But reinforcements arrive from the seminar and most of the available rafters drop into place, the walls are finally framed and part of the old roof is patched and squared up. But it isn't until 3 p.m., as some of the carpenters are gathering up to head home, that Doug arrives with the missing lumber riding in a rack fashioned by a helper atop the straining van. Like automatons, or squirrels preparing for a heavy winter, the work crew cuts the rafters and fills the gap left for them. Two square off the ragged roof and a woman from Boston installs the drip edge. There's an increase in work tempo as heavy dark clouds move overhead.
Splats appear on the floor through the latticework of the newly framed roof.
They are wet and large. People climb down from the cathedral ceiling and take cover. It's five-thirty on Sunday evening, the rafters are installed, and it's starting to rain. Maybe they can't find their car keys. Or it's a religious service and nobody's said the benediction yet.