He tugged at the ropes whenever he felt that he dared, but they were passed around the tree and his body several times, and knotted on his chest.

He was helpless.

There was no hope, no help.

And after they had conspired to make him appear a runaway thief to his loved ones, what was it that Wessner would do to him?
Whatever it was, Freckles lifted his head and resolved that he would bear in mind what he had once heard the Bird Woman say.

He would go out bonnily.