"You wouldn't kill her," Samantha said.
The reverend pressed the knife against Prudence's neck until blood trickled down her throat. "When the Lord tested his faith, Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his own son. I will sacrifice this child's life if I must to prove my worthiness to God," Reverend Crane said. The hardness of his face indicated to Samantha he would have no qualms about killing Prudence or anyone else.
"What do you want me to do?" Samantha asked.
"Take the rope and tie it around your waist. Then dive into the fountain."
"All right, I'll do it. Just don't hurt her." Samantha walked forward slowly to pick the rope up off the ground. She wrapped it around her waist. As she tied it, the reverend eased his grip on Prudence. She gasped for air, her entire face a violent shade of red.
"Samantha…don't," Prudence said between gasps. "Don't do this. You have to…you have to stop him."
"I won't let him kill you," Samantha said.
Prudence shook her head. "You were right earlier. In the cell. I would rather die than forget my best friend."
Samantha's fingers hesitated in tying the knot around her waist. The reverend pressed the knife to Prudence's neck again. "She will die if you do not do as I say."
"Don't," Prudence mouthed.
"I'm sorry, Prudence. I have to do it." Samantha finished tying the knot and then raised her arms. "Now, let her go."
"When you enter the water I will release her."
"How do I know you'll keep your word? How do I know after I go in there you won't kill her?"
"I am a man of God, Samantha. I swear to you in the name of almighty Jesus no harm will come to this child."
"You've already lied too many times before. Let her go."
"You are not in a position to make demands."
"Aren't I? If you kill Prudence, then I'll kill you. You already saw what happened to Mr. Pryde."
"I am no fool, my child. You will not let me kill your friend. Step into the water. I will pull you out so you may undertake your new place in Eternity."
Samantha studied the reverend and Prudence. She needed to find a way to get the knife away from him. If she could keep him talking, maybe she could get close enough to bat the knife away. "What are you going to do with me?" she asked, taking another step towards the reverend.
"You are going to take your place at my side," he said.
"I wouldn't join you, even if you erase my memory."