Mary (sitting). What shall I do! away up here, a hundred miles from a doctor. I am afraid William has the river fever, the same as Phus had last year. Oh! mother! mother! If I could only have you with me! If I could only get word to you! (Leans her head on the table.)
(Enter Phus, R.)
Phus. Whar de cap’n? Pats say he want know which way ter go, and de cap’n must tell him.
Mary. Phus, do you remember how sick you were last year?
Phus. An’! wouldn’t ’a’ libed ef you hadn’t ’a’ nussed me.
Mary. Do you want to pay me for it?
Phus. I ain’t got no money, mis’; but I prays ebery night: Lor’ bress de cap’n’s wife. She nuss me; make me well.
Mary. I don’t want any money, Phus. You can pay me in a better way.
Phus. An’ I sings in de cook-house w’en de pork’s a-fizzlin’, an’ Hank he likes it. (Sings mournfully.)
I’se poor Jo-Phus,—’Lijah cum down.