Still he was a little nonplused by the excessive precipitation of this family.
It occurred to him there was something more in their desperate eagerness to get away than Alexander's tale explained.

But having given his word, he could not take it back.
From father down to babe their faces expressed such relief and hope he had not the heart to rebuke them.

Alexander came to him for the food, and he handed over all he had.
"Wait!" he said.

"I will give you a letter for Peter Minot.

Lord!" he inwardly added.