Small things like These Question 3

[Jamie_S]

When Furlong first visits the local laundry to deliver some logs, a girl with roughly cut hair begs him to help and take her ‘as far as the river’. Furlong replies by showing ‘his open, empty hands’. What does Furlong mean by this gesture? (p. 41)

[Sara]

The standard response to the known atrocity is 'Tis no affair of mine.'

[Elaine]

Furlong can't help because he doesn't know how to or know where to start and fears the response of others in the local community if someone found out.