But just as I was a-goin' to pour it out there was such a rappin' down in the bar, that I 'ad to just give it 'er and run.

I was back in under a minute, and there was pore mother a-sittin' up in bed and a-smilin' at me as if all 'er troubles was past, and says she, 'Annie,' she says, 'I've 'ad enough and I don't want no more,' she says; 'it's killed the pain.' And then she laid down in bed still smilin', and says she, 'You tell the doctor when 'e comes as I'm sorry to 'a' fetched 'im for nothin', but I couldn't wait--.' And--if you'll believe me, Miss Olga,--those was the last words she spoke." Again vigorously Mrs.Briggs dried her eyes.

"She just dropped off to sleep as easy as easy, and I left 'er and went back to the bar.

There was a stick by the bedside, and I knew I should 'ear 'er knock if she wanted me.

But she didn't knock, and she didn't knock, and I kept thinkin' to myself what a nice sleep she was 'avin', and I wouldn't disturb 'er till the doctor came.