| Show he thrust the knife forcefully in and out of the bark over and over cursing in unintelligible words likespoiled child havingtantrum Isaac stood back astonished while Hannah who could remain in the cabin no longer mortified at the display of insanity burst through the door She hurried to the side of her husband and grasped his arm while Walker continued to knife the tree ferociously Isaac spoke apprehensively to his terrified wife in low tones so that the chief would not hear Hannah it is better that we give the boy to the chief as difficult as it may be to understand Hamnahface grew pale She said nothing boy If we do not we will all be killed including the Is it not better that one child die than the whole settlement be destroyed Hannah looked at Tsaac her eyes momentarily beseeching him but she knew he was right She knew what she must do Slowly she turned and walked toward the cabin her seeming calnness concealing the devastation within She passed through the door and proceeded to the cradle where the child lay She tly 1ifted Simeon and held hin tightly against her breast relieved that ars ad finally come One rolled down her cheek and 1it upon his forehead as she stroked his velvet skin He smiled unknowingly and gooed responsively to his nother to She searched her mind for an answer Could there rot beram in the thicket Hannah questioned as she carried the baby through the cabin door Walker had replaced the knife in its sheath and returned his nount Although his face was seemingly indifferent annah knew she detectedsatisfied smirk as she walked toward he heathen Tszac looking on She said nothing as he stooped and took the bundle from her his dark arms encircling the baby likecoiling snake She turned immediately from his stare and welked to her husband with remarkable composure It was not until the chief had reined his horse one handedly and headed toward his village that she reached Isaac She fainted linply into his arms Benunbed Isaac 1ifted Hannah into his arms and walked to the cabin The sun had slipped completely behind the |
