"They came that hundred miles, over and above," said Norton.
"Well, how long now, does it take a ship to go that fur? Three thousand miles."
"It depends on how fast the wind blows."
"The wind goes awful fast sometimes," said Miss Redwood. "When it goes at that rate as will carry a chimney off a house, and pick up a tree by the roots as I would a baby under my arm, seems to me a ship would travel at a powerful speed."
"It would certainly, if there was nothing to hinder," said Norton; "but at those times, you see, the wind picks up the water, and sends such huge waves rolling about that it is not very safe to be where they can give you a slap. Ships don't get along best at such times."
"Well, I'm thankful I'm not a sailor," said Miss Redwood. "I'd rather stay home and know less. How many o' these folks o' yourn is ill?"
"All of them, pretty much," said Norton. "Two men and two women."
"Fever nagur?"
"No, 'tisn't that. I don't know what it is. The doctor is attending them. He ordered beef tea to-day; and Matilda made some; but they seem too ill to take it now they've got it."
Miss Redwood dropped her towel, with which she was just going to open the oven again, and stood upright.