The Traveler

A weary traveler stopped at Sam’s house and asked him for shelter for the night. Sam was a friendly soul. He not only agreed to let the traveler stay for the night, he decided to treat his guest to some curried chicken. So he bought a couple of chickens from the market and gave them to his wife to cook. Then he went off to buy some fruit.

Now Sam’s wife could not resist food. She had a habit of eating as she cooked. So, as she cooked the meat, she smelled the rich steam and could not help tasting a piece. It was tender and delicious, and she decided to have another piece. Soon there was only a tiny bit left. Her little son, Kevin, ran into the kitchen. She gave him that little piece.

Kevin found it so tasty that he begged his mother for more. But there was no more chicken left. The traveler, who had gone to have a wash, returned. The woman heard him coming and had to think of a plan quickly. She began to scold her son loudly: “Your father has taught you a shameful and disgusting habit. Stop it, I tell you!” The traveler was curious. “What habit has his father taught the child?” he asked. “Oh,” said the woman, “Whenever a guest arrives, my husband cuts off their ears and roasts them for my son to eat.”

The traveler was shocked. He picked up his shoes and fled.

“Why has our guest left in such a hurry?” asked Sam when he came back.

“A fine guest indeed!” exclaimed his wife. “He snatched the chickens out of my pot and ran off with them!”

“The chickens!” exclaimed Sam. He ran after his guest, shouting. “Let me have one, at least; you may keep the other!” But his guest only ran faster!

Which detail in the above paragraph supports the fact that the traveler was scared?