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to take them
somewhere?  Where are they going to take them?”
    Miriam tried to
compose herself. “I didn’t understand most of what they were saying,” she said,
trying not to cry. “But the lady examined Levi and then another lady who spoke
Russian said he had to be taken somewhere.  Mama said Levi wasn’t going
anywhere without her.”
    Jacob put his arm
around Miriam but turned as he heard Rachael’s voice.  She was striding down
the hall with Levi in her arms.  Behind her were a harried looking woman in
white and another woman dressed in regular clothes.  They caught up with
Rachael as she reached Jacob.
    “They want to take
Levi away,” she said quickly looking at David.  “Tell them you will take us
with you and we can take care of him.”
    David turned to
the two women.  He had been in America for almost six years and his English was
quite good.  “Good evening, ladies,” he started slowly.  “I am this child’s
uncle.  My brother and his family will come to my home.  We will care for
little Levi.  He is just exhausted from the trip.”
    There was a trace
of sympathy in the weary faces of the two women, but they had been working with
immigrants for hours, and they, too, were exhausted. “I’m sorry, sir,” the
nurse responded.  “This child has a fever and must be put in quarantine.  It is
fine for the mother to go with him, but I don’t think we were able to make her
understand that.”
    David had heard
all kinds of horror stories about the quarantine centers.  The conditions were
unsanitary; treatment for patients was limited, so many never made it out of
the center.  He had even heard stories of women being raped.  Of course, much
of this was based on unsubstantiated rumor.
    “Can her husband
or son go with her?” he asked, horrified by the thought of Rachael alone in
this strange place.
    “No, I’m sorry.
Only the mother.  There is so little room.  We will make arrangements to have
them taken there.”
    David turned to
Rachael. “It’s going to be all right,” he said softly in Russian. “You can go
with Levi.  They cannot let him come home with us until his fever is gone. 
These ladies will get you to a quarantine center where you can stay until he is
better, but Jacob cannot go with you.  I will take him and the children home
with me.  Ruth will take care of them.  Tomorrow I will bring Jacob to see
you.”
    Rachael turned to
Jacob and the children, who had been listening.  Miriam and Leah were both
leaning against Jacob, and Joshua was holding Miriam’s hand.  Their faces were
pale with dark circles beneath their eyes.  They all looked lost and frightened
except for Solomon.  He stood close to Rachael, trying to comfort Levi who was
starting to cry.
    “Children, you and
Papa will go with Uncle David.  Levi and I must go where he will get some care.”
    Solomon
interrupted. “I will go with you and Levi, Mama.”
    “You can’t,
Sollie," she answered firmly.  “You must go with Papa and help him.”
    “But who will be
with you and Levi?”
    “We will be
together.  It will be all right.  You must help Papa with the others.  Please.”
    He could tell by
her tone that the discussion was over.  Kissing Levi on the forehead, he
whispered, “Sollie loves you, Levi.”
    “Come, children.
We’ll get the luggage and Papa will be along in a minute,” David requested,
trying to guide them toward the baggage room.  Solomon stood, imploring Rachael
with his eyes, hoping for a reprieve.
    “Help Uncle David,
Sollie,” she responded to his silent plea.
    He turned and
joined the others.
    Jacob saw the pain
and fear in his son’s eyes.  “I’ll bring Sollie with me tomorrow, Rachael,” he
said loud enough for him to hear.  Then he took Rachael by the shoulders. 
“You’ll be all right?” he asked.
    “Yes, Jacob. Take
care of the children.”
    “I love you,
Rachael.”
    “I know, Jacob.”
She replied as she turned to leave with the two women,