Chapter 13 Summary

Grandfather Cook remains extremely ill and incapable of making decisions. Mattie takes charge even though King George talks to her in a way that makes her feel he is making fun. Mattie again fetches water and finds more food, then returns to her grandfather and makes a fire to keep him warm. Mattie then scouts around and approaches several farmhouses seeking assistance, but she is run off by the inhabitants because they fear she might be contagious. Mattie searches for more food and then becomes lightheaded and sick. She tries to return to her sleeping grandfather but becomes increasingly disoriented and finally collapses in delirium.

Chapter 13 Analysis

Mattie continues to care for her grandfather in adverse conditions. She attempts to secure help from the local populace but they run her off because they are afraid - correctly, as it turns out - that...