Upon the kitchen stove a large pot of pig's food was boiling, and the steam and smell from the pot made the atmosphere of the room overpoweringly fetid.

Off the kitchen or living-room were two small bedrooms, in one of which lay Macdonald Dubh.
Kirsty met the minister's wife with a warm welcome.

She helped her off with her hood and coat, patting her on the shoulder the while, and murmuring words of endearment.
"Ah, M'eudail! M'eudail bheg! and did you come through the night all the way, and it is ashamed that I am to have sent for you, but he was very bad and I was afraid.

Come away! come away! I will make you a cup of tea." But the minister's wife assured Kirsty that she was glad to come, and declining the cup of tea, went to the room where Macdonald Dubh lay tossing and moaning with the delirium of fever upon him.

It was not long before she knew what was required.
With hot fomentations she proceeded to allay the pain, and in half an hour Macdonald Dubh grew quiet.