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definitely beat her. May no sell again.” Eli felt somewhat hopeful. “No? That’s what she told me.” Victor looked straight at Eli. “May no sell. May put to death.” Eli felt as if someone had slugged him. “You can’t be serious!” Victor’s voice was firm. “Bring dishonor to family if sent back. Perhaps sell again. But perhaps worse. Victor no want take back.” Eli was not ready for this. He looked at the giant ship tapping happily against the dock, as if this was what it had been trying to tell him. His thoughts tore at him. His Quaker and Methodist upbringing questioned how any man anywhere could feel right about such a thing, no matter his religion. How could a human being do this to a fellow human being? How could anyone think that what they felt was dishonor to their family justified taking another person’s life, and that God could condone such a heinous act? He questioned the captain further. “Does this happen often where she comes from?” The captain nodded. “I’m afraid so.” As Eli continued to think about this, he started considering options and other things Anya had said. “Victor, she mentioned California. She said the women dream of running away to California. Do you know more about that?” Victor tapped his pipe, as he spoke. “Victor knows women often talk of go there. They hear many things, but I not know if true. Often, many things a person hears of place are make-believe and much better than is real.” 52