"No, of course not, my child. You are a wonderful, healthy little girl of six years," he said.
"Six? That's not fair! It's all his fault. Him and his stupid dog and now I lose two years. It's not fair!"
"You'll lose the rest if you don't shut your mouth," Pryde said. The dog at his side growled in support of its master.
Molly pressed herself against Reverend Crane, burying her face into his abdomen. "Now, my child, you mustn't cry. Two years isn't so bad. Not anymore. We have all the time in the world now, don't you see?"
"But I don't want to be a little girl. I want to be a grown-up. Like you," she said.
"You will be, my darling. But there's no shame in being a little girl. Not one as beautiful as you."
"Really? You think I'm beautiful?"
"Of course I do." The reverend held Molly out at arm's length to look in her eyes. "Now, I want you to go outside and keep watch for me. Can you do that?"
"Why don't you make him do it?"
"I have something else for Mr. Pryde to do. Can you do this for me, Molly?" She nodded and bounded out of the cave, keeping a safe distance from the snarling animal.
Reverend Crane turned to Prudence, his eyes meeting hers. "I'm glad you're awake, Mrs. Gooddell. Now we can talk."
"Where's Rodney?" she said.
The reverend pointed to the pile of rags. "I assure you he's quite dead now. Even this miraculous water has its limits." He came to stand in front of her and took her hand. "I am deeply sorry for your loss, Prudence."
She slapped him across the face. Pryde and the dog advanced towards her until the reverend held up a hand. "You killed him! You poisoned him and then you…you-" she couldn't bring herself to describe what Reverend Crane had done to Rodney. "You bastard."
"I am sorry, Prudence. I didn't want it to come to this. Truly I didn't. But sacrifices must be made if we are to establish the Lord's kingdom here on earth."
"You mean your kingdom," she said. "Where you can treat all of us like slaves."
"It is not for my own personal glory that I do this, but for His glory," the reverend said. "He guided us here with his divine wind and then brought the girl to me with her incredible story when all hope seemed lost. I am following His plan."
"Did His plan include murder?"
"My child, you should not be angry. Your husband and those with him have gone to be judged by the Lord now. Despite our recent troubles I know your husband is a good man. God will take pity on him and make a place for him in Heaven, where he will await you."