It was broad day when Tessibel opened her eyes. She lay for some time looking at the ceiling, then around her. She was alone in the room, yes, in her own room at the lake. Something had hurt her dreadfully, for even her arms ached so she couldn't move them. She wondered where Andy was, and Mother Moll, and if Deforrest were home.
She tried to sit up, but the pains shooting through her body made her content to be quiet.
Later, by a few moments, when Deforrest Young opened the door and stole in, she smiled wanly at him.
"My little girl's had a good sleep," he said softly, coming forward. Then, he took her hand and stood looking down upon her, his whole soul in his eyes.
"Tessibel," he hesitated, "do you remember what happened last night?"
Tess stared at him, a little pucker between her eyes. Last night? What about last night?
Oh, yes, she did remember. Elsie Waldstricker at the squatters; her own struggle through the snow to the mansion on the hill; how Waldstricker had turned her away.
"Yes, I remember," she whispered. "Did you find me, Uncle Forrie?"
Sudden tears swept away Young's vision. He nodded his head.
"And my brother-in-law's downstairs and wants to speak to you, Tessibel," said he.