" Mercy was outdoors more than she had ever been. She had thought that after the horrifying journey of ice and snow, she would never want the outdoors again. But spring and summer were joy. "You're not joyful because you love the outdoors," said Ruth. "It's because you don't have to be afraid of the Indians anymore. Anything they could do, they've already done." Ruth was in a terrible mood because ransom had never arrived. Joanna said Ruth was in exactly the same mood she had always been, and if only fire eat Ruth, everybody would be happier."