Jethro is Ellen's youngest, and I think that in detaining
him so long before sending him off to Shad's, she is trying to hold onto him, reluctant
to let him go off by himself the mile through the snow. Although Jethro is capable, I
think Ellen is feeling sentimental, because all her other sons have gone off to fight in
the war. The Creightons have just received a letter from Tom, telling them that he and
his brother Eb are all right, but outlining the hardships and horrors they have
experienced and witnessed. All of her other sons are gone and in the line of danger, so
it is completely understandable that Ellen would want to keep Jethro safe by her side
for awhile longer.
Despite the fact that Ellen might want
to hold on to her youngest, she knows that he is hungry for company now that his
brothers are gone. She sends Jethro to Shad's also so that Shad can read the letter from
Tom. News from the front is infrequent and much valued, and the family knows that Shad
will be anxious to read the letter. Jethro is also supposed to invite Shad over to the
house for dinner. The family enjoys Shad's company, and Ellen knows that Jenny
especially will be delighted to see him again before he leaves for the war
himself.
Shad welcomes Jethro happily when the young boy
arrives at his cabin. He helps him out of his coat and seats him in the armchair in
front of the fire, and the two talk companionably about the family and about the war.
Shad expresses his frustration that Mr. Creighton will not let him marry Jenny before he
goes away to fight, and then explains to Jethro exactly what is happening in the war,
and why the conflict will not be resolved quickly or easily. Jethro is very honored to
be treated like an adult by his teacher, and the two share a delicious meal, and then
Jethro sings for awhile while Shad plays the guitar. Jethro then goes to bed, while
Shad stays awake to do some writing. The two will go back to the Creighton house
together the next day (Chapter 4).
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