"Damn you!" he cried, and he fell.

He landed rolling and struck his head but did not pass out. Dazed, he saw the boiler burst and the firebox come open, scattering embers. Several droplets of hot spray struck him, and he continued to roll. The waters streamed off toward the main ditch, missing him.

"Damn you, damn you, damn you, damn you," he heard himself repeating, and then he blacked out.

He smelled the smoke and heard the flames when he came around again. The wagon had taken fire from the embers. People stood about watching it burn. No one made an attempt to extinguish it.

"...Have to get a wise man to exorcise the demon now," he overheard a woman saying. "Don't no one touch it. You kids stay away!"

"Fools!" he muttered, and he struggled to rise.

A small hand on his shoulder pushed him back.

"No! Don't draw attention to yourself! Just lie still!"

"Nora..."

He looked up. He had not at first realized that she was there, holding a compress to his head.

"Yes. Rest a moment. Gather your strength. Then come back this way between the houses." She gestured with her head. "We'll move quickly when we do."

"They didn't understand. ..."

"I know. I know. It was like the horse, when we were children ..."

"Yes."

"... Something you just thought up because you think that way. I understand."

"Damn them!" he said.

"No. They just don't think the way you do."

"I'll show them!"

"Not now you won't. Let's just get ready and slip away. After that, I think it might be a good idea for you to stay out of sight for a time."

He stared at the burning wagon and at the faces beyond it.

"I suppose you are right," he said. "Damn them. I'm ready. I want to get out of here."

She took hold of his hand. He winced and drew it back.