Grace then returned to the cabin.
The children were still delirious and Elfreda said that their temperature seemed to be rising.

She decided to give them a sponge bath.
This occupied some time, but it had the effect of reducing their temperatures somewhat.
Julie watched every movement of the Overland nurses, following them with eyes in which wonder was not unmixed with admiration, but Mrs.
Thompson seemed helpless to do or think, and sat regarding them with expressionless eyes, now and then heaving a troubled sigh.
Along towards morning the children ceased their babbling and sank into an uneasy sleep.

The mother, soon after, dozed off in her chair.
"Julie, get some water and soap and help us clean this place.

It's a fright," declared Miss Briggs.
This Julie did, so far as getting the water was concerned, but she took so little interest in scrubbing the floor that Grace and Elfreda were obliged to take that task into their own hands.

They were down on their knees scrubbing away, when Mrs.Thompson awakened.
"What you-all doin' ?" she demanded blinkingly.
"Cleaning house," replied Elfreda briefly.
"'Tain't no use.