"My theory," said Eben, "is that being a captive is an honor for the strong and the uncomplaining."
Sarah and Mercy considered this.
"Then why is Ruth alive? She complains all day long," said Sarah.
"But she isn't sobbing," Mercy pointed out, "and she isn't actually complaining. She's calling them names. She attacked her own Indian this afternoon, did you see? She was going to stab him with his own knife."
They giggled. It was scary to watch Ruth, and impossible not to. Instead of a blow to the head, though, Ruth was usually given food. It wasn't a method anybody else wanted to try.
Sarah and Mercy considered this.
"Then why is Ruth alive? She complains all day long," said Sarah.
"But she isn't sobbing," Mercy pointed out, "and she isn't actually complaining. She's calling them names. She attacked her own Indian this afternoon, did you see? She was going to stab him with his own knife."
They giggled. It was scary to watch Ruth, and impossible not to. Instead of a blow to the head, though, Ruth was usually given food. It wasn't a method anybody else wanted to try.
( Caroline B. Cooney )
[ The Ransom of Mercy Carter ]
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