It's gone--that pain." "But, Pete, what is it?
How long have you had it ?" "I hain't had it any time, steady.

It's the comin' an' goin' kind.

It seems silly ter mind it at all; only, when it does come, it sort o' takes the backbone right out o' my knees, and they double up so's I have ter set down.

There, ye see?
I'm pert as a sparrer, now!" And, with stiff celerity, Pete resumed his task.
His mistress still frowned.
"That isn't right, Pete," she demurred, with a slow shake of her head.
"You should see a doctor." The old man paled a little.

He had seen a doctor, and he had not liked what the doctor had told him.