The Labors of Hercules Beal

Before Thanksgiving, Hercules works nonstop at Beal Brothers Farm and Nursery. At school, Lieutenant Colonel Hupfer reminds Hercules that he has only completed three labors. Later that day, the clouds increase, and the wind picks up. Even with the building creaking in the wind and an electric lantern to light his room, Hercules loves his house. The oldest building on the property, its rooms are small, and there is no heat upstairs. It is so old that the local historical society gives tours of it, emphasizing that Henry David Thoreau once visited it.

Suddenly, Mr. Neal arrives, screaming about his wife. Achilles, Viola, and Hercules rush outside with the lantern. The wind brutalizes them, slamming cold rain and wet sand into their faces. When they arrive at the Neals’ house, they see that it has “been blown to pieces […] and what had been there that afternoon isn’t there anymore” (129). Mr. Neal’s wife is trapped somewhere in the rubble. Achilles instructs Viola to get help. When Hercules insists on helping, his older brother hesitates, afraid something will happen to the younger boy.

As Hercules frantically searches for the woman, the storm intensifies, and waves crash closer.