"But Mother, or Father, or anyone with a heart, would have forgiven anything you said at such a time. I cursed you, when I was out of my wits. You forgave at once, when I reminded you you could scarce remember it."
"What you said was nothing. What I said to Grandmother was—well, too much somehow. There's a strangeness—let's not think of it. We need all our wits to find the way here.... Can you make out the sled-marks? My eyes don't feel just right."
"Yes, I can see them. Ben, art thou fevered? Thy hand is too hot."
"I don't think so. I was hungry, and the food you brought will hold me up."
"They let me eat heavy at supper, and I did so, knowing we might have a chance—Ben, are you having trouble walking?"
"No, no, I slipped, that was all. It's from fretting all day in that room and doing nothing. My head's clearing already."
"You were to have a flogging in the morning. It would have been today, but the minister was ill. He preached for Lecture Day, but then went home with a sore throat. Grandmother and old Anna were talking of it when they came back, Anna saying the flogging should be in the public square, but Grandmother said it would be at the house, and first the minister should instruct you and pray. I say let them pray for their own salvation."
"Ru——"
"I'll be quiet. But I make no peace with them, never."
"The snow's stopped?"