You do your own time

The narrative describes a tense scene in a library sanctuary where three individuals, referred to as "Little Jo," "Eustace," and the narrator, prepare to defend themselves against an intruder. The arrival of a "wanderer" is noted by the narrator and an "eiroscope," with the stranger's height measured at exactly five feet, ten inches. The stranger requests "Sanctuary" and enters the library, appearing unwell. Little Jo drops her books and pistol to assist the stranger, while the narrator holsters their own weapon. They drag the stranger inside, remove their pack, and discover they have a high fever. The narrator suggests moving the stranger to a cooler location, instructing Little Jo to empty the ice machine. Eustace and the narrator then carry the stranger to the cellar using a Diné rug as a stretcher. A black cat named Mehitabel observes their actions from atop the cellar access lintel.