Hugo lifts a ladle of syrup, lets it sheet off the edge into the pan and grins at you through the steam. "Almost. Another hour and it is ready, and I am not leaving the pan. You can stand out there in the snow or come in here where it is warm and taste it off the spoon. Non, do not answer, just come in." Sap is running and the pan is boiling. Door is open, the stove is hot and I have a spoon for you. Come in before you freeze and tell me how far you walked.