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He took another breath and opened his mouth to speak, but he only let out a low sound I said, "Don't speak, Robbie I shall give you broth and tea and Old Creek Woer, and we shall go home"

He closed his eyes I felt Kevin's hand on my shoulder, and slowly released Robbie's hand I rose and followed Kevin out

In the light, Kevin's eyes were narrowed, his h as soon as possible, out of this filthy place," he said

"Yes But Kevinyou can see hoeak he is"

"He needs the doctor"

"Yes" Hope rose inhim here, Kevin?"

He looked at the sky "He is half a day's ride away," he said "I fear there will not be time before the snow comes"

"But surely-"

He looked at h the snow if necessary"

I took both his hands "Thank you, Kevin Please, hurry"

He kissed me, his blue eyes on mine "I shall"

He went away, and shortly returned ain

He looked down at me, and then pushed his hat more firmly onto his head "I will return as soon as I can, God willing," he said

"I shall pray every alloped away I watched hirow smaller until he disappeared completely into the trees I felt a cold touch onslowly, like tiny feathers floating down from the low clouds I watched for a moment, then returned to sit beside Robbie

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He slept most of the day When he woke, I spooned broth and Old Creek Woman's medicine into hirew restless, and his fever returned By nightfall, he was again in delirium

"Jessie! Oh, Jessie, lass, lass!" he moaned "Jessie Let her live! Let her live!"

I held onto his hand and spoke soothingly to hiht in her leaves again and performed her rituals I soroaned In my mind I prayed, "Please, God, let him live!

Please do not let this be my punishment Have I not atoned already? Please, do not take Robbie from me, for I myself will not live Let him stay with the clan for the rest of his life!