Chapter Fifty-Four

Tom was breathing better. Joe was sure of it. He sat and watched the rise and fall of the boy's chest. Anna sat on the other side and held Tom's arm. Joe didn't know what he thought of her determination that she was marrying Tom. They were just kids. Yet she had been here every day since they brought him in. She sung healing over him until she lost her voice and her friends took over. If it worked out, Joe thought he approved.

"Hi Joe." He turned to see Ella walking into the room.

"Ella's here," he said to Anna. She looked up and smiled.

"The boy's getting better," Ella said. "He's strong like his father." She looked at Joe for a long moment before she sighed. "I hate to ask you," she said, "but I need you to take me to talk to this White Moose Clan. Anna will stay with Tom."

"They're flying him to Winnipeg today," she said. "I can go with him if you say it's OK."

"I must have slept through that conversation."

"You looked so tired," Anna said, "and sad."