* A generic term for swooning, or sickening, or going mad,
in a prison.
Mr. Hawes had given a sulky order that the infirmary should be prepared for the sick, and now on the afternoon of the third day the surgeon had met him there by appointment.
“Will they get well any quicker here?” asked Hawes ironically.
“Why, certainly,” replied the other.
Hawes gave a dissatisfied grunt.
“I hate moving prisoners out of the cells; but I suppose I shall get you into trouble if I don't.”
“Indeed!” said the other, with an inquiring air; “how?”
“Parson threatens you very hard for letting the sick ones lie in their cells,” said Hawes slyly. “But never mind, old boy—I shall stand your friend and the justices mine. We shall beat him yet,” said Hawes, assuming a firmness he did not feel lest this man should fall away from him and perhaps bear witness against him.
“I think you have beat him already,” replied the other calmly.
“What do you mean?”