those chilled members began to tingle agreeably. Mr. Bangs attempted to
sit up.

"No, no, you stay right where you are," said the voice, the same voice
which had urged him to drink.

"But really I--I am quite well now. And your sofa--"

"Never mind the sofa. You aren't the first soakin' wet mortal that has
been on it. No, you mind me and stay still.... Primmie!"

"Yes'm. Here I be."

"Did you get the doctor on the 'phone?"

"Yes'm. He said he'd be right down soon's ever he could. He was kind of
fussy 'long at fust; said he hadn't had no supper and was wet through,
and all such talk's that. But I headed HIM off, my savin' soul, yes!
Says I, 'There's a man here that's more'n wet through; he ain't had a
thing but rum since I don't know when.'"

"Heavens and earth! WHAT did you tell him that for?"

"Why, it's so, ain't it, Miss Marthy? You said yourself he was starved."

"But what did you tell him about the rum for? Never mind, never mind.
Don't stop to argue about it. You go out and make some tea, hot tea, and
toast some bread. And hurry, Primmie--HURRY!"

"Yes'm, but--"