August 13th

Sorry, didn't get on here yesterday. Twas a nice day.12 C this am., sort of overcast.
Was in to Todds Monday night, out for supper last night and M and girls got home at 8pm.

  “We cannot expect the children to manage even those small boxes.” Doctor Pearce said. “They will tire quickly and packing them in their arms will be inviting falls.”

  “Then we must have help. Do you think we can borrow Mu Hoy’s horse and wagon?”

  “I don’t think I can ask him, things are going to be very difficult and he will need it here.” He paused then said, “I have an idea, I must go find Mu Hoy, there maybe a way that he can help.”

  “Take John with you, that will keep him busy and there is little to do here.” Mrs. Pearce said.

  A moment later John and his father struck off down the road to walk the two miles to Mu Hoy’s small farm.

  When they arrived they found Mu carrying buckets of water from his well and dumping the water between the rows of vegetables.

  “Welcome Doctor.” Said Mu Hoy.

  “Hullo Mu. Have you heard what happened?”

  “Yes, it is very sad; you should have left many days ago before the airplanes come.”

  “I know, I know but I thought the hospital would be safe, but forgive me I have now come to ask a favor.”

  The old man said nothing but waited for the Doctor to go on.

  “Even with care we have more than we can carry, I remembered that you have an old rickshaw and I would ask that you to sell it to me.”

  Mu stared at the ground for a moment then raising his head said, “No Doctor I will not sell it to you, but I will give it to you.”

  “No, no Mu I cannot do that, you must let me pay for it.”

  “Doctor you have done much for all of us, I think that sometimes you work many hours for which you have never been paid. The rickshaw is of little value so please, you take it.”

  A few minutes later the two Pearce’s were going back, Doctor Pearce in the belt harness and John walking along side.