Mary Turner and her child were cut down and buried near the tree, with a whiskey bottle marking the grave.

The novel starts with a cutting from newspaper article about the death of Mary Turner.

It says that Mary Turner, a white woman is killed by her black servant Moses for money.

While the girls are at the final judging, he confides in Mary Turner, the sensible young woman running the pageant.

Then there was the path of the Mary Turner across the sea.

Mary Turner started for the kitchen door.

By this time Mary Turner had selected a few items from the first-aid chest.

"I understand there's considerable money in it," Mary Turner replied.

"They must have been," replied Mary Turner, who was white with apprehension.

"We were watching the game from the window," said Mary Turner.