A Week in the Woods

Mark is surprised to see Mr. Maxwell, and he is even more surprised when he realizes how badly Mr. Maxwell is hurt. Mr. Maxwell’s ankle is severely bruised, his voice is hoarse, and his hair is wet. Mark helps him to sit down and quickly builds up the fire. He also offers Mr. Maxwell snacks and water and dresses him in his toque and blankets. Mr. Maxwell is quietly grateful for it all, watching in amazement as Mark handles the situation with fortitude. When he has recovered from the harrowing hike, Mr. Maxwell explains how he came searching for Mark and foolishly tried to cut him off instead of tracking his steps. In doing so, he had to go downhill and fell, pinning his ankle. In an ironic twist, Mr. Maxwell used the tool that he confiscated from Mark to saw through the branch of a maple tree and use it as a tool to pry his leg free. Mr. Maxwell also apologizes to Mark for mistreating him and expresses his understanding for Mark’s decision to take the blame for the knife and run away. He also promises to do whatever is needed to keep Mark out of trouble.