"Our brother will be healed," said Smith at length. "It is given to me to know that he will be healed." He then spread his hands over the sick man and made a short prayer. There was much fervour in his words and his voice was loud.
"Give him to drink," said Smith.
"Biery's wife told me as long as he was in fever not to give him water."
Smith looked down upon her kindly, but he spoke in a tone of absolute authority. "My sister, I say unto thee give him water. It is given to me to know that he must have water and that he will do well."
"It is never done in such cases," said Susannah. "I remember when my father—" She had not the faith that Smith required of her.
Without a frown, with perfect gentleness, Smith fetched the water and, lifting the sick man's head, allowed him to drink eagerly. Halsey was obviously comforted.
Smith had something else to say. If he had not been who he was Susannah might have perceived that he was somewhat perplexed, even embarrassed. Just as a child does not easily attribute to the adult such hindering emotions, so she supposed him to be upon a plane above them.
He lingered by the bedside, apparently watching the sufferer. At length he said, "You set out with this young man—yesterday morning?"
"Yes, very early."
There was another pause, then he said, "Did you go before a justice of the peace?"