“I go out to get wood,” she told Amanda, who sat at the table reading her Bible. “You watch Little Joe?” Amanda smiled. “Of course I will, but wouldn’t thee rather that I get the wood so thee can stay inside and care for thy son?” Mary shook her head. “Me need exercise and fresh air. Get tired of being in cabin so much.” “Are thee certain thou art feeling up to it? Thee just had a baby….” “Indian women have babies all the time. No lie around unless very sick.” “I understand, but please be careful and don’t overdo it trying to carry too much wood,” Amanda cautioned. “If thou dost too much, thou mayest start bleeding heavily.” “I be fine,” Mary asserted. She motioned toward the bedroom. “Little Joe asleep on bed. You want hold him while I gone?” Amanda nodded eagerly. “That would be nice. I have been so busy taking care of Buck that I haven’t had much time to hold the baby.” “You hold whenever you want,” Mary said. “I care for Buck if he need me.”
