"The Far Side of Trouble" Summary

Ruby barely acknowledges Inman as he and Ada sit together in the suddenly cramped cabin. Stobrod is disoriented and clammy, and Inman has much to say but first must sleep. While the men sleep, the women collect firewood, clean, and prepare the birds for roasting. Ruby tells Ada she might want Inman but does not need him; she has big plans for Black Cove. Ada gives her an emerald ring and Ruby roughly gives it back. Ada wants not to end up a bitter old woman. Inman wakes disoriented and fetches Stobrod water. At the creek, he smells roasting turkey. Inman has given up predicting who among the wounded will live or die. Inman builds up the fire and leaves Stobrod to sleep. Ruby opens the door of her cabin curtly. Ada is...