“The old fellow’s sure raving,” Wessler remarked to his companion.
“A raven?” inquired Noah, misunderstanding. “Ah, yes! For one hundred and fifty days the waters will prevail upon the earth. Then will I send forth a raven or a dove to search for a sprig of green. And if the bird returns with such a token, then shall I know that the waters are receding, no more to destroy all flesh.”
“Toddle on, old man,” Wessler said, growing irritated. “Where’ve you been anyway?”
“My burdens are heavy,” Noah replied with a deep sigh. “All day I have labored, seeking food for my animals. Greens I cut for Bessie, my cow, and at the grocery store I bought seed for the birds, crackers—”
“Never mind,” Wessler interrupted. “Go into your quarters and stay there.”
“Bessie, the cow, must be fed.”
“Then go feed her,” Wessler snapped. “Just get out of my sight.”
The girls could not hear what Old Noah said in reply. However, a medley of animal sounds beneath the deck, led them to believe that the master of the ark had gone into the lower part of the ship to care for his animals.
“I wish he’d come here,” said Penny. “Maybe we could get the idea over to him that we’re being held prisoners.”
“Not a chance of it.”