"Why, yes, ma'am; I guess you may. You have nursed before, I think the
Captain said."

"Five years with my husband. He had slow consumption. Before that with
my mother, and most of my brothers and sisters at one time or another.
I've seen consid'rable sickness all my life. More of that than anything
else, I guess. Now, if you'll come in with me, so's to tell me about the
medicine and so on."

With a short "Humph!" the physician followed her into the sick room,
while the three mariners gazed wide-eyed in at the door. They watched,
as Doctor Palmer explained medicines and gave directions. It did not
need an expert to see that the new nurse understood her business.

When the Doctor came out his face shone with gratification.

"She'll do," he said emphatically. "If all your relatives are like that,
Cap'n Burgess, I'd like to know 'em; 'twould help me in my business."
Then he added in response to a question, "He seems to be a little better
just now. I think there will be no change for a while; if there should
be, send for me. I'll call in the morning. Gracious! it's almost
daylight now."

They saw him to the door and then came back upstairs. Mrs. Snow was
busy, arranging the pillows, setting the room in something like
order, and caring for her patient's garments, that had been tossed
helter-skelter on the floor in the hurry of undressing. She came to the
door as they entered Captain Eri's chamber.

"Mrs. Snow," said the Captain, "you'd better sleep in my room here