In Which Doctor Luke and Billy Topsail Hesitate in Fear on the Brink of Tickle-my-Ribs
Dolly West's mother still sat rocking by the kitchen fire. It was long past midnight now. Once more Uncle Joe West tiptoed in from the frosty night.
"Is she sleepin' still?" he whispered.
"Hush! She've jus' toppled off again. She's havin' a deal o' pain, Joe. An' she've been bleedin' again."
"Put her down on the bed, dear."
The woman shook her head. "I'm afeared 'twould start the wounds, Joe. I'm not wantin' t' start un again. Any sign o' Doctor Luke yet, Joe?"
"Not yet."
"He'll come soon."
"No; 'tis not near time. 'Twill be dawn afore he——"
"Soon, Joe."