she took her son 's arm and turned without a further word , walking away with regal poise . she did n't look over her shoulder . max rubbed a hand through his short hair , then said , '' all right . what the crows was that all about ? '' tavi frowned at the retreating high lady , then at max

'' now , you fill the powder , and ram the ball . '' he smiled magnanimously , held out the rifle , and waited . isabel looked at him uncertainly . she took it from him , and poured powder for the count she 'd always observed the men doing . quickly , not too much , try not to spill

thwarted , she complained , '' since we 're both here alone , we could at least talk to pass the time . '' joshua did n't reply and stared at the tabletop , as if he had just found there something so fascinating that he could not unglue his eyes from it , forcing marina to speak again . '' what do you want from me , joshua

i pointed up towards the top of the trees . '' it flew up there , and i doubt it was a reindeer . '' my mom released a heavy sigh . '' then it was just a bird . do n't scare me like that . '' i shook my head , vehemently . '' no , it was n't a
bird