"I will try to do anything you want me to; but they will put it on to me hard, I've been punished so many times before."
I saw that I had possession of her so far as she had control of herself.
"Keep about your work as though nothing had happened!"
"Yes, ma'am."
I went to the door, blew my whistle, and sent for the Deputy. I waited in the entry for him, and stated the case before he went in to punish the women.
"McMullins gave the first blow; you know she is a poor, foolish thing; she has fits. You won't punish her this time, will you? She slapped O'Brien in the face, and she struck back. Won't you let them off this time?"
"I can't. It won't do."
"Wouldn't it make you angry, and wouldn't you strike back if any one struck you in the face?"
"Probably I should."
"You won't punish her for doing what you would do yourself?"