still saying Eric's the firebug. And what about the way he dresses? He's just not like a normal priest.'

Ellie was silent for a minute, then she said, 'You're right, Win. He's always struck me as queer and he isn't an old man by any means. He seems fit enough. He could get around fast if he wanted to. He definitely seems to know the layout of the valley.'

'Well, instead of being up on the stand giving evidence against Eric, I think he should be the one to be interrogated!' Kathy declared angrily.

The ringing of the phone made them all jump.

They all looked at each other, hesitating to answer.

'I'll answer it.' Ellie went to the phone, watched anxiously by Win and the girls.

'Oh... Con... Why yes! What a marvellous idea! Of course... Yes, I'll pa.s.s on the message. Karl and Dig will be back about twelve and I'll tell them to contact Sam. You'll still be up at Dawn's? Right. Bye, love.' Ellie hung up and turned to Win and the girls.

'That was Connie, as you would have already heard. She wants to organise a party for Eric, Sat.u.r.day night. The men are using the hall first for a meeting to organize some extra patrols. Seeing everyone is confident that Eric will be acquitted, Connie thought it would be nice to have a celebration afterwards.'

'Great idea!' exclaimed Kathy.

'What can we do to help?' Tammi asked.

'Well, how about rounding up some of the young people?' Win suggested.

'We can ask Hazel to organize some finger food and Win, you and I could go to the hall and put up some decorations.'

'Sounds terrific. We'll make sure we have some lively music, Ellie, get everyone dancing. Let's go and tell Mum. It'll give her something pleasant to think about for a change.'

CHAPTER THIRTY.

The next morning, a fine drizzle fell. As quickly as it hit the ground, the dry earth soaked it up.

Jeff Hickson stood out in the yard, his face held heavenward, drizzle wetting his craggy features.

'Well, maybe this is the start of a few good wet days, Dawn. G.o.d knows we need it.'

Dawn was at the sink cleaning up after breakfast.

'Let's hope so, Jeff. You'd better come in and get ready for court. It's quarter past eight and by the time we get ready and drive in, it will be ten o'clock.'

'Ok. What's Eileen doing? Is she comin' with us?'

'She's getting dressed; she wouldn't miss this for anything.'

Dawn finished the dishes and hung up the tea towel to dry. She was eager for today to be over. She said many prayers throughout the night and had faith that justice would prevail.

Eric had only managed vegemite on toast and coffee this morning. Nerves prevented him from eating a heartier breakfast. Des was also noticeably on edge.

Sam was sitting on the veranda waiting for Connie to finish dressing. They would need to hurry as they had to be at the courthouse by nine o'clock. Eric needed to he briefed by Mr Kurl before the hearing.

Karl and Digger sat talking together while they waited for the women.

'I'm confident he'll be acquitted, aren't you?' Digger asked.

'Sure. I mean, even though some people say it was a setup to get him off, no magistrate is going to find a man guilty on hearsay. Anyway, that evidence they had didn't hold up either.'

'There's some rotten mongrels around. b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l, Eric's had a bad enough time without people spreadin' bulls.h.i.t. I tell ya, that priest better keep a wide berth!'

'I'd give me eye teeth to find the real culprit and then the b.a.s.t.a.r.d's would choke on their accusations!' Karl muttered.

'That b.i.t.c.h Gelding and the priest were the troublemakers to begin with. What they said started all this!' Digger stood as the women came out ready to face another day in court.

A crowd had gathered outside the courthouse as usual. Word had spread about the turn of events and people had even come in from the surrounding towns.

Karl swore when he saw the crowd gathered on the steps and in the small yard at the front of the courthouse.

'b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l, do they think this is a friggin' circus?' he scowled.

'That's small country town life: anything to break the boredom,' Emmie said softly.

'We can hold our heads high. Come on.' She linked her arm through Karl's. Digger escorted Win and Ellie, and together they pushed their way through the crowd.

Arthur and Daisy were already inside with Dawn and Jeff. They had kept the bench seat beside them vacant for the rest of the family.

Robert had decided to stay at home today. He found the court stuff very boring and preferred to tinker with his bomb and smoke sly ciggies.

The court was in session. Mr Walsh looked down seriously from his position behind the bench.

Several other people gave character references for Eric, all confirming what others had said in previous hearings. After Mr Kurl and the prosecutor gave a brief summary, Mr Walsh retired for an hour to make his decision.

