human
I do not believe it.
gpt
I must have been sick.
human
Lie quiet! The power of Reuben's hand on his chest startled him, the sodden ache of his own muscles dismayed him.
gpt
We can't go on today, Ben. It's snowing heavy. I mean to light a fire--with all the snow they'll never see the smoke, if they come this way at all.
human
They?--oh. Ben doubtfully remembered. It would not do for Reuben to guess how puzzled he was; craftily he asked:
gpt
How far you think we came from Hatfield?
human
Hatfield?
gpt
How stupid I am! The unintended words drawled out of his mouth and floated away.
human
Meant Deerfield. My leg.... Reuben (who knew everything) helped him shove down his breeches, then allowed him to sit up and look at the splinter-wound, a yellowish scabby island in a puddle of pink. He wished to study it, but Reuben was already pulling up the musty repellent garment and urging him back on the pile of sweet-smelling leaves.
gpt
Suppose that's what made me sick?
human
Maybe.
gpt
Suppose I ought to be bled?
human
I daren't, Ben. I don't know how a physician does it. I might cut wrong and not be able to stop the flow.
gpt
I'll do well enough.
human
Yes, but you must eat, or you'll weaken.
gpt
Must go outside.
human
Watch out! Reuben somewhere sounded frightened or angry.
gpt
You'll fetch down the roof if you try to stand.