"I baptize—" Tess wavered for lack of words. She had thought she could not forget the benediction.
A voice from the back of the church broke in abruptly upon her hesitation.
"I baptize thee, child," it rang, "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
Bill Hopkins was in the middle aisle, coming toward her. Tess snatched one glimpse of his face, still holding her wet hand upon the dark-haired babe.
"Say it, girl," Hopkins commanded. "Say it, quick. The child is dying."
"I baptize thee, child, in the name—" gasped Tess.
She stepped back again, throwing an entreating, silent appeal to the huge, bald-headed man.
"Of the Father, and of the Son," repeated Bill.
"Of the Father, and of the Son," echoed Tess.
"And of the Holy Ghost," ended Hopkins.