human
Where were you all the forenoon? questioned the uncle.
gpt
I saw you but once after breakfast.
human
Over at Culm, Uncle Richard.
gpt
At Culm! exclaimed Trafford, sternly.
human
Isn't the fever raging there?
gpt
Yes, sir.
human
And you have been exposing yourself? Speak, Noll!
gpt
Why--yes--I suppose so, Uncle Richard. I was in the room where Hark Darby's little boy was sick.
human
What were you there for?
gpt
To carry something that Hagar made for it to drink. There's no doctor, you know; and they're terribly poor, Uncle Richard. Oh! if you could only--
human
Stop! I wish to hear naught of those fish-folks, cried Trafford.
gpt
Oh! you careless lad, what can I do with you? Are you determined to catch the fever? Are you bound to be always in danger?
human
No; but it's terrible over there, and--and they're dying with the sickness, and nothing to make them comfortable! Oh! how can I help it, Uncle Richard?
gpt
Would you like to take the fever and be buried with the rest up there in the sand?
human
No, I don't want to die, Uncle Richard. But I think I ought to help them all I can, over there, for all that. And it's such a little--such a _very_ little--that I can do! Oh! Uncle Richard, don't you think it is terrible to see them so wretched, and no one to help them?
gpt
I don't see them! said Trafford;
human
I should know nothing of it but for you, and I don't want you to see them or know aught of the misery or the sickness. Do you understand?
gpt
You don't mean that I'm not to go there any more?
human
Yes, since you are not disposed to incline to my wishes, I must command you. You are not to go near--