"Give me that whip." Huldah gave one terrified glance at the man in blue, and fell fainting at his feet.
Emma Smith handed over the whip meekly enough.

She was thoroughly scared now, for she never doubted that Huldah was dead, and that the policeman would declare that she had killed the child.

In her terror for herself, her anxiety about her husband was forgotten.

She began to wail and sob and beg forgiveness.

She threw herself on the ground, calling loudly to Huldah to open her eyes and get up.
She tried coaxings and all sorts of promises, but the policeman only thrust her aside.
"Go and get some cold water," he said, sternly.
She crept away meekly, and presently brought back a little drop in a broth basin.