Elbowing Blaze and her husband out of the way, she loosed the
young man's frenzied clutch from the carriage and, holding his
hands in hers, talked to him in such a way that he gradually
relaxed. It was she who helped him out and then supported him into
the house. It was she who got him up-stairs and into bed, and it
was she who finally stilled his babble.
"The poor man is burning up with a fever," she told the others,
"and fevers are my long suit. Get me some towels and a lot of
ice."
Blaze, who had watched the snake-charmer's deft ministrations with
mingled amazement and suspicion, inquired: "What are you going to
do with ice? Ice ain't medicine."
"I'm going to pack his head in it."
"God'l'mighty!" Blaze was horrified. "Do you want to freeze his
brain?"
Mrs. Strange turned on him angrily. "You get out of my way and
mind your own business. 'Freeze his brain!'" With a sniff of
indignation she pushed past the interloper.
But Blaze was waiting for her when she returned a few moments
later with bowls and bottles and various remedies which she had
commandeered. He summoned sufficient courage to block her way and
inquire:
"What you got there, now, ma'am?"
Mrs.
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