“Yes. The doctor said it was my only chance.” Her voice broke and then steadied again. “I am not afraid; but you—” she halted for composure.
“Don’t mind me!” Blue spoke out bravely. “Doodles and I will be all right. You won’t have to be gone long.”
“He says a week or ten days even if all goes well.” She fingered her shawl fringe nervously. “Sit down here a minute,” pulling gently at his sleeve.
He dropped to the edge of the bed, while she went on hesitantly.
“I wanted to say, if I—if anything should happen, you’ll take care of Doodles and keep him with you—as long as you live?”
“Of course, I will, mother! But there isn’t goin’ to anything happen!”
“You can never tell! The doctor admitted there is danger. And—if I shouldn’t come back, I want you always to do right and grow up to be just as good a man as you know how to be. Go to Sunday school, and to church, too, when you can! I wish now I’d have gone myself, and not thought of clothes or being tired—well, if God gives me another chance I’ll try to do better.” She sighed. “I guess I haven’t set you a very good example—”
“You have too!” Blue burst out. “You’re all right!”
The mother put his hand to her lips, and held it there.
“You’re a good boy now,” she resumed, “and I want you to keep so. Don’t ever drink or swear! Read your Bible every day, and never forget your prayers night and morning!”