The Reverend tried to dignify his fall as he attempted to push himself up to his knees, "Oh, I must have hit a soft spot in the ground," he said to Harriet as he tried to elevate any worries about his failing health. Harriet Oleson was now fussing about him.

"Are you sure you're all right?" she said as she watched him stand and straighten himself. Harriet wasn't even sure if she should offer to support him as he pulled gently on his vest.

"Yes, I'll be fine," was all the Reverend said as he struggled to continue to stand.

"Oh. Good," Mrs. Oleson said even though she sensed something more was to the Reverend's story, "Let us then get in out of the cool night air," she said to at the Reverend as he steadied himself.

Alden nodded, "Yes, that would be most welcome," he endeavoured to smile as he followed Harriet Oleson to the late Jeremy Tyler's shack. Dusk enveloped the valley they found themselves in and the night air grew more cool and damp.

There was little in the way of furnishings in the shack - and Jeremy didn't have much in the way of family, so likely most were taken by people who found the little wooden structure deep in the woods. There were a few wooden chairs, a table with an oil lamp, and an old day bed off to one side near the little window among a few other little items throughout the cabin.

Harriet Oleson watched the Reverend as he carefully guided himself over to the hearth. Alden eased himself down to the stones that created the lower edge of the fireplace and rested his back and head against the hearth before closing his eyes while pulling the little blanket around him.

Harriet Oleson moved closer to the man, "Reverend Alden?"

"Yes, Mrs. Oleson?" he whispered.

"How do I light the fire?" Harriet pulled her small blanket tightly around her shoulders.

Alden opened his left eye, "Is there kindling in that pot over there?

Harriet walked to the pot and looked in, "I guess that's is what you call it..."

Alden then looked up to the top of the hearth, "Are there any matches?"

Harriet moved closer and found a small box, "Why yes there is!" she picked them up.

Reverend Alden closed his eye, "I'm sure, Mrs. Oleson, you can figure out the rest..."

Harriet huffed, however, she realized that the Reverend was in no condition to assist her. Harriet gathered a few pieces of kindling and placed it in the opening of the hearth then struck the match.

"Don't forget the damper..." the Reverend said with his eyes closed.

"The what?" Harriet barked.

"The damper...there's a lever up in the chimney you have to open to allow air to flow or the room will fill with smoke," Alden opened his eyes and rolled his head toward Harriet.

"Oh! The damper, of course!" she smiled awkwardly, "Thank you for reminding me!" she laughed nervously.

"You're welcome," Alden said as he watched Harriet fuss with the damper and closed his eyes again only to hear Harriet muttered some more, "Oh, for Pete's sake! Its full of soot!" she bellowed as soot fell over her arm. She frowned and looked over to the Reverend almost glaring at him. The Reverend bit his lower lip as he wanted to say something but he just couldn't bring himself to do it. Harriet pursed her lips and was more determined than ever to light the fire.

After a few matches which broke or failed to strike, Harriet was finally able to light one long enough to stick under the little plie of kindling in the middle of the fireplace. The wood was good and dry and took no time to burst into flame. Already it felt warmer.

Harriet stood and walked to the door, "I better go out and look for wood," she said with a leering tone in her voice.

"No need to go out, Mrs. Oleson," Alden said.

"Huh? We need wood for tonight! That little pile of sticks won't keep us warm!" Harriet argued.

"I know. Jeremy kept his wood in the back room in a bin," Alden thumbed over his shoulder to a door. "I'll check in there first," he said as he slowly stood holding the mantel to steady himself.

"Oh for Heaven's sake!" Harriet marched across the room, "You are in no condition to anything," she looked at the preacher. "Just sit right back down there, and I'll check for the wood."

Reverend Alden was thankful for the order and did just that, before he toppled again.

Harriet shook her head. She didn't know what to do for the poor man without food or medicine. Quietly she moved to the door and pushed it open. Sure as the Reverend said there was a wooden box full of well-seasoned wood.

Carefully Harriet brought several pieces of wood back to the other room. One piece she immediately placed on the little fire, the other he set aside for later. She started back to the room but stopped in front of the Reverend who was asleep. Harriet bent over and pulled the blanket up closer to his chin. "I hope you feel better tomorrow, Reverend," she said before continuing back to the little storeroom for more wood.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Nels sat near the fire with his arms tightly followed across his chest - partly to keep warm but more because he didn't know what to do with himself as he thought about his wife and the Reverend Alden.

His eyes drifted to Charles who placed another log on the fire, "Do you think they're okay?" Oleson asked.

Charles shrugged slightly, "They must be to have made it all this way." Ingalls smiled.

"Stop worrying Nels." Doc Baker said with his eyes closed, "We'll catch up to them first thing in the morning, I guarantee that."

Nels tried to smile, "I hope you're right Doc," Nels looked down to the fire, "I hope you're right..."

Regardless for the mercantile owner, it was going to be a very long night. With a sigh, Nels looked out into the darkness and doubt clouded his thoughts.