I could do nothing more for her, so I crossed the room to where Pepper lay in a large basket. My sister had taken care of him since he was hurt, and I was pleased to see that she had looked after the old dog carefully. Stooping down, I spoke to him, and he licked my hand. He was too ill to do more. Then, going to the bed, I asked my sister how she felt, but she only shook more, and I had to admit that my presence seemed to make her feel worse. And so, I left her—locking the door and keeping the key with me. It seemed to be the only thing I could do.

 

The rest of the day, I spent between the high room and the room where I work. For food, I brought up some bread from the kitchen. On this, and some red wine, I lived for that day. What a long, tired day it was. If only I could have gone out into the gardens as I usually do, I should have been happy enough. But to be kept in this silent house with no one to talk to but a sick dog and my sister was hard on my mind. Out in the wild plants that surrounded the house, those pig-like animals were waiting for their chance. I felt that no man had ever been in such a bad position.

 

Once in the afternoon, and again later, I went to visit my sister. The second time, I found her looking after Pepper, but when I came near, she moved away to the far corner. This made me very sad. Poor girl! Her fear hurt me, and I did not want to bother her. I hoped she would be better in a few days; meanwhile, I could do nothing. I felt it was still necessary to keep her in her room. One thing made me feel better: she had eaten some of the food I had taken to her.

 

As the evening came, the air grew cold. I began to prepare for passing a second night in the high room. I took up two more guns and a heavy coat. I made the guns ready, as I intended to make things hard for any of the animals who might show themselves during the night. I had plenty of bullets, and I wanted to show the animals that it was no use trying to get inside. After that, I made the round of the house again, looking carefully at the wood I used to hold the door. Then, feeling that I had done all I could to keep us safe, I returned to the high room.