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When I returned to the house the old woman stood outside "Snow comes," she said

"Snow!" I said I could not tell if I was happy or distressed We seldo novelty; but now, I did not want snow to stop h as soon as possible, where he could be cared for properly and in co darker and lower

The air was very still I looked at the old wo I could not help staring at her and in ot Robbie

"Madam," I said, "why do they call you Old Creek Woman? You are not Creek"

She turned her brilliant eyes upon oodelse If she was deranged, then there was nothing else to say I only hoped that the McDonalds' faith in her medicine was justified

"Snow soon," she said "Much cold"

I said, "Please, Old Creek Woh"

"Snow comes," she said, and walked away from me

I stared after her, and she disappeared around one of the houses

Kevin spoke behind me "How does he fare, Sister?" he said

I turned toward hi peacefully," is said "His fever has broken" I lifted the curtain "Come inside and see"

We went in, and I waited fortoward Robbie

When I knelt beside hiht they were like translucent black pools in his white face I took his hand

"Robbie," I said

He looked up at me and his breath shook "Jessie It isyou"

"Yes, Robbie It is I I have coh"

"Jessie" He took another shaky breath and let it out slowly "Are you herein the Creek camp?"

Anxiety pounded my heart "Yes, Robbie, it is I, Jessamine, your wife I have come to fetch you home"

"Oh, Jessie, lass," he whispered, his eyes on mine "Lass"

My heart thudded with hope and desire at the sound of his words Tears sprang to my eyes and I kissed his hand "Yes, my love"