Fever 1793

Matilda and Grandfather return to the coffeehouse to find it vandalized, with even King George’s bird cage destroyed. She hasn’t seen the bird recently and wonders if it returned home and flew away again. The house’s valuable items and food stores are gone, but the second floor is untouched. Matilda notices the broken window and deduces that’s how someone broke in. Grandfather appears to have difficulty breathing and rubs his arm, complaining of an “‘old battle wound’” (124).

Matilda remembers the strongbox and confirms that it’s still there, with the money inside. Despite her panic, Matilda tells herself she must “believe” (126) that Mother and Eliza are alive, and she must “stay clever and strong” (126). She finds Silas the cat and persuades Grandfather to rest: “‘Captain Cook,’” she orders him, “‘you must report to your bedroll immediately for an extended leave’” (126-27).

Matilda discovers the garden is “dead,” the plants “devoured” by insects (127). She works hard to find only a few edible items for her and Grandfather: a few green beans and sour cherries, and four squash. She’s about to eat her pitiful meal when she realizes she’s forgotten something: she thanks God “‘for keeping me alive’” (129).