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Chapter 30
Therainwhishedsoftlyontheroofnow,sosoftlythattheycouldhearUncleJohn’stiredsnifflingfromthedark.
PalookedupatMrs.Wainwright.Hetookthelanternfromherhandandputitonthefloor.RuthieandWinfieldwereasleepontheirownmattress,theirarmsovertheireyestocutoutthelight.
PawalkedslowlytoRoseofSharon’smattress.Hetriedtosquatdown,buthislegsweretootired.Hekneltinstead.Mafannedhersquareofcardboardbackandforth.ShelookedatPaforamoment,andhereyeswerewideandstaring,likeasleepwalker’seyes.
Pasaid,«We—done—whatwecould.»
«Iknow.»
«Weworkedallnight.An’atreecutoutthebank.»
«Iknow.»
«Youcanhearitunderthecar.»
«Iknow.Iheardit.»
«Thinkshe’sgonnabeallright?»
«Idunno.»
«Well—couldn’we—ofdidnothin’?»
Ma’slipswerestiffandwhite.«No.Theywason’yonethingtodo—ever—an’wedoneit.»
«Weworkedtillwedropped,an’atree—Rain’slettin’upsome.»
Malookedattheceiling,andthendownagain.Pawenton,compelledtotalk.«Idunnohowhighshe’llrise.Mightfloodthecar.»
«Iknow.»
«Youknowever’thing.»
Shewassilent,andthecardboardmovedslowlybackandforth.
«Didweslipup?»hepleaded.«Istheyanythingwecouldofdid?»
Malookedathimstrangely.Herwhitelipssmiledinadreamingcompassion.«Don’ttakenoblame.Hush!It’llbeawright.They’schanges—allover.»
«Maybethewater—maybewe’llhavetogo.»
«Whenit’stimetogo—we’llgo.
