About four o'clock
No sound but that of the storm came to her even at the gate , but she was certain that the famishing cattle were calling for food . Her day was consumed in the care of Luther 's inflamed hands and feet . The only remedy she knew was wet cloths and she worked anxiously to reduce the swelling and congestion . About four o'clock the wind dropped . Though the air was still full of fine snow , Elizabeth wrapped herself in John 's old overcoat and muffler , and putting a pair of Jake 's heavy mittens on her hands , and taking the milkpails on her arm to save a trip back for them , she went to the barn . The barn door stuck , with the snow which had collected in the runway , and she had to fumble for some time before it would come open . A perfect babel of voices greeted her .