He returned to the courtroom, clearing his throat and beginning to speak.

In his opinion, there was insufficient evidence to commit Eric for trial.

Sighs of relief were heard throughout the courtroom. Eric visibly relaxed.

Mr Walsh also said that no fair and impartial jury would convict Eric of the charges, even if he were committed for trial.

He spoke for a few minutes longer and then told Eric all charges against him were dismissed and that he was free to go. He then dismissed the court.

Dawn was first to reach Eric, hugging him tightly against her. She had tears of happiness and relief streaming down her face.

There were tears, hugs, handshakes and pats on the back.

Mr Kurl was thanked profusely for a job well done.

Ivy Gelding quietly slipped out.

Father Damien left as silently as he had arrived.

One other person sat, unnoticed in a beat-up old car parked underneath one of the elm trees that lined Dean Street.

'Free, eh? Young Eric's free!'

He watched the rest of the family walk out with Eric.

'Ah! There she is!' He watched the woman, who always sent his mind reeling with chaotic thoughts, give Eric an affectionate hug.

Reporters gathered around Eric, full of questions about his acquittal, hiding the woman from view.

The crowd eventually thinned and people started to leave.

'C'mon Eric, there's a celebration dinner tonight and a party tomorrow night. We'll have to get goin.' Saying their goodbyes to the rest of the family, Sam placed his arm around Eric's shoulders and they walked toward the car park.

Karl took Emmie's arm and led her to the car. Ellie walked over to Mates to give Francis the happy news.

He watched for a few minutes longer, smiling and drumming his fingers on the steering wheel before slowly pulling away from the kerb.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE.

Tammi and Laura spent the day making plans for the evening's celebration. Several phone calls had ensured a number of the younger locals would be at the party.

Of course, they invited the two young soldiers who had taken their fancy.

'Tonight's going to be great. This was a really good idea, Tam.'

'Everyone's so happy for Eric. They'll all be in good spirits.'

'I'm pleased Richard and Ian can come. They're both such hunks.' Laura drooled dramatically. 'Imagine dancing slowly to some romantic love song!' Laura was hugging herself and spinning around as Kathy came in.

'What are you all ga-ga about, Laura?' she asked.

Laura blushed as Tammi explained.

'She's just letting her imagination take over and its run away with her!' She laughed.

'Is Eddie coming tonight?' Laura asked Kathy.

'Yes, he'll be there. He'll be a bit late though. He has to work back for a stocktake so I'm going to meet him there.'

'He's certainly smartened up since he met you, sister dear,' Tammi said, smiling at her.

'Yeah, he's looking good, that's for sure,' Kathy said coyly.

Win poked her head around the door. 'You girls better start to get ready. The men have just left for the meeting and we have to be there by seven thirty to welcome everyone.'

The men had gathered in Hamilton Hall and were gravely discussing the last four fires. They were unanimous that patrols had to be increased and it was obvious that no one should rebuild anything until they captured the firebug, no matter how long it took. They had all lost far too much already to rebuild just so the maniac could burn their properties down again.

It was decided that spotlights would be carried as well as powerful torches and, seeing that the firebug had shown his violent side, the men would be carrying their shotguns no matter what the cops had to say. No one could predict what this lunatic would do next. They had to protect themselves and their families!

The women arrived at seven thirty. The girls had taken great care in dressing and Emmie looked at them with pride. She knew Dave would have approved.

Kathy had chosen white culottes and a black top. The night was chilly, so she added a thigh-length white woollen jacket.

Tammi wore black pants with a black and red top. She had on a calf-length black jacket.

Laura wore a red off the-shoulder woollen jumper that complimented her porcelain complexion and her dark blue bell bottom jeans emphasized her figure.

Much to their delight, the girls all looked older than they were.

The older women were not to be outdone that night.

'I'm wearing the pearl brooch you gave me, Dave darling,' Emmie murmured. 'I know you're here in spirit with us to celebrate.'

The guests began arriving and Win and Ellie welcomed them at the door of the lovely old hall. Most of the valley, except Ivy Gelding and Father Damien, showed up.

Francis asked his girlfriend to invite some of her friends. He was thinking the local single blokes would appreciate a few new female faces. Tammi and Laura were delighted to see Ian and Richard arrive. They were all in for a great night!