GWTW Readalong Ch. 44-46: A desperate play on which lives hinged

Summary:Scarlett learns that her foreman Johnnie Gallegher is abusing the convicts and stealing their food, but hesitates to fire him. Scarlett is attacked by thieves when driving through Shantytown and is rescued by Big Sam. After her assault, Frank instructs Scarlett to go to Melanie's house for the evening. Rhett arrives and informs Melanie that her husband is walking into a trap. Melanie confesses to Scarlett that Frank and Ashley are members of the Klan and are off to raid the woods where she was attacked. Rhett devises a plan to sneak the men into Belle Watling's, thereby proving their innocence. Scarlett learns that Ashley was shot and Frank was killed in the raid. Belle visits Melanie in her carriage.