Seven people?

Dear Mrs. Naylor,

It is an honor to be able to write to you. Although I taught high school English for years, now I tutor students of all ages, and one of my favorite books to begin with for elementary kids is Shiloh. I don’t think any student of mine has ever not fallen in love with both Marty and Shiloh. As for me, I never tire of the story.
I feel silly even asking this, but in chapter 11, Marty says that “exactly 7 people” know about Shiloh. My students and I can’t quite figure out the seventh person is. We know that Marty’s Ma and Pa make two, and Dara Lynn and Becky make four, David Howard is five, Doc Murphy is six….my current student says we should count Marty, though I don’t think so – who are we missing?

So much gratitude for your time and for your talent.

Very warmly,

Lisa Root (with Akhil)

Marty must be counting himself.