For a considerable time he did not feel the weight of the precious burden in his arms.

He believed that they were at least half a mile from the burned cabin before he paused to rest.

Even then he spoke to Celie in a low voice.
He had stopped where the trunk of a fallen tree lay as high as his waist, and on this he seated the girl, holding her there in the crook of his arm.

With his other hand he fumbled to see if the bearskin protected her fully, and in the investigation his hand came in contact again with one of her bare feet.

Celie gave a little jump.