Summary

In Chapter 9, “Burning Men,” as autumn sets in, the food stores wane. Annis, Esther, Mary, and Cora frequently go hungry, but do not dare steal from the house. Annis and Cora lament their circumstances.

The master contracts the yellow fever. The lady sends Annis out to find herbs to cure him. Annis wanders the forest in search of herbs. She forages mushrooms for her and the other women, hiding them in her dress. She picks a poisonous one, too, wondering if she should kill the master. She asks the air and sky for guidance (198).

Annis runs into Esther’s brother, Bastian. She does not trust him at first. When she recognizes his resemblance to Esther, however, she relaxes. They talk about the swamp, the mushrooms, and Esther. Bastian gives Annis rabbits he caught for his sister.

Annis brings the rabbits and mushrooms back...