She rushed to the door and knocked.
A mountaineer in shirt-sleeves and stockings answered with a look of mild wonder.
“For God's sake come and help me. I must have a doctor quick. We spent the night at Mrs. Owens'. She's lost her mind completely—a terrible thing has happened—you'll help me?”
“Cose I will, honey,” the mountaineer drawled. “Jest ez quick ez I get on my shoes.”
“Is there a doctor near?” she asked breathlessly.
He answered without looking up:
“The best one that God ever sent to a sick bed. He don't charge nobody a cent in these parts. He just heals the sick because hit's his callin'. Come from somewhar up North and built hisself a fine log house up on the side of the mountains. Hit's full of all the medicines in the world, too——”
“Will you ask him to come for me?” Mary broke in.
“I'll jump on my hoss an' have him thar in half a' hour. You can run right back, honey, and look out for the po' ole critter till we get thar.”
“Thank you! Thank you!” she answered grate fully.